<p>I am currently a freshman at UTSA planning to apply to McCombs and BHP for Fall 2012. I saw on the BHP website that you are supposed to submit a professional resume and one of the components of the resume is work experience. Is having work experience a major part of the application for BHP? I’d rather not take on a part-time job… already having trouble maintaining a 4.0 while pursuing ECs.</p>
<p>A good rule of thumb is to pick up as many things as you can do without sacrificing your GPA. If you’re already operating at maximum capacity then don’t push it any further. Work experience shows that you know how to work as a team or that you know how to lead. While an empty section doesn’t look too hot, there are many other ways to indirectly fill it in.</p>
<p>@spencerNcollege, I am a student in the Business Honors Program and can speak to this concern. Yes, we do have a section on the resume for work experience, but it is not a “make or break” factor for a candidate. More than anything we want to give students the opportunity to list experience if they have any. Remember that we don’t look at anything before high school graduation, so if you have taken on leadership positions at UTSA, this can be a good way to distinguish yourself. Aside from your leadership-focused resume, the other important factors are your combination of GPA and academic rigor in your first year (both semesters), your personal statement, your professor recommendation and your interview (via phone) if you are given one. </p>
<p>Best of luck, and let me know if you have any other questions!</p>