Wharton Stories

Inside VIP-X Philadelphia: How Wharton MBA Founders Are Scaling Startups

Image: Polina Tankilevitch
“Wharton gives you an unusually safe environment to test things: classmates who will give real feedback, professors who will pressure-test your assumptions, and programs like VIP-X that simulate real investor scrutiny.” — Ojú Junaid, WG’26

The Venture Initiation Program’s VIP-X Philadelphia accelerator is a highly selective, immersive experience designed by Venture Lab for Penn’s most advanced student founders as they scale early-stage ventures. Through a structured blend of expert-led workshops, one-on-one advising, peer collaboration, and hands-on learning, the program equips entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to refine their strategies and accelerate growth. Over the course of a one-semester, intensive, cohort-based experience, participants receive personalized guidance, access to a strong founder community, and up to $10,000 in nondilutive funding, helping transform promising ideas into high-impact, investment-ready ventures.

We spoke with founders from this year’s MBA cohort about the ventures they’re building and how VIP-X is shaping their journeys.

Àwùjo logo with basic text all in lower case.
Logo Image Credit: Ojú Junaid
A smiling woman stands arms akimbo, posing for a portrait.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ojú Junaid

 

 

 

 


Ojú Junaid, WG’26
Hometown(s): Abeokuta, Nigeria and the Bronx, N.Y.
Pre-MBA Career: User Experience Research at Google
Wharton Major(s): Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Finance

What problem is your venture solving, and what makes it personally meaningful to you?
 Àwùjọ is solving the gap between cultural identity and accessible language learning. A lot of second-generation Africans, especially Yorùbá kids like me, grow up understanding the language but not confidently speaking it. Most formal language tools don’t feel culturally alive; they feel clinical.

I’m building a culture-first language platform where learning Yorùbá feels like stepping into a living world: conversation labs, events, games, animation, and real community. It matters to me personally because I’ve felt that disconnect. I didn’t want to just “learn vocabulary,” I wanted to feel at home in my own culture.

This became especially personal through my grandmother. Some of my favorite memories are sitting with her while she spoke Yorùbá, effortlessly telling stories, teasing, praying. As I got older, I realized there were parts of her I couldn’t fully access because my language skills weren’t strong enough. That feeling stayed with me, especially after I lost her four years ago.

Did you come to Wharton planning to start this company, or did the idea evolve here?
 I came to Wharton already building Àwùjọ. I had started hosting events, teaching classes, and testing what culture-first language learning could look like in real life.

What’s really evolved here is the scale of the vision and the discipline behind it. Through strategy courses, investor conversations, and programs like VIP-X, I’ve been pushed to think beyond running great events and toward building a long-term platform. I’ve sharpened our business model, clarified where we’re growing, and become more intentional about what we prioritize. Wharton didn’t start Àwùjọ, but it has definitely stretched my sense of what it can become.

What are you hoping to get out of your VIP-X experience?
 VIP-X has been one of the sharpest feedback environments I’ve been in. During the selection process, the committee pushed me on things I had thought about but hadn’t fully articulated yet — growth strategy, prioritization, what we’re actually optimizing for. It forced a different kind of precision.

I’m not just building a great cultural experience anymore, I’m building a platform with long-term architecture. VIP-X is helping me hold both of those things at once without losing either.

What have you learned about yourself through building your startup?
 I’ve learned that I’m more resilient than I thought. There are so many moments where things don’t go as planned: Partnerships fall through, events underperform, people misunderstand your vision.

I’ve also learned that I care deeply about excellence. I’m very design-oriented and brand-driven. Building Àwùjọ has shown me that I don’t just want to build something functional; I want to build something beautiful and culturally precise.

And maybe most importantly, I’ve learned that I’m okay being early. Vision often feels lonely before it feels obvious.

A large group of cheerful diners gather around a long table; some raise glasses to participate in a toast.
An Àwùjo Event. (Image Credit: Ojú Junaid)

What advice would you give someone considering an MBA who wants to start a company?
 Don’t wait for the perfect idea; use the MBA as a laboratory. Wharton gives you an unusually safe environment to test things: classmates who will give real feedback, professors who will pressure-test your assumptions, and programs like VIP-X that simulate real investor scrutiny.

If you want to build, start building while you’re here. The feedback loops are faster, and the downside risk is lower than it will ever be again. And build something you genuinely care about; it’s too hard otherwise.

Tufany logo with name on right and three waves on left.
Logo Image Credit: Ahmad Hasanian
A smiling man poses for a portrait.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Ahmad Hasanian

 

 

 


Ahmad Hasanian, WG’26
Hometown: Fairfax, Va.
 Pre-MBA Career: Tech M&A Investment Banker; Private Equity Software Investor
Wharton Major(s): Artificial Intelligence for Business; Business Analytics

What problem is your venture solving, and what makes it personally meaningful to you?
 At Tufany, we’re building agentic AI tools that empower independent journalists to compete with large media institutions. Some of the most rigorous and objective reporting today comes from independent journalists who are deeply committed to their craft but are severely under resourced.

If we can better support their workflows, we can help elevate more diverse and well-supported perspectives. That matters to me because investigative journalism is a critical pillar of a healthy democracy; more-informed societies make better decisions.

Did you come to Wharton planning to start this company, or did the idea evolve here?
 I came to Wharton knowing I wanted to start a company during or shortly after my MBA. Tufany began to take shape over the winter break of my first year.

What are you hoping to get out of your VIP-X experience?
 Building a company at Wharton can be isolating since most students are recruiting for traditional roles, and the day-to-day rhythm is very different from startup life. VIP-X provides a community of fellow founders and experienced advisors who understand those challenges.

It also introduces structure and accountability. Regular sessions, shared milestones, and clear goal-setting create discipline around progress.

What have you learned about yourself through building your startup?
 Coming from investment banking and private equity, I assumed I preferred structure and clearly defined work. What I’ve learned is that I’m actually energized by ambiguity. I enjoy tackling open-ended problems, making decisions with imperfect information and iterating quickly.

What advice would you give someone considering an MBA who wants to start a company?
 Business school offers incredible opportunities, but it also comes with a lot of noise. Traditional recruiting paths are well-defined and prestigious, and it’s easy to get pulled in different directions.

