Wharton Stories » First-Year Advice: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Wharton Stories
First-Year Advice: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Image: Image: Weining Ding, W'27
Rising second-year Araash Ahuja, W’27, gives incoming students his advice to help them navigate their first year at Penn.
Having just wrapped up my first year, I can share some advice I wish I had paid more attention to as an incoming student. Club events, career treks, interviews, and study sessions frequently shaped my first year. It’s was a rewarding time and that excites me for the coming fall.
Academics: Your classes are what you make of them
MGMT 1010 Recitation (Image: Araash Ahuja)
MGMT 1010 Recitation (Image: Araash Ahuja)Wharton offers a wide range of classes, and as a first year, your class selection is crucial. I started with Professor Thomas Donaldson’s LGST 1000 and Professor Xu Han’s MGMT 1010, both of which gave me a taste of Wharton’s disciplines and helped me identify my interests. For instance, Professor Donaldson’s class sparked my interest in business ethics and company values.
All Penn first years must take a writing seminar class, so choose a topic that fascinates you. We have writing seminars on diverse topics like the NBA and language death. Use this opportunity to explore your interests.
Your classes are what you make of them. For the most part, attendance and engagement are on you. You should build a routine and stick to it. Nothing works better than habit. I recommend using Google Calendar.
Classes are not just about academics but also a great way to make friends. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with your classmates from the beginning. Everyone is in the same boat, eager to make friends but often unsure how to initiate. Some of my closest friends are from my fall-semester classes. These friendships started with class projects and study groups and evolved into Center City meet-ups, spike-ball hangouts, and even a coordinated Winter Break ski trip. So, don’t underestimate the social aspect of classes.
Lastly, plan your classes. Talk to multiple upper-level students. Use Penn Course Review and Penn Course Plan, platforms designed by Penn students, to make the scheduling experience easier. Your schedule should be a product of informed decisions. I suggest taking at least one class per semester that covers something different than what you may be inclined to. This fall, for example, I’ll be taking Professor Duckworth’s Grit Lab, a foray into the psychology of perseverance.
Clubs: Apply to ones that cover an array of your interests
PEVC’s Warburg Pincus visit (Image: Araash Ahuja)
Just a handful of clubs are enough to learn all you need and more. Dedicate yourselves to the few you get into, and make sure you apply to clubs that cover an array of your interests. Clubs are far more than finance related.
Clubs have notoriously cumbersome and competitive application processes. Shoot for the ones that interest you. Stay encouraged if you do not get in. Join the club’s GBM (general body member) program and reapply in the spring. If you get in, awesome! There is a mountain of information to learn and upper-level students to get advice from. You have a lot ahead of you.
Adopting a very systematic approach to clubs worked well for me. I calmly accepted my rejections and happily celebrated my admissions.
Some of my favorite clubs included Wharton Undergraduate Private Equity and Venture Capital Club (PEVC), Reach at Penn, and Wharton Investment & Trading Group (WITG). At PEVC, I learned finance and accounting principles and worked on automated-email sending and other tasks the Corporate Outreach team. I also attended our career trek to NYC (before then, I could not even recount the last time I woke up at 4 a.m.). Reach is a great marketing club with consulting opportunities, too. The environment and people are equally uplifting. My involvement with WITG has taught me a lot about fundamental real-estate-specific technicals and opened up my PMs (project managers) as invaluable mentors.
Dorm Life: Living with people my age
How my Lauder room looked on my move-in day (Image: Araash Ahuja)
With no past boarding-school experience, I was excited about living with people my age. Luckily, I received my first choice house, Lauder College House. I live in a suite with three other roommates. Establishing a cleaning schedule, getting to know my roommates-turned-friends, and befriending other Lauder residents was a process and not quite straightforward, in all honesty. Still, everything worked out well.
Lauder offers a balance of social life and independence. Understanding this balance and recognizing what you might envision preferring in a college dorm experience is crucial.
When it comes to building your housing preference list, here are some factors to consider: proximity to planned classes (e.g., a Stouffer resident will have a considerable walk to Engineering classes), social life, dorm amenities, and roommate preference (I roomed with my friend from high school and two randomly assigned roommates).
