Wharton Stories

5 Essential Career Support Insights for Wharton EMBA Students and Alumni

Image: Getty Images
“Students come to Wharton to amplify their impact and accelerate their careers, whether advancing within their current organization or exploring new opportunities,” says EMBA Admissions Director Barbara Craft.

Students in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives bring years of work experience to the program and work-full time. So, it often comes as a surprise that they have access to a vast amount of dedicated career management resources – and that support continues for the rest of their careers.

Barbara Craft, Wharton’s EMBA Admissions Director, emphasizes most people don’t pursue a Wharton MBA to stay in their current roles forever. “They come to make a greater impact and accelerate their careers, whether by advancing within their organization or exploring a new direction,” she says “That’s why we provide lifelong career support, helping them succeed on any path they choose.”

Discover the five key features of Wharton’s EMBA career support that empower students and alumni to excel:

Tailored Career Resources for Every Stage of Professional Growth

Students and alumni have exclusive access to a comprehensive career management website, offering personalized executive resources designed to support unique career aspirations. This digital hub provides a wealth of materials aimed at supporting the career needs of career changers, career advancers, and entrepreneurs. 

Free, Personalized Career Coaching

Both current students and alumni benefit from ongoing access to personalized one-on-one career coaching with highly rated advisors. Coaches have deep executive career knowledge across diverse business sectors, functional areas of interest, and diverse regions. With graduates located around the world, alumni coaching sessions are conducted virtually. Additional support includes resume and LinkedIn reviews, mock interviews, and tailored career advice to help make strategic career decisions.

Director of Executive Careers Colleen France says, “One-on-one career coaching is the cornerstone of our career management office and the service I am most proud of. Each year, we conduct over 500 individualized coaching sessions, meeting students where they are—whether in person or virtually—to provide personalized advice that helps them navigate critical career decisions. This tailored support ensures that our students and alumni have access to the expertise they need to achieve their goals.”

Screenshot of WEMBA career website
Wharton EMBA Career Support Webinar with Cara Costello
Photo Credit: Meghan Laska

Comprehensive Career Data for Informed Decisions

Wharton offers access to in-depth career compensation data, a valuable resource for students and alumni to benchmark their careers and negotiate offers. The data is especially useful when considering transitions to new industries or functions, as it highlights the experiences of those who have successfully made similar career shifts. This information allows EMBA students and alumni to make informed, data-driven career choices.

Curated Job Opportunities for Experienced Professionals

Wharton’s exclusive job board focuses on high-level positions across a variety of industry, functions and regions. Students and alumni can sign-up for job email alerts that align with areas of interest. In addition, students and alumni can leverage the Wharton alumni database, one of the largest business school networks globally, which can play a significant role in facilitating networking opportunities for career transitions or securing new roles.

Access to Board of Director Opportunities

As interest grows among alumni to serve on corporate and nonprofit boards, Wharton has created a dedicated resource page and platform for executives to explore such opportunities. Wharton offers board search best practices, resume templates, board membership organizations, and inclusion in the Wharton Board of Director Resume Book. Wharton has over 1,300 alumni in the Board Book and conducts complimentary searches for companies looking to fill board seats. 

Director of Executive Careers Cara Costello says, “Wharton believes in lifelong career management. Executives can look forward to ongoing career support, highly rated complimentary career coaching, and an array of best-in-class resources beyond the duration of the program.” 

With these resources, Wharton EMBA students and alumni are well-equipped to pursue their professional goals and continue making an impact throughout their careers.

For a deeper dive into how Wharton’s EMBA career support can accelerate careers, we invite you to watch our webinar. 