If you’re serious about building, be intentional about finding your community and resources early. Surround yourself with people who support your long-term goals, and stay clear on why you came.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Veronica Rivera
Monochromatic logo of a planter with an eyeball on the bowl and foliage sprouting upward, where one flower reads Sabe.
Logo Image Credit: Veronica Rivera

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veronica Rivera, WG’26
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
 Pre-MBA Career: Management Consulting
Wharton Major(s): Marketing and Operations; Entrepreneurship

What problem is your venture solving, and what makes it personally meaningful to you?
 At Sabe, we’re making single-serving sauces with clean ingredients. Before starting my MBA, I was a management consultant, which meant I was traveling every week. No matter where I was, it never made sense to me that I could get a fresh, delicious bowl or salad, but then it would be topped with a packet of sauce or dressing full of artificial, highly processed ingredients.

I kept wondering: Why isn’t there an option that tastes just as fresh as the food itself, but is still convenient and portable?

That idea sat in the back of my mind for a long time. Once I got to business school, I decided to really invest in bringing it to life. We recently did our first launch, and it sold out in three hours, which was incredibly validating. It showed me that people really resonate with the product, and it makes me excited about what’s ahead.

Did you come to Wharton planning to start your company, or did the idea evolve here?
 The idea existed before Wharton, but I didn’t know how seriously I wanted to pursue it. One thing that surprised me during my first year was how many professors encouraged me to spend my summer working on the brand full-time when I was unsure about internships.

That stretch of dedicated time made a huge difference. It gave me the space to focus, test the idea, and understand what it would take to scale. Last summer was incredibly valuable, and I’m really glad I made that decision.

What are you hoping to get out of your VIP-X experience?
 I joined VIP-X for mentorship and accountability. When you’re building something, you’re constantly getting feedback from all directions, and it can be hard to filter through the noise. Having a dedicated advisor, someone who’s truly in your corner and invested in your growth, is something I really value.

The peer accountability is also powerful. The rest of the cohort is genuinely interested in what you’re building, and our weekly check-ins are incredibly supportive. Building a brand often means prioritizing on your own, so it’s been motivating to be surrounded by people who are in it alongside you.

What have you learned about yourself through building your startup?
 It’s helped me trust my intuition more. If I feel strongly about something, there’s a good chance other people will too.

What advice would you give someone considering an MBA who wants to start a company?
Make sure you’re genuinely passionate — almost obsessed — with the idea you’re working on. At a place like Wharton, there are so many opportunities, people, and events competing for your time. It’s easy to get pulled in different directions.

But when you’re deeply invested in your idea, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice to spend nights working on it or dedicate your free time to building something. It’s something you want to do.

Having my company in the back of my mind has made my MBA experience so much more valuable. In every class, I’m constantly connecting what I’m learning back to my business, and it’s completely transformed how I engage with the material.

Girl Math Capital logo in basic, lower-case text with a period at the end.
Logo Image Credit: Serena Ainslie
Image Credit: Courtesy of Serena Ainslie

 

 

 

 

 

 


Serena Ainslie, WG’26
Hometown: Palm Beach, Fla.
Pre-MBA Career: Climate Change & Sustainability Consulting, EY
Wharton Major: Entrepreneurship & Innovation

What problem is your venture solving, and what makes it personally meaningful to you?
Girl Math Capital (GMC) is an alternative investing membership community that brings private market education and deal flow to women. I co-founded GMC with two close friends from college because we were living this problem firsthand. We saw our male peers, people with the same backgrounds and networks, getting access to angel, real estate, and crypto opportunities, while we weren’t.

When we looked into why, the answer was consistent: Women cited lack of knowledge and limited access to deal flow as the biggest barriers to entering private markets. We built GMC to close that gap.

Did you come to Wharton planning to start this company, or did the idea evolve here?
We started GMC before Wharton, and building it is actually what pushed me to apply to business school in the first place. It made me realize I wanted to be in the world of early-stage startups and investing — not just advising large companies.

When I arrived, I wasn’t sure if GMC would grow enough to go all in. The traction we’ve built over the last six months made that decision for me.

What are you hoping to get out of your VIP-X experience?
Three things: connecting with other Penn founders, better understanding how accelerator programs are structured so we can support founders pitching GMC, and working with my mentor to clarify the next stage of our growth.

What have you learned about yourself through building your startup?
I’ve learned how much I’m motivated by creating something that didn’t exist before. Coming from consulting where “don’t reinvent the wheel” is the norm, I didn’t expect how energizing it would feel to build from scratch.

I’ve also been surprised by how much individual member stories drive me. Hearing how GMC has impacted someone’s financial life or network is what makes me most excited to keep building.

What would you tell someone considering an MBA who wants to start a company?
This is one of the best times to start a business. You have unstructured time, world-class resources, and very little downside risk.

Working on GMC has also made my classes exponentially more relevant. I’m applying what I learn in real time, not years later. And worst case, if you spend two years building something and decide not to pursue it, you still leave with a Wharton MBA and a compelling story.

Together, these MBA student founders reflect the range of ideas and ambitions within the VIP-X community, each leveraging the program’s mentorship, structure, and peer network to turn early-stage concepts into meaningful, scalable ventures. Read more about the program here.

By Abby Behrends, Wharton MBA Admissions

Posted: March 30, 2026

MBA Program

Venture Lab

Venture Lab serves as the university-wide center for entrepreneurship and innovation — open to all Penn students regardless of school or background.

As a partnership with the Wharton School, Penn Engineering, and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, Venture Lab provides a physical “start here” button to serve all students and alumni across the University of Pennsylvania who are interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Wharton Stories

From Dancer to CEO: The Impact Journey of a Wharton MBA

Image: The John M. Bendheim Loan Forgiveness Fund supports Wharton MBA alumni — like Michael Greer, WG'21 (pictured below) — pursuing careers in social impact. (Image Credit: Shira Yudkoff)
“At Wharton, I gained skills in finance and leadership,” says Michael Greer, WG’21, CEO of ArtsFund. “But, just as importantly, I built a network of people across industries: tech, aerospace, venture capital, government.”

Michael Greer, WG’21, is not only the CEO of ArtsFund but also a John M. Bendheim Loan Forgiveness Fellow, a program that supports Wharton MBA alumni pursuing careers in social impact. With a career spanning professional dance, global finance, arts leadership, and now philanthropy, Greer embodies the kind of mission-driven work that the Bendheim program exists to support. In the following interview, Greer discusses his career path, the role Wharton played in it, and what drives his commitment to strengthening communities through the arts.

