Wharton Stories: Finance

Prof. Kent Smetters in conversation with former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan at Perry World House in 2019 (Image Credit: Wharton Alumni Magazine)
“We teach you how to think critically, how to use data effectively, and how to adapt. That way, when your industry shifts — and it will — you’ll have the knowledge and skills required to innovate and lead the way forward,” says Prof. Kent Smetters.

Prof. Kent Smetters Challenges EMBA Students to Think Like Economists

Brad Mears, WG’26, (Center, Rear) ringing the bell with his Figure coworkers. (Image Credit: Nasdaq, Inc.)
“When I joined my company, we were small and growing fast. Now, the opportunities ahead are bigger and more complex than when I started, which makes the timing of Wharton even more relevant,” says Brad Mears, WG’26.

How This Veteran Is Building Business Acumen With Wharton’s EMBA Program for the Next Stage of Growth

Alex Daie
Within two months of graduating, Alex Daie, WG’24, transitioned from flying jets for the US Navy to becoming the CFO of a $100-million revenue business.

From Cockpits to C-Suites: How Wharton’s EMBA Propelled a Military Career into Finance Leadership

A person in military camouflage holds a stack of books with the American flag in the background, symbolizing education and service.
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.

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

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“This is the kind of program you would never get to do on your own. I learned about leadership and teamwork from some of the most courageous people in the world.” – Siddhant Jain Jaiswal, WG’24

EMBA Student Shares His FDNY Wharton Leadership Venture Experience

A Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania sign is displayed prominently, with palm trees and a bridge in the background.
“While this program is a challenge, it’s also a once in a lifetime opportunity. You’ll make lifelong friends, join the world’s largest business school alumni network, and learn more than you thought possible.” – Maria Devassy, WG’23

How This Tech Industry Expert Found Value in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives

The image depicts the American flag waving in the wind, featuring red and white stripes with white stars on a blue field. A close-up of a single embroidered star is shown in an inset.
“The best part about serving in the military is the people you serve with, and I’ve found this same sense of comradery with my fellow Wharton vets. From day one, we became a very close-knit group.” – Gia DeHart, WG’24

Honoring Veteran Students in the Wharton MBA Program for Executives

A group of six people is walking together on a tree-lined pathway, smiling and appearing to enjoy a casual outing.
“The members of my learning team came into Orientation Week as strangers to one another and left as a family… I left orientation feeling lucky that I get to embark on this journey with the support of my team and the class overall.” -Naquan Ishman, WG’24

An Inside Look at the Wharton MBA Program for Executives’ Orientation Week

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Marlene Avitia, WG’20, says, “Diversity is important because it provides new perspectives. Wharton embraces inclusivity and creates a melting pot of people in the EMBA cohorts.”

How Diversity Adds Value to Wharton’s EMBA Program for this Strategy Executive

Five students in business casual sit and talk on a striped orange couch.
Marc Rodriguez, WG’20, came to Wharton for his career at the Federal Reserve Board, but says the friendships he’s formed are a “tremendous benefit.”

How Wharton is Adding Value for this Bank Regulator