By Meghan Laska

Posted: January 16, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Colleen France, Head of EMBA Career Management

Cara Costello, Director of Executive Careers (serving MBA alumni and EMBA)

EMBA Career Support Key Features: Advising, Job Board, Board of Directors

EMBA Career Resources: Reflect, Prepare, Connect, Jobs, Advance

Learn more about Colleen France

Photo of Cara Costello, Director of Executive Careers
Cara Costello, Director of Executive Careers
Photo Credit: Wharton School
Colleen France, Head of EMBA Career Management
Colleen France, Head of EMBA Career Management Photo Credit: Wharton School

Wharton Stories

Wharton MBA student is out of this world

Image: Jim Krantz - photo credit

Jameel Janjua discusses his interest in spaceflight, the fastest aircraft he has flown, the effect of supersonic speed on the body, attending Wharton, and his first time in space.

Wharton MBA student Jameel Janjua in front of an F-16. (Image: John Pingry)

Since the advent of human spaceflight in 1961, fewer than 700 people have been to space, and one of them is Jameel Janjua, an MBA student at the Wharton School.

On June 8, Janjua, a spaceline pilot and astronaut with Virgin Galactic, copiloted VSS Unity to 287,011 feet (or around 54 miles) into space at Mach 2.96 (2,271 miles per hour).

With this feat, he fulfilled a lifelong dream, 40-plus years in the making, and one that appeared as if it would never come to pass.

After earning his undergraduate degree from the Royal Military College of Canada and his master’s from MIT, Janjua, who is from Alberta, Canada, became an F/A-18 pilot and fighter weapons instructor for the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 2009, he applied to be an astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Canada’s version of NASA. The CSA, recruiting astronauts for the first time in 17 years, was admitting two people. Janjua made it to the final four, but ultimately was not selected.

Dismayed and disheartened, he thought his dream of going to space was over—until he was hired 11 years later by Virgin Galactic.

“I think it’s an important message to share,” he says. “A lot of time we talk about all the things that went right in our lives—and that’s really important, and is inspirational as well, especially for young people and college students—but I think it’s even more powerful to hear the back story of these successes, when all hopes seem lost in the pursuit of a dream. I want to share my journey and how I have managed to do some incredible things, such as flying to space; how I was able to forge a path toward my dream and reach for the stars although it seemed impossible after I wasn’t selected to be a government astronaut. I did work really hard, but I also had meaningful mentors. I got lucky breaks too, to be fair, at the right time.”

Penn Today spoke with Janjua about his interest in spaceflight, the fastest aircraft he has flown, the effect of supersonic speed on the body, attending Wharton, and his first time in space.

This story is by Greg Johnson. Read more here at Penn Today

Posted: January 3, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

 

Wharton Stories

Learning How to Make a Bigger Global Impact

Image: Yemi Ahouanmenou 
“The breadth of exposure to a global curriculum and to professionals from places I’ve never been in the world has been incredibly fruitful from both a personal and professional perspective,” says second-year Wharton EMBA student Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25.

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25, calls himself a citizen of the world. Born in Paris, France, his father’s job as a translator-interpreter took him and his family to Belgium, New Caledonia, and the United States, as well as vacations in his parents’ home country of Benin, all before he was 17.

After college in Canada, Yemi began his banking career in Europe, first in hedge funds sales in France and then in fixed income business development in the UK. While he was in the UK, he thought about pursuing a full-time MBA, but decided to move to Benin with his then-girlfriend to pursue new opportunities.

“I had never lived in Benin or considered moving there prior to 2016. My experience had been limited to family holidays, but it was familiar enough that I got comfortable with pursuing what turned out to be an exciting and transformative opportunity” he recalls. “We had just elected a new president; when Ministerial cabinet teams were being put together, I put myself out there and landed an advisory position at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.”

Over his eight years in that role, Yemi led financing for major infrastructure projects related to airports, tourism, and industrial manufacturing. Having been on the other side of international financing in his roles in Europe, this advisory position gave him a first-hand view of the impact of those investments.

With both private and public sector experience under his belt, he began looking into MBA programs – but this time around he had a wife and young son and wanted to continue working full-time in Benin. “It was time for a refresh, and I wanted a global MBA to put myself in the best position to move back to the private sector.”