Q: To start, could you give us an overview of your career journey and how you ended up at ArtsFund?  

Greer: I actually started my career as a professional dancer. I’d been dancing since I was about four, and it was my whole world until I was 24. But for financial reasons, I decided I couldn’t see a stable, long-term life in that career. So I left dance and went back to university, earning degrees in economics and math. 

To read more, click here.

By Annabelle Camp, WG’26

Posted: March 13, 2026

MBA Program

Michael Greer, WG’21 (Image Credit: Devin Muñoz)

Wharton Stories

Inside the Philadelphia Flower Show With a Wharton Alumnus

Image: Early exhibitions were held in PHS's first Horticultural Hall on Broad Street in Philadelphia from 1867 until 1881, when a fire destroyed the building. (Image Credit: Courtesy of McLean Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society)
“Strategy and finance matter, but alignment around a common goal is the secret sauce — especially for an organization that’s as dynamic as PHS,” says Matt Rader, WG’11, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS).

For Matt Rader, WG’11, leading the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society over the past decade has involved balancing evolution with storied legacy. That same idea carries through this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show — one of the first major public events in the city tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary. Produced by PHS, the show turns attention to the histories and influences that have defined American gardening — and how those practices are carried forward — through its theme, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening.”

The timing is also significant for PHS, as the organization approaches a milestone of its own in 2027: 200 years since its founding in 1827. Ahead of opening day, Wharton Magazine joined Rader to discuss the Flower Show, the organization’s impact over two centuries, and his reflections on a decade at the helm of one of Philadelphia’s most beloved institutions.

To read more, click here.

By Braden Kelner

Posted: February 27, 2026

Wharton Magazine

Matt Rader, WG’11 (Image Credit: Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society)

Wharton Stories

Inbox Confessionals: Answers to Common Wharton MBA Questions

Image: Pexels
Wharton MBA students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, industries, companies, and undergraduate institutions; there truly is no single “right” path to business school.

Applying to an MBA program is an exciting step, but it often comes with plenty of questions along the way. At Wharton, we know that navigating requirements, deadlines, and details can feel overwhelming, which is why our admissions team fields a wide range of email inquiries from prospective students every day.

To make things easier, we’re opening up our inbox to share answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Whether you’re just beginning to explore Wharton or are already deep into the application process, these insights are intended to provide clarity and confidence as you take your next steps.

Q: Am I eligible for/how do I apply for a TOEFL or PTE waiver?

A: Applicants may request to waive the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) if they have earned an undergraduate or master’s degree in an English-speaking country or from an institution where English is the language of instruction. A waiver may also be granted to those who have spent at least four years in an English-speaking professional environment. To request the waiver, check the appropriate box on the application and include a brief explanation of eligibility in the space provided.

Q: Can I waive the GMAT/GRE? Can I take the test after submitting my application?

A: Wharton does not offer waivers for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination). One exam is required as part of the application. There is no preference between the two, so applicants are encouraged to choose the option that best aligns with their strengths and preparation.

Scores submitted after the application deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed. Because the Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications immediately after the deadline, we recommend taking the test no later than two weeks before your target round.

Q: How much work experience is needed? Can I apply right from undergrad or without work experience?

A: While most applicants have three to five years of professional experience, there is no minimum or maximum requirement. We evaluate applicants based on functional skills, scope of experience, leadership and management potential, and overall growth trajectory.

For candidates with 10+ years of experience, the full-time MBA has no work experience limit, but the Wharton MBA Program for Executives (EMBA) may be a better fit for those further along in their careers who want to continue working while earning their degree.

For current undergraduates, the Moelis Advance Access Program allows students in their final year of study to apply for a guaranteed spot in the MBA after two-to-four years of professional experience. Applicants who choose to apply directly to the full-time MBA without prior work experience may be considered, but should demonstrate a clear rationale for pursuing the degree at this stage. The Admissions Committee will assess this based on information provided throughout the application—and applicants can use the Supplemental Information section to share additional context.

Q: Can I meet with an Admissions Committee Member?

A: Due to the volume of interest, we are unable to offer one-on-one meetings with Admissions Committee members. Instead, we encourage you to connect with our team at in-person or virtual events.

We also offer small group conversations with an admissions advisor to provide direct support throughout the application process. We also encourage applicants to connect with one of our Admissions Fellows, a group of second-year students who are ready to have one-on-one conversations about life at Wharton.

Q: Here’s my background. Do I fit what you’re looking for? I had a low undergrad GPA. Does my undergrad school/company matter?

A: Wharton MBA students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, industries, companies, and undergraduate institutions; there truly is no single “right” path to business school. If you meet our admissions requirements and believe the MBA is the right step for you personally, professionally, and academically, we encourage you to apply.

If your undergraduate GPA falls below our typical average, don’t be discouraged. We consider many factors in assessing academic readiness, including GPA trends, individual coursework and grades, and test results. You can use the supplemental information section of the application to provide additional context, if needed.

Q: Am I eligible if I have a three-year degree or an online undergrad degree?

A: Yes. If your three-year program granted you a bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to apply to the Wharton MBA. We do not favor any one institution over another and online or distance-learning degrees are treated the same as traditional programs.

Q: Do you offer financial aid and/or scholarships? How do you apply?

A: All admitted students are considered for Wharton Fellowship support as part of the admissions process; no separate application is required. The Fellowship Committee makes its best offer at the time of admission.

Selection is based on a combination of factors, including personal background, academic achievement, professional accomplishments, and community involvement. Award details are included in your Admission and Financial Aid letter. Please note that fellowship awards are final; the Fellowship Committee does not reconsider awards or provide need-based fellowships.

— Abby Behrends, MBA Admissions

Posted: August 27, 2025

MBA Program

Wharton students on Locust Walk. (Image Credit: Laura Williamson)

 

MBA Application Guide

Use our Application Guide to find full details on prerequisites, application fees, essay topics, GRE/GMAT test scores, references, and other details you’ll need to satisfy the Wharton MBA Admission requirements.

If you still have a question regarding your application, please contact us at mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu.

Wharton Stories

Wharton Beauty Trek: Merging Fashion, Innovation, and Global Business

Image: Beauty Club group shot in Paris. Credit: Yutong Liu
“This trek reminded us that beauty is not just about products, it’s about people, passion, and purpose. It’s a space where creativity and commerce meet, where diverse perspectives can drive positive change, and where MBAs have a unique opportunity to lead with both intentionality and heart.” – Aarati Cohly WG25

The following is Aarati Cohly WG25 and Yutong Liu WG26’s firsthand experience organizing and executing a new European Trek with the Beauty Club.

