A graduate management degree is unique from many other types of graduate degrees in that it is not just an academic degree. A business school wants to teach you specific functional skills and develop your leadership skills. So it stands to reason that evidence of your existing and potential leadership skills is very important in the admissions process. Nearly everyone applying to business school is smart in the academic sense, so demonstrating leadership ability is important.

Every interaction you have with school staff is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to lead. Highlight experience you have had in working with a group that had a goal to achieve. Emphasize your ability to leave your mark on an organization or project. In some cases, you may not have been the official leader of a group but may have taken an influential leadership role. Consider the qualities you believe are critical to managing a successful business and give specific examples from your background that demonstrate those traits.

Be creative in thinking about relevant experiences—don’t limit yourself to leadership roles on the job. Were you a leader of a civic organization or a club of some sort? Talk to those close to you to brainstorm for examples you can provide. The point is to demonstrate that your experiences have given you what it takes to be a successful leader in business.