Wharton Stories » Visionary Leadership in Wharton’s First Global Modular Course in Saudi Arabia
Wharton Stories
Visionary Leadership in Wharton’s First Global Modular Course in Saudi Arabia
Image: Photo credit KSA GMC Participants
Discover how a Wharton’s student innovative leadership and storytelling have brought Wharton’s academic vision to life.
Meet Nawf Alzaid, a visionary second-year MBA candidate from Wharton, whose dedication to impactful storytelling has set the stage for Wharton’s pioneering journey into Saudi Arabia. As the designer and leader of Wharton’s first-ever Global Modular Course (GMC) in the Kingdom, Nawf turned an aspirational idea from her admissions interview into a groundbreaking academic reality. Through this course, she has provided her peers with a unique lens into Saudi Arabia’s transformative Vision 2030. Join us as we delve into Nawf’s journey, the inception of the Saudi GMC, and its extraordinary impact on Wharton’s global engagement.
Wharton Launches Social Impact Practicum for EMBA Students
Image: Online class with Prof. David Rhode (Credit: David Rhode)
“The nonprofit sector is a major part of the global economy. This course gives students the chance to gain practical experience and fill in a missing piece of the puzzle for those interested in social impact,” says David Rhode.
Curriculum innovation takes many exciting forms, but few are as transformative as the new Social Impact Consulting Practicum. Born from the ambition of EMBA students determined to harness their MBA skills for greater societal impact, this initiative represents a powerful blend of education and purpose, paving the way for future business leaders to drive meaningful change.
To spearhead the course, Wharton tappedDavid Rhode, WG’11, a seasoned nonprofit leader and author ofPassion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders. After earning his MBA from Wharton, David spent nearly a decade scaling Pitch in for Baseball and Softball, a nonprofit organization, before transitioning into nonprofit consulting and teaching a course on Nonprofit Branding at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice.
“I said ‘yes’ right away because this was an incredible opportunity to support Wharton’s EMBA program in an area I’m truly passionate about,” says David.
Launched in the winter of 2025, the practicum brings together students from all three EMBA cohorts—East, West, and Global—and offers them a chance to dive deep into the nonprofit sector. Topics covered include board development, fundraising strategies, and nonprofit founding principles, with guest speakers from the sector enriching the learning experience by sharing their own stories.
Alexandria Moffitt with her team during the Naval Postgraduate School Joint Interagency Field Experimentation Exercise. From left to right – Joe Taverner (U.S. Special Operations Skillbridge Fellow), Alex Moffitt (Co-Founder & CEO of Clara Copilot), and Tyson Myhres (Co-Founder & CTO of Clara Copilot) Credit: Alex Moffitt
In this course, students collaborate in teams to offer pro bono consulting to nonprofits. Each team tackles a live project, such as helping a Philadelphia school increase revenue by renting event space, assisting a youth soccer club expand their after-school programs, or conducting a fundraising assessment for a West Coast nonprofit. These projects allow students to apply classroom lessons to real-world situations, sharpening both their consulting and social impact skills.
While experience in the nonprofit sector isn’t a prerequisite for the course, many students come with considerable backgrounds in social impact work. Some lead charitable foundations, others serve on nonprofit boards, and some aspire to found their own organizations. According to David, this diversity of experiences significantly enriches classroom discussions. “The level of dialogue is elevated by the wide variety of backgrounds my students bring,” he says. “I’m learning just as much from them as they are from me.”
Alexandria Moffitt, WG’25, is a great example. As cofounder and CEO of Clara Copilot, Alexandria is taking the course to help launch a nonprofit called Sybil Collective focused on supporting other female veteran founders emerging in the intersection of technology and national security. “This course provides immediate value to the process of navigating a new nonprofit. From board creation to fundraising strategy, I have taken lessons from this course and brought them immediately to conversations with my cofounders,” she says.
Sabrina Aggarwal, WG’25, is also finding value in this course: “With a background in social impact, I was thrilled to discover this new course at Wharton—an opportunity to bridge my passion for driving meaningful change with the power of business development. Attending and graduating from Wharton is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. As business leaders, we have an obligation to leverage our expertise to create lasting, positive change and leave the world better than we found it.”
David’s goal for the practicum is for students to leave with a comprehensive understanding of the nonprofit sector and the skills necessary to succeed within it. “As many students will likely start their nonprofit careers as board members, I make sure to provide clear insights into the responsibilities and expectations of that role,” he explains.
“The nonprofit sector is a major part of the global economy,” David adds. “This course gives students the chance to gain practical experience and fill in a missing piece of the puzzle for those interested in social impact.”