Aarati Cohly: I joined the Wharton Beauty Club inspired by the previous year’s professional treks. Meeting industry leaders helped me see beauty not just as a passion but as a career path. Though I started as VP of Marketing, I quickly gravitated toward event planning; supporting NYC treks, organizing panels, and ultimately pitching a bold new idea: launching Wharton’s first-ever Beauty Trek to Paris and London.

With just six weeks to plan, it felt daunting. I sent hundreds of emails to C-suite leaders at brands I admired. The first breakthrough came when the Chairman and Executive Director of L’Occitane forwarded my email to Julien Schneider, Managing Director for EMEA, who agreed to host us. Then came a response from Philippe d’Ornano, CEO of Sisley Paris, my mother’s favorite brand. With those two “yeses,” the trek became real.

Momentum picked up when fellow club leader Yutong Liu agreed to co-lead. Together, we applied strategies from our Influence course to target top leaders. A week before departure, we had 12 participants, 11 confirmed visits, and a mix of emerging and established brands across two cities.

Yutong Liu: As a first-year MBA student, I joined the Beauty Club to connect with others passionate about the industry. Co-organizing two NYC treks introduced me to brands like Olaplex, Dossier, and Heyday, and deepened my interest in beauty’s evolving landscape.

I was immediately inspired by Aarati’s vision to take the club international. Paris and London, icons of luxury and innovation, felt like the perfect next step. I was eager to see how global brands navigate markets outside the U.S. and understand the nuances shaping consumer values.

Why Beauty, and Why Europe?

This trek signaled a shift: beauty is no longer a niche interest, it’s a viable path for MBAs. Monica Rastogi, Regional Director of Transformation at Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland, shared that when she received her MBA, beauty wasn’t seen as a “serious” option. Now, the Beauty Club and this trek offer space for leadership in a dynamic global industry.

Paris gave us access to heritage luxury brands, while London offered retail creativity and bold innovation.

Trek Highlights & Key Takeaways

We began at L’Occitane’s Champs-Élysées flagship, where Julien Schneider shared how partnerships with farmers shape product innovation. The space, a blend of beauty and gastronomy via pastry chef Pierre Hermé, captured the brand’s sensorial ethos. Over coffee and pastries, we learned how L’Occitane’s sustainability efforts reflect a forward-looking vision rooted in Provence.

A group of MBA students at L'Occitane headquarters with Managing Director Julien Schneider.
Beauty Trek group with L’Occitane Managing Director Julien Schneider (Center). Credit: Aarati Cohly

 

At La French Beauty, we met Shirley Billot, founder of Kadalys, an impact-driven brand tackling banana waste in Martinique. Her message was a powerful reminder that beauty can drive sustainability and innovation.

“The beauty of tomorrow is shaped at the intersection of agriculture and green chemistry,” Billot said. “At Kadalys, we believe agricultural waste holds immense potential to regenerate both skin and planet.”

Kadalys founder Shirley Billot giving a presentation to students.
Kadalys founder Shirley Billot. Credit: Aarati Cohly

 

To round out our first day in Paris, we visited Korres’ store, met Bastille’s Managing Director, toured Diptyque’s flagship, and explored fragrances at Printemps, where scent is treated as its own cultural and commercial category.

On our second day, we visited Sisley Paris. Their headquarters, featuring zebra print elevators and red-striped carpets, reflected the brand’s playful sophistication. CEO Philippe d’Ornano shared insights on their commitment to quality, philanthropy, and innovation, including their investment in Neuraé, a brand merging neuroscience and skincare.

“Two things are key: a product of exceptional quality and the good advice given to the customer,” d’Ornano shared. “Our business is about science and service.”

In London, we met Demetra Pinsent, CEO of Charlotte Tilbury. Her path from medicine to McKinsey to beauty was a masterclass in embracing nonlinear careers. She urged us to pursue brands we love and to value people over linear paths.

“The beauty industry benefits from diverse perspectives,” Pinsent said. “Be open-minded about your route. Consulting or banking can provide valuable experience. Some of our best ideas came from unexpected fields.”

Students listening to a presentation at Charlotte Tilbury headquarters.
Company visit at Charlotte Tilbury. Credit: Aarati Cohly

 

At Tom Ford Beauty, Ronald Naidoo, Regional Brand Marketing Director, discussed evolving the brand’s portfolio through innovative sub-brands like Balmain Beauty.

At Jo Malone London’s townhouse, we learned how fragrance creation, sometimes taking years, roots itself in personal stories, like the British seaside-inspired Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Their scents are designed for layering, encouraging individual expression.

Charles Beck, Head of Global Strategy at Aesop, spoke about balancing intuition with data, especially after L’Oréal’s acquisition. He emphasized the value of pairing strategy work with operating experience.

We concluded at Forest Essentials, India’s leading Ayurvedic beauty brand, visiting their first international store in London. Though Estée Lauder holds a stake, the brand remains independently operated, showcasing the rise of natural products globally.

Final Reflections

This trek gave us rare access to global leaders and deepened our understanding of how brands balance tradition, innovation, and evolving values. Storytelling, authenticity, and emotional connection are critical to building consumer trust.

A key takeaway: experiences around products, through education, purpose, and community, matter. Brands must balance sustainability and inclusion with transparency. And always, product quality must come first; consumers notice.

Ultimately, this trek reminded us that beauty is about more than products. It’s about people, passion, and purpose. It’s where creativity meets commerce, and where MBAs can lead with intention and heart.

– Aarati Cohly WG25 and Yutong Liu WG26

Posted: July 14, 2025

MBA Program

Yutong Liu (left) and Aarati Cohly (Right) outside of Jo Malone in London. Credit: Aarati Cohly

Aarati Cohly WG25

  • Major: Marketing & Management
  • Hometown: New York, NY
  • Pre-MBA Career: Public-private strategy (NYC Mayor’s Office)
  • Post-MBA Plans: Brand strategy & innovation in beauty or CPG

Yutong Liu WG26

  • Major: Operations & Marketing
  • Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA
  • Pre-MBA Career: Management consulting (Bain) & consumer tech (Peloton)
  • Post-MBA Plans: Management consulting with specialization in beauty & retail

Wharton Stories

Leadership Evolution: From Dance to Design Thinking

“Don’t wait to be chosen—lead where you are. Wharton is full of stages. Sometimes you choreograph the routine. Sometimes you run the show. Either way, the spotlight’s big enough for all of us.” – Kelsey Spencer WG25

If you had told me two years ago that I’d end my Wharton journey as Co-President of the Innovation & Design Club and Co-Chair of Operations for the Whitney M. Young Conference, I would’ve laughed—probably mid-choreographing an eight-count in my kitchen. But here I am, closing out this chapter not only with new skills and stories but with a new sense of self as a leader.

