<p>As I was browsing around the many job opportunities available at Google for recent graduates in engineering related fields, it occurred to me: what sort of “leadership experience” is one going to gain by sitting at a desk all day and programming as a software engineer? What sort of accomplishments or tasks will impress MBA admissions officers who are bombarded with investment banking analysts who have closed multi-billion dollar deals? Any ideas? (engineering community, don’t be a stranger!)</p>
<p>I believe that the business schools do need diversity in the classes, so they are not tempted to fill their rolls with IBs… Regarding leadership opportunities in engineering companies – there are many. You may not get opportunity to lead a development in your first year – but you may get design/team leadership opprotunities in 3rd year onwards…</p>
<p>Even in the first year, experience that shows you as a change agent or shows your natural leadership skills is acheivable… Apart from this, there are several non-profit organizations (like Food banks, volunteer organizations, cultural forums, wtc.) in big organizations. You can easily sneak in these and show your leadership skills in the apps :)</p>
<p>**pmat</p>