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25, with classmates during a class week in New York City
Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25, with classmates during a class week in New York City
Photo Credit: Yemi Ahouanmenou

Looking into Wharton’s EMBA program, the Global Cohort was a great fit. “I could travel once per term for in-person classes and tune in biweekly to access a world-class education remotely with classmates from around the world,” he says. “That breadth of exposure to a global curriculum and to professionals from places I’ve never been in the world has been incredibly fruitful from both a personal and professional perspective.”

He points to an in-person class week in Panama as an example. “Prof. Philip Nichols arranged for us to meet with government officials and local business leaders who shared insights on Panama’s economy. I learned about a whole new country’s ecosystem in a week’s worth of meetings in ways that could not have been possible through reading books and news articles.” 

In addition to Panama, he has also taken in-person courses in Korea, London, Lisbon, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

Yemi points to the Negotiations class in San Francisco as a highlight of the program. “I previously thought solely of price as the main driver of negotiations, but I learned through Prof. Nazlı Bhatia’s class that there are several dimensions that need to be considered jointly to create the most value. Wharton teaches research-backed best practices and gives us new tools that we get to experiment with in our own jobs. I’ve sat across the negotiation table with governments and private sector companies so it was valuable to reflect on those experiences and what I could have done differently – and will do differently in the future.”

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG'25, with classmates on the Wharton San Francisco campus
Yemi Ahouanmenou with classmates on the Wharton San Francisco campus
Photo Credit: Yemi Ahouanmenou

Of course, taking remote classes with students across the globe can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to time zones, as Yemi’s learning team members live across multiple continents. “It can be tricky figuring out when to meet, but it’s worth it because it also provides an instant global network,” he says.

Wharton’s impact on Yemi’s career has been tangible. He was recently recruited back to the private sector as Deputy CEO at the GDIZ Textile Park. “The brand recognition of Wharton and the insights from class were a real boost to my bid for a senior management position,” he shares.

As graduation nears, Yemi is passionate about opening the door for others to pursue a Wharton MBA. “Exposure to the latest global research and frameworks, while building a global network of talented like-minded business minds has been the highlight of my WEMBA experience and a gift that I am certain will continue to pay dividends in both my professional and personal lives.”

By Meghan Laska

Posted: January 2, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25, standing in front of a building
Yemi Ahouanmenou during a class visit to Amore Pacific HQ in Seoul, South Korea
Photo Credit: Yemi Ahouanmenou

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25

Hometown

Cotonou, Benin

Major/Program

EMBA student in Wharton’s Global Cohort

Currently

Deputy CEO at GDIZ Textile Park

Former Senior Policy Advisor, Benin Ministry of Economy and Finance

Previous Education

Undergraduate degree: Concordia University; master’s degree: EDHEC Business School

Wharton Stories

Wharton EMBA Program Offers Cross-Cohort Flexibility

“The ability to take electives with a different cohort is an extraordinary opportunity to build connections with more students from differing backgrounds and industries,” says Richard Waterman, Deputy Vice Dean for Wharton’s EMBA Program.

A key advantage of Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives is the vast amount of electives and flexibility it offers to fully employed students. After spending their first year with their chosen cohort, students have the unique opportunity in their second year to take courses in one of the other cohorts whether that be in the vibrant Silicon Valley ecosystem with our San Francisco Cohort, the historic University of Pennsylvania campus with our Philadelphia Cohort, or expanding their global perspective with our Global Cohort by taking courses online or at locations around the world.

“The ability to take electives with a different cohort is an extraordinary opportunity to build connections with more students from differing backgrounds and industries,” says Richard Waterman, Deputy Vice Dean for Wharton’s EMBA Program. “These connections enrich the learning experience and benefit students throughout their careers,”

People sitting at tables in a room with a large window view of a suspension bridge over water in the background.
Wharton’s San Francisco Campus Photo Credit: Getty Images

The flexibility is embedded in the program’s structure, which enables students to take electives – or spend an entire term – in their second year (pending space and approval) with any of the three cohorts. Also built into the 22-month program is the addition of a new floating credit unit, which students fulfill outside of the standard program calendar through elective classes, Global Modular Courses, or independent study.