General Advice: Don’t chase normalization
Trying a Moroccan restaurant with friends (Image: Araash Ahuja)
Most first years have a set of expectations as they enter college. I want to study these majors, join these clubs, have these careers, be friends with these kinds of people, etc. What only one year at Wharton has revealed, though, is never to let these initial, often unfounded assumptions for college be self-fulfilling. That’s a hard ask — many first-year students succumb to this rat race of getting into traditional finance clubs and following the associated internship and job pursuits. This is precisely what some want to do, which is perfect. Others may not be sure, yet this ultra-competitive funneling present early in the fall molds them to follow “coveted” industry standards.
My most crucial advice to you is this: don’t chase normalization. Some of the best experiences and friendships I’ve made at Wharton came from stepping outside my comfort zone. I formed a close bond with a friend from Jordan after taking a course on Asian-American Activism out of sheer interest. I found a mentor in a graduating senior by approaching him in Managerial Economics. I discovered my vast interest in options markets and began a trading group only after talking about markets with a classmate. It’s wonderful to work towards something together as long as your motives for doing so are inherently yours.
Favorite place on campus to hang out: Seating outside Commons
Must-haves in your dorm room: Speaker, fan, and LEDs
Can’t-miss activities: Amazing Cohort Race, Club Fair, and Spring Fling
Favorite study spot: Huntsman GSRs
Off-campus recs: Eat at Asad’s Hot Chicken or Pattaya, order from Naz’s Halal, and visit Cira Green and Rittenhouse Square
Favorite class:STAT 4050 with Professor Padmanabhan
Must-do when selecting class: Read past classes’ syllabi and see the kind of work or research the professors for the classes have done
Wharton Stories
Bridging Ambitions and Innovations: Semester in San Francisco
Image: simonkr
“The SSF program is uniquely designed for students like me who are deeply passionate and looking for pivotal opportunities in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and technology. It provided a rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Bay Area’s dynamic tech scene.” — Sunny Jiang, WG’24
During the Fall 2023, I embarked on an extraordinary journey with a cohort of like-minded students as part of the Semester in San Francisco (SSF) Program. Nestled in the heart of the world’s technology and innovation hub, this program was more than a unique academic endeavor; it was one of the most significant chapters of my Wharton experience; filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories with lifelong cohort friends.
The SSF program is uniquely designed for students like me who are deeply passionate and looking for pivotal opportunities in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and technology. It provided a rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Bay Area’s dynamic tech scene with a campus a block from the iconic Bay Bridge and a short drive from Silicon Valley . This experience wasn’t confined to classroom walls; it was about venturing out into the industry, connecting with leaders, and gaining insights that are only possible through firsthand interaction. Looking back, there are the three most valuable aspects of the SSF experience: 1) immersive real-world learning opportunities in technology and innovation; 2) tailored academic offerings and access to world-class faculty members; 3) lasting memories through activities on the West Coast.
Sunny and her 2023 SSF Cohort. (Image: Sunny Jian)
Real-world Learning Opportunities
Proximity creates opportunities. One of the most enriching aspects of the program was the closeness to the world’s most bustling entrepreneurial ecosystem. We were blocks away from a wide network of venture capitalists, startup founders, and tech executives. Every week during lectures, we had Wharton alumni who are industry leaders in innovation come to campus, sharing with us their career journey and industry insights. C-level executives regularly visited campus as guest speakers to connect with us and discuss the real-world challenges they’re solving day in and day out.
Internships played a crucial role in our experiential learning. More than half of the cohort, including myself, leveraged the opportunity to work for startups and venture capital funds. The flexible class schedule allowed students to maximize their time in harnessing internship opportunities. These in-semester internships gave us the opportunity to apply classroom theories; and serve as a testbed for our entrepreneurial skills and a chance to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge projects.
Sunny and her classmates on the last day of classes during SSF. (Image: Sunny Jiang)
My fellow students in the SSF cohort all proactively leveraged their networks in the Bay area to organize student-run treks and contributed to collective learning. We frequently drove down to Silicon Valley to visit companies and host happy hours with alumni. These events opened additional avenues for networking and learning, allowing us to engage with industry leaders who are shaping the future of technology.
Tailored And Immersive Academic Offerings
The program provides class offerings that are tailored towards the professional interests of SSF students. A lineup of top Wharton professors flies to SF each week and teaches a customized curriculum. Our academic offerings included Scaling Operations from Gad Allon, Venture Capital and the Finance of Innovation from David Wessels, Strategy Equity Finance from David Musto and Dave Erickson, and Marketing Strategy for Technology Platforms from Pinar Yildirim.