Let me rewind a bit.

The Audacity to Step Up

My leadership journey at Wharton started not in a boardroom or a classroom, but in a rehearsal room. It was the Talent Show for incoming first years, and Cluster 4 needed a choreographer. I had dance experience, and—let’s be honest—I also had opinions. So I stepped up. What began as a “sure, why not?” turned into my first real lesson in collaborative leadership.

I vividly remember one night in rehearsal my cohort mate and a U.S. veteran looked me square in the eye and said, “You’re leading this—own it.” No pressure, right?

But he was right. I was holding back, trying to make everyone happy, when what the group needed was someone to lead with clarity, energy, and just enough Beyoncé to keep it fun. That moment was a shift: I learned that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up, setting the tone, and sometimes yelling “One more time from the top!”

That dance performance didn’t just win us applause—it unlocked something in me.

A group of MBA students on the Cluster 4 leadership team.
Kelsey and her Cluster 4 leadership team. Credit: Kelsey Spencer

Leading Where You Are 

After the talent show, I leaned in. I became the VP of Student Life for Cluster 4, making sure our group not only had a social calendar, but also a sense of community. I joined AAMBAA, where I found space to lead and serve alongside Black peers who inspired me daily. I got involved in the Innovation & Design Club, where the visionaries felt like home.

Over the next two years, I was a Teaching Assistant, Admissions Fellow, Teaching Fellow, RISE Fellow, and even the Choreographer for Follies, our annual comedy show. Balancing all these roles taught me the less glamorous (but very real) side of leadership: time management, setting boundaries, and asking for help when your calendar looks like a Sudoku puzzle gone wrong.

I learned that leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quietly editing someone’s pitch deck at midnight. It’s holding space for a classmate to vent after a tough interview. It’s knowing when to say “yes,” but also when to say, “Not this time—I need rest.”

Stretching Myself 

While Wharton gave me opportunities to lead inside the classroom and on campus, some of the biggest growth came when I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone. I traveled to Peru—not only for vacation, but also to test my endurance and resilience. I expanded my global footprint and cultural awareness in places like Turkey and Japan, gaining a fresh perspective on collaboration, creativity, and humility.

I also completed the Leadership Intensive with the Fire Department of New York City. Yes, I ran drills with actual firefighters. It was exhausting, humbling, and unforgettable. There’s nothing quite like pulling a hose in full gear to teach you about grit, trust, and leading when your tank feels empty.

A group of Wharton students in fire suits during the FNDY Leadership Intensive.
Kelsey during the FDNY Leadership Intensive. Credit: Kelsey Spencer

From Creative Chaos to Strategic Calm

My second year brought bigger leadership roles—and bigger growth. I became Co-President of the Innovation & Design Club, one of the few clubs that bridges the MBA world with graduate students from engineering and design. Leading this club meant thinking beyond our own echo chamber. How do you bring business students and design thinkers into the same room—and actually get them to listen to each other?

Spoiler: Snacks help. But more importantly, so does curiosity and creative event planning.

I also had the honor of serving as Co-Chair of Operations for Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Conference, Wharton’s premier conference celebrating Black excellence in business. Coordinating logistics, managing teams, and seeing the vision come to life—it was a full-circle moment. The girl who started as a choreographer now had a seat at the table, and I didn’t take it lightly.

Being a leader here didn’t mean always being the loudest in the room. It meant asking the right questions, empowering others to shine, and building systems that would last beyond me. 

Director of MBA Student Life and Kelsey Spencer at a black tie event during the Whitney M. Young Conference.
Kelsey and Eddie Banks-Crosson, Director of MBA Student Life, at the Whitney M. Young Conference. Credit: Kelsey Spencer

Lessons from the Dance Floor

So, what did I learn about leadership at Wharton?

  1. Clarity beats charisma. Sure, a well-timed joke or Beyoncé reference goes a long way—but nothing beats clearly communicating a vision and next steps.
  2. Collaboration isn’t always clean. People bring different styles, skills, and energy levels. Leadership means finding rhythm in the chaos—and not being afraid to switch the tempo.
  3. You don’t have to do it alone. Some of my best ideas came from people who saw things I didn’t. Leading with vulnerability and openness made all the difference.
  4. Your voice matters. Whether in a meeting, a rehearsal, or a casual chat over Pret, I found that people remember how you made them feel—and how you made them feel seen.
  5. Joy is a strategy. Leading with joy isn’t frivolous—it’s powerful. It builds trust, encourages participation, and makes the hard days a little lighter.

A Final Bow

As I reflect on this whirlwind of an MBA experience, I’m still surprised by how much I’ve grown. Wharton didn’t hand me a leadership manual—it handed me opportunities, challenges, late-night emails, last-minute pivots, and brilliant peers who made me better. And through it all, I found my voice—not just as someone who can lead a dance number, but as someone who can lead people.

One of the most meaningful honors I received during my time here was being awarded the Whitney M. Young Fellowship—a recognition that affirmed the impact of my leadership and the values I strive to carry with me. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about titles or tasks; it’s about legacy, intention, and lifting as you climb.

If you’re reading this as a prospective or incoming student, here’s my advice: raise your hand. Say yes (then figure it out). Don’t wait to be chosen—lead where you are. Wharton is full of stages. Sometimes you choreograph the routine. Sometimes you run the show. Either way, the spotlight’s big enough for all of us.

–Kelsey Spencer, WG25

Posted: June 3, 2025

MBA Program

The MBA Office of Student Life is here to assist you in making an impact in the Wharton community. Whether you are interested in leading a club, being a mentor, or getting involved in the Wharton Graduate Association, our Student Life Advisors are here to help.

Read more about the abundant leadership opportunities in the Wharton community.

