Positions Of Responsibilities, in short, PORs can be helpful on your resume and personal development. While the point on the resume will get the hiring manager's attention during placements, the skills developed pays off in the long run. Also, the amount of knowledge and experiences that you accumulate over a short span of a semester or a year while fulfilling your responsibility enables you to learn how to deal with people(seniors, juniors, faculty members, peons, administrators, contractors, etcetera.) Someone who has helped in organizing events or college festivals will understand the standpoint. It teaches you ways to handle complex situations and, more importantly, introduces you to be responsible for your decisions and prepares you for real life. You will have more responsibilities than just doing your job.
B-schools are well-known for emphasizing the importance of ECA( Extra Curricular Activities). As per my experience, I believe that a POR and ECA is the best platform for you to connect with your batchmates and peers while sharpening your managerial and administrative abilities and having a good time all at once.
The most obvious question then is that how can one get a POR? The answer to this appears simple as numerous clubs and committees in a Bschool act as facilitators of ECA and PORs. But there are many rounds of gathering conversations or simple GDs, introductions, meetings, and decisions that you need to cruise through to get that one POR. All your contribution and dedication in the previous year come into play while determining the result. Along these lines, you can either succeed and move forward in your MBA life or fall flat and lose your boldness if you take it upon yourself. The determination cycle can end up being an improving or a debilitating encounter.
But, if traversed carefully, the road can lead you to your destiny. To begin with, here are a few talking points that will help you remain on track during all the POR upheaval and its importance in your CV.
People apply for everything they can lay their hands upon regardless of their hobby or interest because of the tremendous peer pressure. I recommend that you devote a good amount of thought speculating how you want to spend your time during these crucial two years of business school. Apply for posts only if you're going to learn something, not merely for getting them on your résumé because sooner or later, you will lose interest in that, and all your time and efforts will go in vain if you do not continue till the very last.
The same is the case when we talk about Extra-curriculars, but ECA comes in very handy when you want to apply for roles other than finance. For consulting, people who are above average in all areas - education, work experience, POR, and ECA - are sought by consulting firms. Furthermore, these large corporations require unique talent or passion that drives you as an individual and distinguishes you from other candidates, specifically for German and Marketing roles. These roles are for people who can become future leaders.
I believe that PORs and ECA are significant distinguishing factors at the time of Placements:
Recruiters need something to set one candidate apart from another, and as a member of the student body, you demonstrate that you have gone above and beyond compared to your batchmates.
As a prospective recruit, you have something intriguing to say about your recent history, and a good POR earns you that extra talking points. Most marketing, strategy, HR, and possibly even operations positions can be modeled after what you've done for a club or committee. Because you are just another bright student waiting for Placements in the eyes of the recruiters, and you are highly replaceable by the next person who sits for the interview.
This is especially true for someone new to the job market or seeking to stand out from the crowd concerning their CV.
You need to own your POR because your experience is your selling point. This isn't to imply that people who cannot join clubs or committees lose out on the possibility of being recognized; there will be live projects, certifications, and competitions that will come knocking, and it will be up to you to take ace any of them.
I want to conclude by saying that try to see PORs and ECAs as an opportunity to learn. So give it everything you've got to get that POR you want. But don't get caught up in the madness. Many other possibilities are waiting for you in your dream Bschool, and all you need to do is be sincere to yourself.
The above statements are based on the perspective of placements. But the reason for joining any institute is overall development, and POR, along with extracurricular activities, plays a significant role in it. As per my short experience of life, without extracurricular, life is full of boredom. And, what's the point of living a dull life! Just set priorities right and enjoy lively energy.