Sunny (center) at a small group dinner with Professor Gad Allon. (Image: Sunny Jiang)
The connection with professors was another cornerstone of SSF program. Our relationships with faculty members were significantly enhanced by the program’s intimate setting. We discussed trending innovation topics over small group dinners and morning office hours, which provided a unique setting to discuss academic topics, personal development, and aspirations. These interactions helped us to gain insights from our professors’ vast experiences and wisdom, adding a personal touch to our professional growth.
Building Lifelong Friendship and Memories
Beyond academics and professional growth, the semester was also full of personal connections and fun. The friends I made within the cohort are one of the top reasons I chose to do the SSF Program. Similar career interests and hobbies helped us bond on the first day. There were a ton of fun group activities, from story-teller nights to themed parties and cultural celebrations.
The memorable experiences our cohort shared outside the classroom helped us embrace the special opportunities made accessible by being in the Bay area during the fall season. We hiked the breathtaking trails of North California, sailed on the serene waters of the San Francisco Bay, and created moments of joy and camaraderie which played a critical role in balancing the rigorous demand of our MBA program with creating deep, meaningful, and lifelong relationships.
The chance to explore entrepreneurship, technology, and recruiting in the Bay Area — it’s what draws many MBA students to the Semester in San Francisco program.
The learning opportunities extend beyond classrooms on campus to business networking events, connections with entrepreneurs, and full immersion in the West Coast and Silicon Valley scenes.
About a third of students take internships with local companies during the program.
Some get a headstart by securing summer gigs, and almost all take advantage of recruiting, site visits, and career treks throughout the region.
Wharton Stories
How MBA Students Make the Most Out of Summer Internships
Image: da-kuk
“The mentorship and guidance I’m receiving this summer are setting me up for success in a full-time role and confirming my interest in working at the intersection of Product, Strategy, and Tech.” — Karina Patel, WG’25
The summer between the first and second year of the Wharton MBA program marks an exciting time for students. After spending their first year acclimating to a new city, working on projects with new classmates, and building their network, students spend the summer putting knowledge into practice in their summer internships. By obtaining an internship, students have the chance to showcase their new business skills, and potentially secure a full-time role upon graduation.
Below, read how three current students are spending their summer and gaining valuable experience through their internships.
Simran Ahuja, WG’25 Corporate Strategy Intern, Humana
What projects/assignments are you supporting this summer?
I am working on the GenAI strategy for Humana across the insurance, primary care and home health business. The company’s goal is to realize $1B net value improvement through GenAI initiatives and I am working on identifying use-cases and to inform the build vs buy decision.
In addition, my manager is WG’10 and was very excited about my learnings from Professor Ethan Mollick’s class on AI that I took last semester and so, I have also been asked to identify internal GenAI use-cases for the Corporate Strategy team and build a business case.
How is this internship supporting your post-MBA career plans?
Through my work in consulting and as an operator in the healthcare space, I’ve been driven by the mission of making healthcare accessible, affordable, and understandable. My time at Wharton has been spent deepening my understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, and this role at Humana feels like a natural progression.
The payer/provider dynamic in the U.S. is unique and unlike anywhere else in the world. I see this internship as a launchpad to arm and enable myself to improve health outcomes for the population segments that need it the most, and to go deeper into the system here.
Elizabeth Niersbach, WG’25 Global Menu Strategy Intern, McDonald’s
How did you find your summer internship?
I used Wharton Career Management to navigate the complexities of recruiting in another area of the country (the Midwest). To find my role at McDonald’s, I primarily used LinkedIn to connect with current employees and learn more about the organization ahead of interviewing.
How is this internship supporting your post-MBA career plans?
This role will allow me to get tactical experience in marketing and consumer-forward goods ahead of my return to consulting. This is a brand-new industry and type of work for me, and I’m eager to learn if it’s what I hope to specialize in post-MBA. Working for a brand with a large global scale and diverse business was incredibly important to me as I considered my opportunities to really learn what it means to lead an organization.
What projects/assignments are you supporting this summer?
This summer, I am a Senior Product Manager intern for Amazon Renewed, a trusted destination for pre-owned, refurbished products. My projects involve improving customer experience, enhancing product quality standards, and developing strategies to increase customer trust in refurbished items. I am excited to work on initiatives that drive sustainability and provide customers with high-quality, affordable alternatives to new products.
How did you find your summer internship?