Kelsey Spencer WG25 standing between two cliffs on a mountain in Peru.
Kelsey Spencer WG25

Kelsey Spencer WG25

Wharton Major: Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Previous Career: Technology

Wharton Stories

From Venture Capital to Acquisition: One MBA Student’s Journey to Entrepreneurship at Wharton

Image: Courtesy of Pexels
“The ETA community at Wharton played an enormous role in helping me pivot my career, so I’m committed to paying it forward.” – Jason Nguyen WG25

The following is Jason Nguyen WG25’s firsthand experience in making a career pivot into entrepreneurship during his time in the Wharton MBA Program.

Prior to Wharton, I worked as a venture capital investor in San Francisco and New York. I am a lifelong learner, so beyond the creativity and entrepreneurial aspects of the role, I loved having the chance to learn from startup founders working at the forefront of their fields. As an investor, I had the opportunity to invest in category-defining startups such as Stripe, Guardant Health, and Roblox which continue to reshape digital payments and fintech, precision medicine and oncology, and online gaming communities, respectively, to this day.

Working as a technology investor also meant constantly finding ways to improve how the world worked. I wanted to leave no stone unturned – if someone told me, “This is how we’ve always done it,” I knew there might be an opportunity to do it better.

My search led me to challenge my own assumptions about what it means to be an entrepreneur. Working in the venture ecosystem, I was hyper-focused on zero-to-one entrepreneurship, where talented founders built new products and hoped to achieve product-market fit. When I learned that a new class of entrepreneurs were acquiring small businesses, building large, impactful organizations, and upending what it means to be an entrepreneur, I was hooked.

By day, I continued to invest in cutting edge technology companies; and by night I was tearing through entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) related resources, like the HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business and the Stanford Search Fund Primer. My work as a venture capital investor was interesting and challenging in so many ways, but deep down I began to dream of leading my own company one day. I chose to pursue an MBA at Wharton to bridge the gap between the analytical skills I used as an investor and the managerial and strategy-setting skills I needed to serve as a CEO.

Entrepreneurship resources available to students at Tangen Hall. Photo: @weareventurelab

As an aspiring acquisition entrepreneur with no operating experience, I took full advantage of the resources available at Wharton. These ranged from courses like Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition taught by Professor Bob Chalfin and Search Fund Entrepreneurship taught by Professors Jim Vesterman and Charbel Zreik; to events hosted by the Venture Lab at Tangen Hall such as ETA-themed fireside chats, workshops, and roundtables featuring successful acquisition entrepreneurs like Richard Perlman (W’68) and Vijay Manthripragada (WG’06). These resources taught me to be scrappy and open-minded, and to doggedly pursue opportunities as they emerged.

As an MBA at Wharton, I’ve also had the opportunity to pursue professional experiences to validate my interest in ETA. Before school, I interned with a search fund and helped work on the acquisition of a $2 million EBITDA business in California which helped demystify the search and acquisition process. I also had the honor of interning with two traditional search fund investors, Anacapa Partners and ETA Equity (founded by Matthew Zucker WG’06 and Mark Sinatra WG’06), which helped focus my lens on what makes a great business to acquire.

Most importantly, engaging in the entrepreneurial and search fund communities helped me build the confidence to work on my own acquisition during my first year at Wharton. In early 2024, I acquired AZTAC, a healthcare regulatory compliance business representing intermediate care facilities that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. AZTAC provides mission-critical administrative support to intermediate care facilities across Pennsylvania. Since acquisition, we’ve prioritized organic growth, launching new lines of business, and other value creation activities such as changing our revenue model and pricing strategies, and evaluating potential tuck-in acquisitions. I have been extraordinarily lucky with my first acquisition and look forward to building AZTAC into a leader in the human services industry.

Tangen Hall, Wharton’s entrepreneurship hub. Photo: University of Pennsylvania

The ETA community at Wharton played an enormous role in helping me pivot my career, so I’m committed to paying it forward. At Wharton, I currently serve as a co-president of the Wharton Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Club, which hosts dozens of community events each year to help Wharton MBAs learn about ETA, build relationships with potential investors, and ultimately lay the foundation for a career as an acquisition entrepreneur. The ETA Club also hosts a large summit in the spring which is the launching point for search fund entrepreneurs from Wharton and many of our peer institutions. This year, we’ve partnered with industry organizations like the Women’s Search Network, Black Search Network, and Asian Search Network to host events to raise awareness of ETA as a career path for MBAs whose backgrounds empower them to approach ETA in new ways.

For those interested in entrepreneurship in all forms, Wharton offers countless opportunities to accelerate your goals. From the classroom to Tangen Hall and all the student clubs in between, there is a thriving entrepreneurial community at Wharton ready to help you grow into the entrepreneur you want to be.

— Jason Nguyen WG25

Posted: February 20, 2025

MBA Program

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) involves buying and growing an existing small business that has already demonstrated product-market fit. Individuals who pursue this path are commonly called ‘searchers’.

Venture Lab’s Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program provides training, funding, and guidance to Wharton and Penn students interested in pursuing entrepreneurship by acquiring a small- to medium-sized business to operate, optimize, and grow. Eligible students can do the following:

  • Receive financial support through the Perlman ETA Fellowship
  • Take academic courses for credit that focus on a variety of ETA models
  • Participate in hands-on workshops
  • Network with passionate peers and accomplished alumni
  • Develop the skills needed to be a successful searcher and business operator
Photo: Wharton MBA Career Management
Jason Nguyen WG25

Wharton Major: Management
Previous Career: Venture Capital

Wharton Stories

A Wharton MBA’s Guide to Philadelphia’s Best Restaurants

Image: Vivian Tseng
“One of the highlights of living in Philadelphia is its food scene. It’s a delicious microcosm of the city’s soul—a place where flavors tell stories, and every meal is an adventure.” — Vivian Tseng, WG25

The following is Vivian Tseng WG25’s personal guide to some of the best places for students to dine in Philadelphia.

Food, for me, is a powerful medium of connection that bridges cultural divides. Sharing a meal creates an intimate space where stories are told, and communities are built. Each dish carries tradition and personal history, inviting people to understand one another beyond surface differences. When we gather around a table and share food, we turn strangers into friends, transforming individual experiences into a collective narrative of warmth and understanding.

One of the highlights of living in Philadelphia is its food scene. It’s a delicious microcosm of the city’s soul—a place where flavors tell stories, and every meal is an adventure. From street corners to upscale dining rooms, these restaurants aren’t just serving food; they’re serving up the heart and history of the city, one dish at a time. Enjoying Philly’s many restaurants is one major way that I’ve been able to meet new people at Wharton and strengthen my community. Here are five places that I’ve had the pleasure of eating at in the last quarter.