Wharton’s EMBA program offers 130+ electives across the three cohorts – more than any other business school – giving students ample opportunity to take classes of interest across the curriculum and around the globe.

Electives are driven by student interest and taken during the second year of the program during the summer, fall, and spring terms. Students can choose to major or earn a concentration or both. Students can select from among 10 available majors as well as two concentrations: Business Analytics and Healthcare Management.

The program also offers electives during academic calendar breaks, as some students find those easier to fit into their schedules, especially for the floating credit unit requirement. These block week courses run for three to five consecutive days and feature a diversity of subjects ranging from Advanced Topics in Negotiation and Sports Business to Financial Disclosure Analytics.

Aerial view of a cityscape featuring urban buildings and skyscrapers in the background, with a prominent round-shaped red-brick building in the foreground and trees scattered throughout.
Wharton’s Philadelphia campus Photo Credit: Getty Images

“The majority of our students are interested in taking a class (or classes) with a different cohort,” says Dr. Waterman. “They value the flexibility in their second year whether it’s due to changes in their location, a desire to make more connections, or a curiosity about a different part of the country or world.”

In addition, the floating credit unit can be fulfilled through one of the program’s many Global Modular Courses (GMCs), which are intensive workshop courses offered to Wharton students in key business locations around the world. The courses are led by Wharton faculty and are intended to provide unique educational experiences to students in a regional context. 

The courses are offered in an intensive workshop format over three to seven days during school breaks on topics like Operations and Business in India, Conducting Business in Emerging Economies: Vietnam, Finance in the UAE, Marketing in Saudi Arabia, and Leadership and Change in Rwanda.

Read more about EMBA program updates

By Meghan Laska

Posted: December 9, 2024

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Prof. Richard Waterman
Deputy Vice Dean Richard Waterman Photo Credit: The Wharton School

Deputy Vice Dean Richard Waterman

Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives

Practice Professor of Statistics and Data Science

Wharton Stories

Wharton EMBA Students Bond On and Off the Field

Image: Wharton EMBA soccer team (Photo Credit: Obehi Ukpebor)
What began as a fun way to unwind before Saturday classes has grown into a beloved tradition for many students in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives.

EMBA weekends are packed with a variety of activities, from rigorous classes and study sessions to group dinners—and, of course, SOCCER.

Obehi Ukpebor, WG’25, a second-year student originally from Nigeria and the team’s honorary captain, says playing sports has always been a way for him to quickly make friends in new environments. Wanting to foster and strengthen a sense of community while also deepening his relationships with classmates, Obehi proposed the idea of starting a Wharton EMBA soccer team. The response was immediate and enthusiastic.

Credit: Obehi Ukpebor, WG’25

The first game was played right after a “particularly challenging” Term 1 final exam, and what started as a casual match quickly turned into a regular weekend fixture. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged tradition, with multiple teams, official jerseys, and occasional matches against the EMBA cohort from the Philadelphia campus.

With busy schedules balancing full-time jobs and academic commitments, Obehi finds that the soccer games offer a much-needed mental break. 

“It’s just pure fun,” he says. “Running around for an hour on the field is a great way to de-stress before Saturday’s classes and the rest of the weekend.”

The soccer games were so well-received that his classmate, Toms Zvidrins, WG’25, and Obehi also launched a Friday morning basketball game, which quickly became popular in the EMBA community. Both the soccer and basketball games are co-ed and open to classmates’ partners, children, friends, and Wharton professors.

For those who prefer a different kind of activity, Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions Gad Allon offers “running” office hours on Saturday mornings, a group that often runs by the scenic waterfront of San Francisco. Some of the runners also come join the fun soccer games after their run.

These activities enrich the tight-knit community built among Wharton EMBA students, says Obehi. “When you get to Wharton you wonder if you’re at the right place because everyone is so smart and accomplished, but you quickly realize that everyone is there to support each other. It’s about getting better together, and this creates a strong bond. We look for opportunities to spend more time together.”