I primarily used Wharton’s internal job portal to search for summer internships. I applied to all the Product Manager roles available, which fortunately included most of the companies I was interested in. After submitting several applications, I received an interview invite from Amazon. With the support of fellow Wharton students and the Career Management office, I prepared through mock interviews, which helped me feel confident in my skills and experiences.
Additionally, I participated in coffee chats arranged by Career Management and joined career treks to build my tech network. These experiences were invaluable in securing my internship and gaining a deeper understanding of the tech industry.
How is this internship supporting your post-MBA career plans?
When I applied to business school, my short-term career goal was to pivot from Consulting to a Product Manager role in tech. This internship is a direct step towards that goal, giving me the chance to experience the PM role first-hand. The mentorship and guidance I’m receiving this summer are setting me up for success in a full-time role and confirming my interest in working at the intersection of Product, Strategy, and Tech.
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
Dual Degree Wharton Student Takes on Nursing Summer Internship
Image: Image: MIND_AND_I
“The knowledge and experience that I have gained from the CASE Summer Internship program will definitely translate and help in many potential careers following graduation.” – William Xi, Nu’27, W’27
Every summer, Penn’s office of Development and Alumni Relations partners with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) to host the Penn/CASE Advancement Internship program. Designed to diversify and attract students to a career in institutional advancement while strengthening the higher ed advancement profession overall, this summer Penn Nursing/Wharton student William Xi, Nu’27, W’27, was placed with Penn Medicine’s development professionals.
The UPenn Nursing Department recently sat down with William to get the inside-scoop on how things are going, what he is learning, and where he’ll go from here.
As a student in the dual degree Nursing Healthcare Management program, what drew you to the CASE Summer Internship program and the chance to play a role in educational advancement?
I heard about the eight-week CASE Summer Internship through my job as an Engagement Ambassador for the student fundraising office. The opportunity to work in a very niche field and really expand on my experience as an Engagement Ambassador in a healthcare-related space in the Penn Medicine office is what drew me to the CASE Summer internship.
What are your specific advancement project(s) at Penn Medicine and UPHS during the internship—and what does a typical day look like for you so far?
The specific advancement projects at Penn Medicine and UPHS revolve around data management, artificial intelligence, and social media engagement. On a typical day, I arrive early at the office, start working on projects, and have a number of meetings (check-ins, department meetings, business lunches, etc.) throughout the workday.
How are you drawing on your education from Penn Nursing and Wharton as you approach solutions and look at challenges related to institutional advancement?
My education at Penn Nursing and Wharton has significantly shaped my problem-solving approach in advancing initiatives. My nursing education has instilled a keen attention to detail, enabling me to efficiently address various challenges. Concurrently, my experience at Wharton has helped me look at problems through a long-term lens, particularly through the marketing principles I learned last semester, which have been instrumental in tackling issues related to engagement and alumni relations.
The Turner Impact Portfolio Challenge Leads in ESG
Image: Turner Impact Portfolio Challenge judge Mary Stokes announces the winning and runner-up teams. Pictured from left to right: Kendall Thompson, Michaela Flynn, Mai Kruvi, and Chase Johnson from Bard College and Abhishek Raj from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. (Shira Yudkoff Photography)
“The Turner Impact Portfolio Challenge serves as a beacon of hope for a more equitable and sustainable future.” – Dean Erika James
Increasingly, institutional investors are seeking to make impact across asset classes: venture capital, public equities, fixed income, alternatives, and more. Enter the Turner Impact Portfolio Challenge (TIPC).
Now in its sixth year, TIPC is a year-long, graduate student ESG investing competition produced by the ESG Initiative at the Wharton School and supported by naming sponsors Bobby and Lauren Turner and founding corporate sponsor Bank of America.
Hundreds of students gather at Wharton’s Huntsman Hall for a full day of programming. (Image: Shira Yudkoff Photography)
This year, 175 students spanning over 40 teams from 16 universities across the U.S. participated in total. These students join hundreds of TIPC alumni across the country who have completed the program.
And the Winner is…
Michaela Flynn, Chase Johnson, Mai Kruvi, and Kendall Thompson from Bard College won the competition with a portfolio that aimed to meet the financial, decarbonization, and impact goals of the pension fund through activist positions in utilities, shareholder advocacy, and a gender lens when selecting assets and asset managers.