Hardena

Tucked in a corner of South Philly, Hardena is an incredible Indonesian spot that does more than just serve amazing food. During a South East Asia (SEA) Club small group activity, I experienced how a simple meal can bring people together. The restaurant’s unassuming space became a gathering point where new friendships formed over shared plates of traditional dishes. The rendang, a slow-cooked beef braised in a symphony of coconut milk and spices, became a conversation starter, drawing people together and breaking down barriers. I realized that Hardena offers more than just a meal—it provides a space for community, understanding, and shared culinary discovery. If you’re looking to dive into authentic Indonesian cuisine and maybe make some new friends, this place is your perfect go-to.

Members of the South East Asia Club at Hardena. Photo: Vivian Tseng

Almyra

Following the success of the Wharton Women in Business (WWIB) Women’s Summit, our conference team chose Almyra as a place to reconnect—and what a perfect choice it was. Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, the restaurant brings Mediterranean flavors to life. The space gave us just the right setting to decompress and celebrate our wins without the conference-planning stress. It felt like taking a mini vacation right in the middle of Philadelphia, trading conference talk for genuine conversations and incredible food. The menu at Almyra offered a delightful exploration of Mediterranean cuisine. To start, the spreads we selected, including the spicy feta and edamame hummus, were creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The crisp pita bread provided the ideal vessel for scooping up every last bite. For our main dishes, the lavraki, a whole roasted European seabass, was a standout. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a delicate, flaky texture and bright, Mediterranean flavors from the lemon, capers, and herbs. The modern space and incredible dishes felt like a reward for our collective effort—each bite told a story of teamwork, friendship, and the joy of bringing something meaningful to life together.

A meal at Almyra. Photo: Vivian Tseng

Osteria

Situated along North Broad Street, Osteria became a sanctuary from our typically hectic lives. Amidst the restaurant’s rustic space, with its exposed brick and warm lighting, my friends and I carved out a moment to truly connect. The menu highlighted Osteria’s commitment to homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, and we dove in enthusiastically. The Funghi pizza, topped with oyster mushrooms, truffle béchamel, caramelized onions, and melty taleggio, was an earthy, decadent delight. The Parma pizza, featuring prosciutto, fontina, and peppery arugula, offered a perfect balance of salty and peppery flavors. Beyond the pizza, the Baked Ricotta was a standout – a creamy, lemon-kissed ricotta served with grilled focaccia for dipping. And the Rigatoni, tossed with rich chicken liver, sweet cipollini onions, and fragrant sage, was a comforting pasta dish that warmed the soul. We spent the evening catching up, laughing, and remembering why we became friends in the first place. Each bite felt like a reminder that life isn’t just about assignments and deadlines—it’s about these moments of connection.

Vivian (center) and friends at Osteria. Photo: Vivian Tseng

Perla

The Food Club’s restaurant takeover at Perla was a culinary journey into Filipino tradition through their spectacular Kamayan feast. Spread out on banana leaves, the communal-style meal was a vibrant explosion of flavors that told a story with every bite. The chicken inasal was impossibly tender, while the lechon kawali offered that irresistible crispy pork that crackled with each bite. Lumpia rolled with ground pork, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms provided a perfect appetizer, and the whole fried pompano was a showstopper. The ginataan—a medley of eggplant, long beans, cauliflower, and zucchini—brought a rich balance to the spread. We ate with our hands, connecting not just with the food but with each other, transforming the meal into a shared experience. I bumped into friends I hadn’t seen in a while and met new club members, all while exploring these incredible flavor combinations. Perla proved that food is about so much more than just eating—it’s about creating connections, sharing stories, and building community.

A traditional Kamayan meal at Perla. Photo: Vivian Tseng

Rex at the Royal

Our Learning Team’s brunch at Rex at the Royal was filled with good food and even better company. The restaurant’s warm, rustic space provided the perfect backdrop for catching up with teammates I hadn’t seen in some time. I ordered the Cheesy Egg Hash Skillet, a hearty combination of home fries, sautéed onions and peppers, melted cheddar-jack cheese, and perfectly cooked over-easy eggs was both comforting and crave-worthy. But beyond the food, this brunch was really about reconnecting with my learning team. As we shared stories, laughed, and reminisced about our time together, Rex became more than just a restaurant – it was our temporary home base, a space where we could truly enjoy each other’s company and remember why our team works so well together.

Vivian and her learning team at Rex at the Royal. Photo: Vivian Tseng

–Vivian Tseng, WG25

Posted: February 18, 2025

MBA Program

Student clubs shape the Wharton MBA experience across a multitude of areas. They focus on interests ranging from social, cultural, athletic, and professional.

The Wharton Graduate Association (WGA) is the student government organization of The Wharton School’s graduate program. Incorporated in 1994, the WGA a non-profit organization that governs all MBA student clubs and conferences at The Wharton School. Throughout the year, the WGA coordinates, manages, and hosts student activities and initiatives. The WGA enables countless opportunities for students to develop relationships and explore your interests.

Vivian Tseng, WG25

Wharton Majors: Organizational Effectiveness,
Operations, Information and Decisions
Previous Career: Aerospace & Defense
Career Plans: Consulting

Wharton Stories

A Conversation on Mental Health during your MBA

“We work on clarifying core values, realigning with our strengths, and reconnecting with why students originally applied to Wharton. Ultimately, this helps students build confidence around individual recruiting plans.” – Maria Halpern, W’03

As students prepare for the anticipated rigor of the Wharton MBA program, one aspect often overlooked is the profound impact mental health can have on career outcomes—especially during the high-stakes recruitment process. We sat down with Maria Halpern W’03, Well-being Coach from Wharton’s Office of MBA Career Management, to discuss the intersection of well-being and career success. With a unique perspective as a Wharton alum, Maria sheds light on how stress, anxiety, and burnout can affect even the most promising job searches, and how prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical health can empower students to make meaningful career transitions.

Maria Halpern, W’03, Well-Being Coach in the Office of MBA Career Management (Image: Maria Halpern)

MBA Admissions: Can you tell me how you came into your role as a Well-being Coach, and what your goals have been since joining the MBA Career Management team?