Credit: Obehi Ukpebor, WG’25

Obehi’s classmates, who include two Olympians, a former MVP of the Super Bowl, a former pro basketball player, doctors, scientists, veterans, and entrepreneurs, have become not only friends but also a support system and a lifelong network. “They inspire me, and I know we’ll be part of each other’s lives for the long term,” he says.

Beyond sports, Obehi’s classmates often organize events that strengthen their connections, such as camping trips, hikes, team dinners, and festive parties celebrating occasions like Halloween and Diwali.

“Aside from all of our academic coursework and studying, there’s always something happening,” Obehi adds. “Even when we travel for work, we make an effort to visit classmates in their hometowns. We find ways to stay connected and bond, no matter where we are in the country.”

By Meghan Laska

Posted: December 2, 2024

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Obehi Ukpebor, WG’25

Currently: Sr. Director, Product, LeanTaaS

Based in: Santa Clara, CA

EMBA Cohort: San Francisco

Previous Education: Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Boston University; MS, Manufacturing Engineering, MIT

Photo of Wharton EMBA student Obehi Ukpebor
Obehi Ukpebor, WG’25
Credit: Miche Gaston, WG’25

Wharton Stories

Wharton Ranked #1 in Poets & Quants 2024 Executive MBA Ranking

The Wharton MBA Program for Executives was named the top Executive MBA (EMBA) program by Poets & Quants in their 2024 rankings.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the top Executive MBA program by Poets & Quants for 2024. This accolade reflects our commitment to providing unparalleled education and leadership development opportunities to our students. It underscores Wharton’s dedication to excellence and innovation in business education,” said Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives Director of Admissions Barbara Craft.

This prestigious recognition adds to Wharton’s impressive standing in other major rankings, including the top spot in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 list of U.S. EMBA programs, third place in Fortune | Education’s Best Executive MBA Programs, and a tie for second in the Financial Times’ Global EMBA rankings.

Read more in Poets & Quants.

Posted: November 27, 2024

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Credit: The Wharton School

Wharton Stories

Tips for Round 2 Applications from the Admissions Director

The Round 2 deadline for Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives is January 14, 2025.

The Round 2 (and final) deadline for Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives is Tuesday, January 14, 2025. It’s crucial to start working on your application early, as crafting a strong submission requires significant time and effort.

This is the top recommendation from Admissions Director Barbara Craft. She advises prospective applicants to plan backwards from the deadline to figure out how much time is needed to secure sponsorship from your employer (their sign off is a required piece of the application). You will also need time to prepare for a standardized test, write compelling essays, complete the online application, gather transcripts, and secure a letter of recommendation from your manager or above.

“You can’t accomplish everything in just a week,” she says. “Begin early by discussing your plans with key people in your life, such as your partner, employer, and children. Their support is essential as you navigate this journey.”

Barbara also encourages visiting the program and engaging with current students. “It’s important to ensure that this program is a good fit for you. Current students can share their experiences in the program and explain the depth and flexibility of the curriculum and the time commitment required.”

If you receive an invitation for a virtual interview, be sure to come prepared. “Candidates should formulate thoughtful questions that relate to their unique circumstances and the Wharton experience. We’re trying to determine if someone is a good fit for this program and if the program is a good fit for them. Our questions aim to uncover how well prepared you are for an MBA, what your future aspirations are, as well as how you will contribute to the Wharton community,” she explains.

Recognizing that this is a significant decision, the admissions team is available to answer your questions and provide all the guidance they can, notes Barbara.

Here is a checklist of what is required to be submitted by the January 14 application deadline. 

If you have questions at any point in the application process, please contact us. We are happy to help and look forward to hearing from you!

-By Meghan Laska

Posted: November 8, 2024

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Photo of Wharton's EMBA Admissions Director Barbara Craft
Admissions Director Barbara Craft

 

To learn more about the application process, we invite you to join us for a Virtual Application Workshop on Monday, December 16 from 7:30 – 8:00pm ET. This session is designed to help candidates navigate the admissions process, understand the requirements, and gather tips for a successful application. 