Judges for the 2024 competition included Nicholas Ashburn (Head of Responsible Investing and Managing Director, AMG Investment Office at PNC Bank), Mary Stokes (Managing Director and Institutional Market Investment Executive, Institutional Investments at Bank of America), and Bonnie Treichel (Chief Solutions Officer at Endeavor Retirement).
This story is by Emma Davis. Read more at Wharton’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) page here.
Each year, the program invites student teams to put theory into practice and incorporate ESG factors in portfolio construction. This year’s cohort was tasked with transitioning a fictional state pension fund portfolio to net zero by 2050; maximizing ESG impact; and maintaining the fund’s strong investment performance.
Prof. Tyler Wry (left) and Bobby Turner, W’84, (right) kick off the finals event with a keynote address and fireside chat. (Image: Shira Yudkoff Photography)
“Many business school students will go on to work in portfolio management,” said Bobby Turner, W’84, sponsor of TIPC. “Their ability to understand impact and ESG factors in their investment analysis makes them desirable hires for businesses where these factors are of growing importance.”
The student teams spent the academic year identifying specific securities, funds, and investments to include in their client’s portfolio. In addition, they were charged with demonstrating how the portfolio meets the pension fund’s impact goals, financial return goals, target asset allocation, and risk tolerance.
Wharton Stories
Building Belonging: An Undergrad Creates Community for Students
Image: University of Pennsylvania Outdoors Club trip to Shenandoah (Laura Brodkey)
Laura Brodkey, W’25, is a natural community builder who creates spaces for students to be their authentic selves and make connections.
You’ll mostly likely find Laura Brodkey in the great outdoors backpacking or hiking, but not just because she loves spending time in nature.
“What I find most exciting is getting other people to build connections with others in those settings,” she said. “It pushes them out of their comfort zone and makes them spend a lot of time together without distractions.”
The rising fourth-year is passionate about forming intentional communities at Penn. That passion led the outdoor enthusiast to be involved in PennQuest and Penn Outdoors Club. Additionally, Brodkey is an instructor for Outward Bound, leading backpacking trips that emphasize leadership development and growth.
PennQuest gear return (Image: Laura Brodkey)
The Pittsburgh native is a mentor in PennQuest, a pre-orientation program aimed at fostering connections among incoming first-years through outdoor activities. Brodkey guides students through outdoor adventures and bonding activities, helping them establish a support network before starting their academic journey at Penn.
“By the time they come to Penn, they have this support network of mentors and friends, who really know them for who they are,” Brodkey says of the first-years. “Whenever you get bombarded with all of the different activities that you can join at Penn and intense social life, you have this safety net to fall back on.”
Brodkey, a PennQuest mentor since her sophomore year, says the program was foundational to her confidence and sense of belonging on campus.
Playing ultimate frisbee (Image: Laura Brodkey)
“You come in as this nervous first-year worried about how you’ll be perceived. Will you be included and appreciated for who you really are?” Brodkey said. “PennQuest makes you realize, ‘Oh, I can just be who I am and still be appreciated for that.’”
The experience encouraged her to take risks and pursue various clubs and activities, including women’s club soccer and women’s ultimate frisbee.
“I had this insane confidence boost where I could do whatever club I wanted,” Brodkey said of how comfortable she felt after finding groups that loved her true self.
Finding a Supportive Community at Wharton
A cornerstone of Brodkey’s community-building efforts is her involvement with Wharton Alliance, a student club for queer students in business.
When Brodkey arrived at Wharton, she thought that all the other students had a plan.
“They came in and they seemed like they knew exactly what they wanted to do, and I was not in that position,” she said. “I honestly did not care about going into the corporate world at all.”
As a first year, Brodkey sought a supportive community amidst what felt like an overwhelming business environment where she didn’t see much queer representation.
“Wharton Alliance seemed like a really cool place to meet interesting people and find a little family within Wharton that aligned with my values and helped me discover what paths I could take in the business world.”
The Wharton Alliance case competition committee (Image: Laura Brodkey)
Now serving as co-president, Brodkey focuses on expanding the group’s reach to all queer students across campus.
“My co-president and I want when people see our club, they immediately recognize the kind of culture that we provide and stand for, and it’s not just queer people in business,” Brodkey said. “We’re trying to make a space where any queer person across the entire university can come and feel welcome.”
That includes hosting collaborative events with other affinity groups and opportunities for students to have meaningful connections.
While Brodkey felt seen and accepted in her outdoor and sports clubs, she didn’t feel that way within Wharton initially.