Maria Halpern: The importance of well-being is something that is very personal to my own professional journey. When I was a Wharton student (many years ago!), my dream was to be a marketing executive. After graduating, I landed a great job at American Express and was ultimately promoted to Chief of Staff supporting the Head of Global Advertising and Brand Management. I was the epitome of a “successful” Wharton graduate and on the path towards my dream job, but the reality was I didn’t have the tools to help me manage stress and anxiety and I developed many unhealthy coping habits. I also have an autoimmune condition that is triggered by stress, so I was frequently getting sick and began reflecting on whether the corporate environment was the right fit for me. I realized how much I enjoyed helping others thrive in their careers, and that led me to become a career advisor at Wharton and for companies like Shift.org and IDEO where I was also supporting high-impact career transitions. While these roles were rewarding and I had left the corporate world, I was still struggling with anxiety and putting so much pressure on myself to be “perfect” that it took a serious physical toll. That’s when I decided to get educated on how our mental, emotional, and physical health is interconnected, so I became a health & wellness coach, certified through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching. I was thrilled when Wharton’s MBA Career Management team hired me back as the team’s dedicated well-being coach because as a former career advisor (and student), I knew how valuable this new resource could be. My primary goal is to help students see their well-being as a key aspect of the recruiting process and provide them with the support and tools they need to focus on their mind, body, and authentic self.

MBA Admissions: How do you work with MBA students? What kind of issues can students discuss with you?

Maria: Students can sign up for well-being coaching the same way they sign up for a career advising appointment. These sessions cover a wide range of issues and students will often book several sessions to build some accountability towards the goals we set. Some students schedule time to discuss developing healthy habits around nutrition, movement, and sleep. Others want to think through strategies for managing stress and anxiety or prioritizing time across academics, community-building, and recruiting. Staying motivated, combatting imposter syndrome, and being true to your own sense of self throughout the recruiting process are also common topics.

MBA Admissions: What unique mental health challenges do students struggle with during networking and job recruiting?

Maria: We often liken the recruiting process to an endurance sport because it requires resilience, stamina, and a growth mindset. Students dedicate a lot of time to drafting resumes, networking, applying to jobs, and interviewing and in each of these stages, there will inevitably be some setbacks. Whether it’s not getting selected to interview, not hearing back from an alum you were hoping to connect with, or ultimately not getting an offer from a company you had your heart set on, those feelings can be hard to navigate. There are also marketplace challenges that are out of the student’s control, so it ultimately comes down to understanding what we can control… which is our mindset and the story we tell ourselves. We use research-backed positive psychology exercises and practices to help build resilience and motivation. Recruiting can also feel overwhelming if students are unsure of what direction they want to take or if students feel pressured to pursue a path because they see others doing it (we call this the “herd mentality”). When students pursue opportunities that are not aligned with their own interests, strengths, and values, they experience more stress and may end up in roles that are ultimately not right for them. This is another way well-being coaching can be helpful. We work on clarifying core values, realigning with our strengths, and reconnecting with why students originally applied to Wharton. Ultimately, this helps students build confidence around individual recruiting plans.

MBA Admissions: How can students maintain their mental health as they transition from 2 years in an academic environment back to their career?

Maria: The post-MBA career path is often associated with things like performance reviews and promotions, which places a lot of emphasis on outcomes and results. While I’m all for achieving career goals, when we focus too much on outcomes, we tend to get caught up in worrying about the future or ruminating about the past (i.e. Will I ever make it to the next level? Why didn’t I perform better in that meeting?) and we lose sight of the process itself, which is where all the learning and enjoyment tends to live. So, I’d encourage students to build consistency around a ritual that provides an opportunity to get back to the present and connect with themselves, or with a trusted person or community. Perhaps it’s a standing FaceTime call with a long-distance friend from childhood, or a simple meditation or journaling practice. Ideally, this is something that also helps connect you to the larger whole of life. For me, running in fresh air helps me feel more connected with the world around me and the intense physical activity forces me to stay grounded in the moment!

 

Posted: October 28, 2024

MBA Program

Three people in business attire are engaged in a lively conversation in a sunlit, modern office setting.
Image: Wharton MBA Career Management

Our MBA Career Management team is dedicated to connecting students with a wide range of employers from the Fortune 500 to start-ups. Wharton MBAs are in high demand because they create immediate and sustainable value for corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations around the world.

Wharton’s MBA Career Management team helped 650+ companies make offers to Wharton students. MBA Career Management helps students leverage and build upon previous professional accomplishments and provide personalized support on the journey to achieve internship and full-time success.

Wharton Stories

Write Your Own Story: How the Moelis Advance Access Program Unlocks Opportunity for Students

The Moelis program “gives someone who thought they had to check a box for their business-school application a different opportunity,” says Ken Moelis W80 WG81.

Patricia Tang WG26’s admission to Wharton’s Moelis Advance Access Program changed her career trajectory. Tang, who began her MBA this fall, had planned to follow a traditional path to business school after graduating from Northwestern University: She would spend a few years as a consultant before pursuing her graduate education. But the program, which enables students to defer admission to Wharton’s full-time MBA program while they work for two to four years after college, “motivated me to think about different paths and what I truly wanted to do,” she says.

The Moelis program, which selected its first class in 2018, was established with philanthropic support from Ken Moelis W80 WG81 and Julie Taffet Moelis W81 to offer students a sense of professional license early in their careers. “It gives someone who thought they had to check a box for their business-school application a different opportunity,” Ken Moelis explains. In a sign of quick growth for the program, Tang and other Moelis Fellows — as students in the program are known — make up about one-tenth of the School’s newest full-time MBA class. “Part of the appeal is the assurance that you can do the things you care about. For some, it’s an opportunity to gamble, because they know they have their Wharton acceptance,” says program director Jake Kohler.

Tang’s self-reflection following her admission to the program ultimately led her to transition from a role in consulting to a post at online clothing reseller ThredUp, whose social mission fit with her own ambitions. “I was starting to think about how I could pursue a more impact-focused career in parallel with the fact that I had the MBA in my back pocket,” Tang explains. “The MBA was the push I needed to pursue my passion for sustainability.” Her product-management job at ThredUp also provided foundational on-the-ground experience at an up-and-coming organization, which affirmed for her that she wanted to fund rising businesses herself someday. Now while at Wharton, Tang is also an investor at Virta Ventures, a venture capital firm founded by Russell Sprole WG11 that backs companies working on climate-technology solutions.

Read the full story at Wharton Magazine.

— Braden Kelner

Posted:

MBA Program

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