Courses: Social Impact Consulting Practicum (Wharton); Nonprofit Branding (Penn School of Social Policy and Practice)
Author: Passion Isn’t Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders
Currently: Founder of Dot Dot Org; Deputy Director, PennPAC;
Education: Georgetown University, BS Business Administration/Marketing; The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, MBA
Wharton Stories
Wharton EMBA Alums Leverage Education and Network to Launch VC Fund
Image: Kyle Mounts
“We are a testament to the strength of Wharton relationships and using what we learned in class to build financial businesses that are really thriving,” says Aaron Ishikawa, WG’21.
Aaron Ishikawa, WG’21, discovered a passion for entrepreneurship while working on special technology development projects at a leading consulting firm. Coming to Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives, his goal was to transition from the corporate world into full-time entrepreneurship. Similarly, Kyle Mounts, WG’21, entered Wharton’s EMBA program to pivot from a corporate role into entrepreneurship.
Although they were in different cohorts, the Wharton program brought them together. At the time, EMBA students from the Philadelphia and San Francisco cohorts were organizing in-person meetups across the country to facilitate collaboration due to COVID restrictions on campus. It was at a meetup in Salt Lake City, UT, where Kyle and Aaron met.
At the time, Kyle was building a Single Family Office and Private Equity Firm, iGnosis Capital, which had begun to invest heavily in the progress of Advanced Air Mobility and commercial drones across the state of NC. Aaron, with his prior experience in aerospace and defense, found common ground with Kyle. As they got to know each other better, they realized there was an opportunity to build something meaningful together.
Aaron and Kyle with David Mounts Gonzalez, Dan Edwards, Esina Alic, Michael Baughan, Andrei Illias, Basil Yap, and David Dacquino Credit: Kyle Mounts
After graduating, Kyle launchedAero X Ventures, a venture firm focused on deep tech within the Aerospace and Defense industry and invited Aaron to join as a full-time partner leading the Investment Team.
“Initially, I brought Aaron on as an advisor, but I quickly realized that I couldn’t build the brand without him,” says Kyle. “He became an integral part of the team, which is composed of several Wharton alumni, including my father, David Mounts Gonzalez, WG’04, as well as classmates Andrew Anton, WG’21, and Andre Illias, WG’21 and Penn alumna Courtney Spaeth.” The firm has also brought on several Wharton undergraduate students as interns.
So far, the firm has made 12 investments out of its first fund and is leveraging their momentum and early success to raise a $100 million second fund.
Building on their achievements with Aero X Ventures, Kyle and Aaron recently launchedSingularity Capital Advisors, an M&A advisory firm that leverages the extensive network and expertise of their collective industry experience. The firm focuses on providing insights into market opportunities and potential exits for clients in Defense and National Security. In addition to Aaron and Kyle, Sachin Agarwal, WG’21, joined as partner, and Wharton alumni Dan Edwards, WG’13, Sarah Anderson, WG’21, Anton, and Illias are on the advising team.
Kyle points out that Singularity Capital Advisors actually started as an investment and advisory practice for early-stage companies, which was created out ofProf. Robert Chalfin’s class on Entrepreneurship through Acquisition.
“We used our classes to learn the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as well as make meaningful connections with classmates who have been valuable collaborators,” he says.
Aaron agrees that the fund and advisory firm are a testament to the strength of Wharton relationships and using what they learned in class to build financial businesses that are thriving.
Currently: General Partner, Aero X Ventures; Partner, Singularity Capital Advisors
Based In: Los Angeles, CA
EMBA Cohort: San Francisco
Previous Education: University of Southern California, B.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering; University of Southern California, MS Systems Architecture & Engineering
Kyle Mounts, WG’21 (Credit: Kyle Mounts)
Kyle Mounts, WG’21
Currently: General Partner & CIO, Aero X Ventures; Managing Partner, Singularity Capital Advisors
Based In: Miami, FL
EMBA Cohort: Philadelphia
Previous Education: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, B.B.A. Finance
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.”
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.
Cara Costello, Director of Executive Careers Photo Credit: Wharton SchoolColleen 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
“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 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 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.”
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 ourSan Francisco Cohort, the historic University of Pennsylvania campus with ourPhiladelphia Cohort, or expanding their global perspective with ourGlobal 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,” saysRichard Waterman, Deputy Vice Dean for Wharton’s EMBA Program. “These connections enrich the learning experience and benefit students throughout their careers,”
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 throughelective 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.
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 breakson 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.
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.”
Previous Education: Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Boston University; MS, Manufacturing Engineering, MIT
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.
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.
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.