 

Wharton Stories

Navy Vet Insights: What Military Applicants Should Know About Wharton’s EMBA Program

Navy Veteran and Wharton EMBA student Marco Segura, WG’25 aims to inspire and support more veterans in joining the program, by actively sharing his experiences, supporting military applicants, and demonstrating the value of their perspectives in the Wharton community.
Veterans and members of the military comprise more than 10% of the Wharton MBA Program for Executives (EMBA) class. Wharton second-year EMBA student and Navy veteran Marco Segura, WG’25, is one of those passionate to see that number increase.

“It’s a wonderful program and worth it, but like everything else you have to put your left foot in front of your right foot and go all in,” says Marco “Military students bring a lot of value to the program with their unique perspectives and experiences, and I am committed to helping more veterans transition into business.”He knows first-hand about unique experiences. Growing up in Lima, Peru, he dreamed of becoming an American and serving in the military. At age14, he embarked on an undocumented immigration journey to Virginia. Living with his aunt, he learned English in high school and planned a future in construction – until an admissions brochure arrived in the mail from the University of Virginia that ignited his aspirations for a four-year degree.

Marco with his mother in 2021
Marco with his mother in 2021, Photo: Ada Hermoza-Ross and George Ross

“I started to see how school was like magic,” says Marco. “It could unlock opportunities – and this would only happen in the U.S.” His new goal became to do well in school, attend college, and then join the military.
While he did earn his undergraduate degree from UVA, the rest of his plan was delayed due to his immigration status. As he sorted that out, he earned a master’s degree. Finally, after a delay of several years, he was able to join the Navy – but with a hitch. “When you’re a new American, you have to wait for a lengthy background check to be an officer, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to serve, so I enlisted,” Marco explains. With no prior mechanical experience, Marco became a ship mechanic and attended law school at night. “I was the only enlisted person in my Command attending law school night classes, waking up at 4 a.m. for military duties and then spending evenings in school.”

His focus shifted in his last semester when he attended a guest lecture by Wharton alumna and negotiation expert Mori Taheripour, WG’03. “Her talk ignited my interest in business and led me to consider pursuing an MBA at Wharton,” Marco recalls. After attending admissions events and engaging with Wharton’s EMBA program to learn if it would be a good fit, he decided to apply.

Today, he’s a second-year EMBA student at Wharton’s San Francisco campus, a Tillman Scholar, and Senior Assistant Vice President of Corporate & Investment Banking at Wells Fargo’s Confirmations Team. As a leader of the Wharton Veterans Club, he actively encourages fellow veterans to explore the EMBA program by sharing his experiences and how he navigated the admissions process.

Marco with his wife Karolline Segura
Photo: Leonor Hermoza

Marco emphasizes how he made sure to tell his personal story and how he would contribute to the Wharton community. “Approximately 1% of the population in the U.S. serves in the military; we are unique individuals with our own experiences and perspectives that we can bring to the classroom. That kind of diversity brings value to the ecosystem.”

Another important part of his application process, he says, was preparing for the standardized test and knowing when to ask for help. “I thought I was going to apply in Round 1, but I wasn’t happy with my Executive Assessment (EA) score. So, I sought out tutoring to improve my score enough to apply in Round 2,” Marco explains.
Knowing when to ask for help has continued to be crucial throughout his journey. “In my first year, I struggled with some quantitative subjects, but a member of my learning team helped me understand the material. I went to his house every week and we’d work together. Wharton EMBA students are collaborative, and we’re all committed to each other’s success,” he says. The program, he adds, forms a tight-knit community. “It’s an amazing place with a unique student body. My classmates are my inspiration and have become family. That’s why I want to make sure to give back to other military applicants by increasing awareness and supporting them through the process because this is an incredible opportunity.”