“In my classes, I didn’t find that same sense of unconditional love that I found in my other groups,” she said. “That’s how I found Wharton Alliance, and I’m trying now to take Wharton Alliance and make it one of those spaces.”
The Essence of Business
Brodkey’s passion for public policy led her to business school, but so did knowing what she didn’t want to do.
“I looked through all of these subjects I had and checked off a bunch of boxes for things that I didn’t like or knew that I didn’t want to do,” she said. “I wasn’t going to go down the humanities track. I wasn’t going to sit behind a lab bench.”
The rising senior is concentrating in business economics and public policy (BEPP) and statistics and minoring in economics. After graduation, Brodkey is going into economic consulting.
“My background is not your traditional male-dominated, corporate investment banking track,” she said.
While her path may have been “atypical,” she is happy to have found what she enjoys.
“Business is fundamentally about making human connections. I conveniently found that thing that I really enjoy, which is the human connection part.”
Brodkey emphasizes the importance of a supportive community to help her succeed in tough environments.
“You can’t actually go into competitive sectors without a loving network that helps you prepare and feel like you belong,” she said.
That philosophy has guided Brodkey in building inclusive and resilient communities within Penn.
“If you don’t feel like you belong, how can you, or even pretend to, belong? How can you succeed in those areas?”
That is one of the main reasons why Brodkey works to create supportive groups, particularly for first-years and queer students.
“There’s a tangible beneficial impact on your future outcomes by finding a sense of belonging.”
Intentional Spaces
Members of the Herzog Collective (Image: Laura Brodkey)
Brodkey’s living arrangement reinforces her role as a community builder. She resides in the Herzog Collective on campus, a 10-person art collective that functions as a community hub.
“We put on all sorts of community events, volunteer together, and have communal dinners and communal groceries,” she said. “Being in the house means being part of a community.”
The communal aspect nurtured meaningful friendships, according to Brodkey. She says none of the housemates were close friends before moving in or associated with the same campus activities.
“It’s been super, super fun. I’ve met some of the coolest people that I didn’t know existed on campus.”
The main reason Brodkey pursued business was to have an impact and help others—something she’s already doing at Penn.
Concentrations: Business, Economics and Public Policy; Statistics
Minor: Economics
Activities: Wharton Alliance, PennQuest, Women’s Club Soccer, Women’s Ultimate, and Penn Outdoor Club
Favorite place on campus: Kelly Writers House because it is a little homey nook with the comfiest couches, eclectic events, and great conversations.
Kelly Writers House (Image: Weining Ding, W’27)
Favorite Penn tradition: Philadelphia Museum of Art Gala
Something you would tell your first-year self: Penn brings in so many high-profile speakers and professors. Take the time to build a breadth of knowledge. Sit in on seminars, lectures, and speaker events—even if they are completely unrelated to your field of study.
Wharton Stories
Wharton’s Matt Fallon Clinches Spot on U.S. Olympic Team
Image: Matthew Fallon is the first American swimmer in Penn’s program history to qualify for the U.S. national team, and only the fifth men’s student-athlete in program history to qualify for the Olympics. (Tyler Kaput/IUPUI Athletics)
The rising fourth-year swimmer won gold in the 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials on Wednesday in Indianapolis.
In record-breaking fashion, rising fourth-year Matthew Fallon of the men’s swimming and diving team earned a spot in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games on Wednesday by placing first the 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.
Fallon’s winning time of 2:06.54 set a new American record and is the fastest time in the world so far this year. He is the first American swimmer in Penn’s program history to qualify for the U.S. national team, and only the fifth men’s student-athlete in program history to qualify for the Olympics.
LDI & Wharton’s SUMR Program: 25 Years in Health Research Evolution
Image: Students participate in a critical writing workshop, learning effective techniques for health services research. (Image: Madison Sumners)
“We are very proud of our scholars and their accomplishments. 85% of program alum have continued on in health-related fields following college graduation.” – Joanne Levy, SUMR Program Co-Founder
A quarter-century strong, the Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research Program (SUMR) is where tomorrow’s health services leaders are born. What began as a small cohort of ambitious students has grown into a robust and impactful program that has created space for over 350 scholars from around the world and guide their journeys in advancing health equity.
