How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (Professional Gain)(500 words)
I recently received a panicked phone call from a reader who wanted to pivot into Investment Banking from a tier-2 (20-30 ranked) US school. He pointed out the absurdity of multiple interviews vs. the preferential treatment that a Wharton or a Booth MBA received. The reader was technically as competent as a Wharton or a Booth MBA, but there is one factor missing – ‘The Network.’
Networking is a code word in internship search for ‘tribe’ where your phone call gets answered fast, your emails responded with earnestness, and information revealed at a record pace. The criteria for acceptance are also less stringent when you are part of the ‘Wharton’ tribe, especially when the Alumni are in an influential MD position.
Accomplishments of Wharton Alumni
In addition to networking with Alumni through LinkedIn or events, I would suggest that you read through a few Wharton Magazine Archives and study the success stories and knowledge shared by Alumni across generations. More importantly, you will understand how the brand opens opportunities.
Networking with Wharton MBA Professors – Practitioners perspective
MBA Applicants tend to write about networking from a post-MBA perspective. A different approach would be to mention professors at Wharton. They are not confined to academics. Most of them offer consulting to leading companies, world-renowned organizations, and government bodies and often give talks to the brightest minds.
The experience cited by Ajay Anand summarizes what it is to have a Wharton MBA professor by your side.
Several Wharton professors have helped me tremendously. One is Professor Harrison, who was in a senior position at the World Bank before coming to Wharton, and Professor Henisz, who does consulting for the World Bank. Professor Grant was helpful — he sat through our demo and has a lot of contacts at the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme]. Professor Sammut put us in touch with the WHO, and when I went to Geneva, he was able to facilitate the meetings I had there. It’s been surprising how so many at Wharton are social-impact-focused.
More than being on good terms with the professors, your instincts to reach out for help should be highlighted in the essay. Rarely does a lone wolf or an introvert have the courage to reach out to the best minds.
One of the narratives I read was from a PE client who read a paper from a Wharton professor on a new concept that was gaining momentum among the cohorts. By attending a webinar, the applicant started a conversation and pointed out an approach to valuation that was later accepted by the professor. Such serendipitous moments are rare, but showing an association with Wharton as a subscriber or through networking events are indirect ways to show loyalty to the brand.
Wharton Alumni Network – Strength and Activity
It is not just the professors. Wharton Alumni network is 94,000 in strength with a geographic spread of 153 countries in 6 continents - the largest representation in North America, followed by Asia and Europe.
With 78 Wharton Alumni clubs, the association with the Wharton brand is lifelong.
The best place to analyze the activity is the events section of the Wharton MBA program. By understanding the most active alumni club, you can quote how continued networking is essential for your post-MBA goal if you plan to start a venture in the mid to long term.
Global Immersion and Alumni Network (Value)
The perspective one gains in global immersion is closely tied to the point of contact in the program in the client location. The stakeholders are carefully chosen and with the feedback of Alumni, the facilitation is tweaked for maximum value.
Students have shared how leaders in the corporate and non-profit sectors who are also Wharton MBA Alumni are willing to help the students with guidance, connection, and even dedicate their time to facilitate discussions during the Global Immersion Program.