– Meghan Laska

Posted: November 4, 2024

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Marco Segura, WG’25

Photo Credit: NOSC San Jose

Hometown

Lima, Peru

Major/Program

EMBA student at Wharton’s San Francisco campus

Currently

Navy veteran

 Senior Assistant Vice President of Corporate & Investment Banking at Wells Fargo’s Confirmations Team

Tillman Scholar

Leader of the Wharton Veterans Club

Previous Education

Undergraduate degree University of Virginia, Masters Degree Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Law Degree Santa Clara University School of Law

Explore Wharton’s EMBA Program

If you are a veteran or military student, we invite you to register for our upcoming Veterans Webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8:30pm ET to learn more about Wharton’s EMBA program.

If you have questions for Marco, he can be reached at: masegura@wharton.upenn.edu

Wharton Stories

A Brand Built by Fathers and Sons

Image: Clement Pappas, WG'09, in the foreground of his personal distillery, which also doubles as a bar and tasting lounge. (Courtesy of Clement Pappas)
“Somehow, over the generations, everyone has young kids, and somehow, everybody comes out just fine.” – Clement Pappas, WG’09

A hard work ethic has driven Wharton Executive MBA alumnus Clement Pappas, WG’09, to follow in his father’s footsteps as a business owner while raising two sons himself. His sense of loyalty and his philanthropy have built his vodka brand, Stateside, into a nationwide presence, and the company recently debuted Surfside, a “ready to drink” alcoholic beverage that Forbes has called the “fastest-growing canned cocktail.” Last year, roughly 2.5 cases of Surfside were sold every minute.

Pappas sponsors Major League Baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves, and donates to up to 10 local charity events a week. But the most personal way in which he gives back is through the Peter Joseph Pappas Fund, a research-grant fund named for his first son, whom the family lost to complications from HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia. “It’s a way to honor Peter,” he says. “We continue to keep his memory alive.”

Today, Lauren and Clement’s sons Paul and Joey are five and seven. 

Balancing the business and fatherhood keeps Pappas busier than ever, but the time he spent pursuing Wharton’s Executive MBA program was invaluable despite the crush, he says: “Somehow, over the generations, everyone has young kids, and somehow, everybody comes out just fine. Same thing for people going through WEMBA. They come out loving the experience. It is a lot to juggle, but you find a way — and you’ll be happy that you did it.”

This story is by Joanna Blaz. Read more at Wharton Magazine.

Posted: June 14, 2024

Wharton Magazine

Pappas with his wife Lauren and sons Paul (right) and Joey (left). Image courtesy of Clement Pappas)

Wharton Stories

How an Executive Navigates Identity and Inclusion in Business

Image: Hig Roberts, WG’ 25, competes on the World Cup Circuit, Alta Badia, Italy. (Agence Zoom)
“There are a lot of changes I would like to see and be a part of in sports. The diversity of thought that Wharton provides is crucial for me at this point in my career.” – Hig Roberts, WG’25

By age 23, Hig Roberts, WG’25, had already achieved what many elite skiers only dream of—competing on the World Cup circuit. He went on to win two national slalom titles and serve as an alternate at the 2018 Olympics before hanging up his skis to pursue a new track. In 2020, Hig became the first professional men’s alpine skier to publicly come out as gay, a milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in winter sports. 

Now, as a Wharton MBA candidate, he’s aiming to create more space for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, women, and underrepresented athletes in the sports industry. Hig shares why he is pursuing his Executive MBA from the Wharton School, what it means to be a role model for young athletes and sports executives, and how to manage work and school as a new father.

Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA at this point in your career?

I love learning from smart people. My years working as an athlete and agent have given me incredible experiences, and ultimately, I love the competitive, fast-paced nature of the industry. In sports, we are surrounded by people who are similar to us; we all want to win and be the best. I wanted to learn from people who come from different backgrounds than I did, and who may approach opportunities differently. Wasserman is a leading agency in the Olympic space and I wanted a top-tier MBA program which would allow me to keep working full-time while learning valuable new skills.

Roberts with his learning team in the San Francisco cohort at their Fed Challenge in Year 1’s Macroeconomics class. Pictured from left to right: Hig Roberts, Kelly Kamienski, Prakash Chockalingam, Toms Zvidrins, Molly Gosse, Zifu Wang (Image: Hig Roberts)

I chose Wharton to give me the best foundation in management, teamwork, operations, and broader organizational strategy. There are a lot of changes I would like to see and be a part of in sports. The diversity of thought that Wharton provides is crucial for me at this point in my career.

What inspired you to come out at this stage in your life?

I struggled a lot as an athlete trying to reconcile who I was as a person and who the world wanted me to be. What does it mean to be an all-star athlete? Growing up, I was praised for my athletic achievements, while internally struggling with my identity. After I left the sport, I lost my younger brother tragically and suddenly. His loss has the biggest impact on me. It makes me realize that life is short and we only have one shot at it. When I came out, I felt empowered and learned a huge lesson: people are better than you think.

Roberts skis with his partner, Luke Macfarlane in Kitzbühel, Austria in 2024 (Image: Hig Roberts)

I was so hesitant to come out as an athlete but have felt remarkably supported working in this industry as an openly gay man. There’s a huge movement in sports happening and we can see attitudes transforming. I’ve always known sports to be the most prime arena for acceptance– after all, the clock does not care who you are, but how hard you are trying. I want to give back to the space, serve as a role model, and put more power in the hands of athletes who have traditionally been left out of the sports industry.

Any highlights from your first year in the Wharton MBA Program for Executives?

It’s really special to get back into the classroom and meet so many new people. My classmates have seen success already in their careers and know who they are. Like me, they’re curious about learning more, rounding out their weaknesses, and enhancing their strengths. We chose this program because it’s the real deal. It’s challenging and competitive, but the environment is incredibly collaborative. 

The WEMBA 49ers Soccer Team playing before classes. (Image: Hig Roberts)

I feel confident saying that I have the best learning team to ever be assembled. We have a U.S. Diplomat, a CFO, an energy engineer, a Googler, and a preeminent Vanguard rockstar. We’re all so different not just in professional background, but also in the way we problem solve. It’s incredibly humbling having these profound conversations with classmates at lunch or walking to a class. I constantly think how lucky I am to be in the same room as them.

What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating the professional landscape?

I always try to hold the positive mindset that people are better than you think they are. There is no reason to underestimate the good in people. I have found that people are more willing to accept me and care about what makes me “me”. 

Roberts stands with his partner, Luke Macfarlane, at the finish line of the 2024 NYC Marathon. The couple raised over 20K for Beyond Type 1 Diabetes in honor of Roberts’ late brother, Murphy. (Image: Hig Roberts)

Ownership of who I am and my story is so critical to the well-being of myself, my family, my team, and my company.  Sure, sometimes it feels exhausting to come out and be that person, that representative for the community. But I didn’t see athletes or executives doing it in the sports world when I was young, so I want to make sure I show up now. If I can impact one person, it is all worth it. At Wharton, there is a healthy LGBTQ+ alumni community across the country and world, and I’m proud to be part of it.   

What is it like being a student and balancing life as a new parent?

It’s all about perspective. My husband and I welcomed our baby daughter last year during the first week of class. When I got to campus, I quickly found out four other classmates recently had babies and two more were expecting children that summer. I felt the immense pressure melt away when I realized I wasn’t alone. Even better, I am now part of the most amazing network of parents. 

Roberts, center, with his learning team. All are participants in a bike-building community service event, which occurs during every EMBA student’s first week of classes in Philadelphia. (Image: Hig Roberts)

Every class weekend, we get together to swap stories, the good and the ugly. Balancing work, school, and parenthood has given me a perspective unlike any other throughout my life. Like many athletes and MBA students, I consider myself a go-getter and sometimes bite off more than I can chew. Having a child has slowed me down and helped me realize what can wait until tomorrow and what can’t. 

– Kendra King

Posted: June 7, 2024

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Hig Roberts, WG’25 (Image: Hig Roberts)

Currently: Sports Agent, Wasserman
Based in: Los Angeles, CA
EMBA Cohort: San Francisco
Previous Education: Bachelor of Arts, Economics and American Studies, Middlebury College

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