Founded in 2000 by the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI) and the Wharton School’s Health Care Management Department, SUMR was brought to life by the love and generosity of its founders, Mark Pauly and Joanne Levy. “The success stories of students conducting research on topics relevant to minorities, who then pursue Ph.D. programs and achieve academic success, are remarkable,” says Levy.
From Small Cohorts to Major Milestones
The SUMR program heats up the season by selecting undergraduate students to work with Penn faculty on various research projects throughout the summer. These projects range from seeking solutions for safe and affordable housing for vulnerable populations to exploring how policymakers can address substance use disorder, and advancing research on chronic diseases like breast cancer and hypertension. Over the years, the program has grown in size and prestige, introducing elements like GRE prep, lectures from leading experts, critical writing programs, and skill workshops to help support the scholars’ research careers.
SUMR scholar Patrick Arp introduces Rachel Werner, Executive Director of the Leonard Davis Institute, during a Lunch-and-Learn with fellow SUMR scholars. (Image: Madison Sumners)
As SUMR celebrates its 25th anniversary, the importance of diversity in health care becomes increasingly evident. “The more we can train scholars with an interest in these topics and with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, the more scientific evidence we will have to inform policy and reduce health disparities,” says Health Care Management Professor and SUMR Faculty Director, Claudio Lucarelli.
The program believes that solving disparities in health care—such as the higher rates of heart disease, many cancers, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and maternal mortality, among minority populations compared to white populations—requires health services researchers who understand the political, social, economic, and environmental realities contributing to these inequities.
Scholars on a Mission
The current cohort consists of 40 scholars from different universities (including Penn), countries, and diverse backgrounds, including first-generation, low-income, international, and LGBTQ+ students. These students, whether they come from the communities they are studying or have gained insight through their research and experiences, understand the healthcare disparities faced by these populations and are driven to create meaningful solutions.
Elizabeth Nguyen, a student at Washington and Lee University, exemplifies this drive. “As a woman of color and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, my approach is shaped by the lens of oppression,” says Nguyen. Nguyen is a 2024 SUMR scholar working on two projects connected to Penn’s Department of Family and Community Health focusing on harm reduction interventions and housing programs for people living with HIV. She is driven by her passion for community-based healthcare, acknowledging how trauma from an unfair system shapes lives.
Elizabeth Nguyen, a SUMR scholar and student at Washington and Lee University, Class of 2025, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Poverty and Human Capabilities Studies. (Image: Elizabeth Nguyen)
“For some of my friends who’ve been rejected by their families for simply being who they are, the cut never really heals,” she says. Coming from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, Nguyen is grateful for the opportunity SUMR offers to engage in this passion here at Penn. “I’m looking forward to the future of Philly’s transitional housing as well as the hospital-based, full-spectrum addiction service program my work will inform,” she says.
Tyasia Canon, a Penn student and member of the current cohort, brings a personal connection to the work she’s doing in the program. “As a student who comes from a low-income, underinsured household, I’ve had to deal with many problems when it comes to health disparities,” she says. “Remembering the countless times that the healthcare system has disappointed my family has really motivated me to understand why this is happening, to whom this is happening, what interventions are possible, and how future policies and guidelines can improve this situation,” says Canon.
Tyasia Cannon, a SUMR scholar and student at the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2026, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Sociology and Chemistry. (Image: Tyasia Cannon)
Alumni Impact
The impact of SUMR is also evident in the achievements and sentiments of its alumni. Elorm Avakame, a 2011 alum, reflects on his experience: “It was absolutely integral to my early career development. It was my first time being at such a prestigious and competitive institution and gave me confidence that I could succeed at this level.” Avakame will return to Penn in August 2024 to begin his faculty career as a pediatric critical care physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Lorraine Dean, an alum from the 2001 cohort and Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University recalls that when she started the program, there were only four students, all from Penn. “It’s amazing to watch this program blossom so that it can reach so many more students, and train students who are from a wide variety of institutions beyond Penn,” says Dean.
The Next Twenty-Five Years
As SUMR looks ahead to the next 25 years, the program remains focused on championing diverse voices, driving innovative research, and advancing health equity. “We are very proud of our scholars and their accomplishments,” says Levy. “85% of program alum have continued on in health-related fields following college graduation.”
Abril Coselino, an international student from Argentina studying Psychology and General Biology at Keystone College, participates in a critical writing workshop. (Image: Madison Sumners)
This program is laying the groundwork for a future where healthcare access and quality is the norm, not the exception. “The combination of Penn being a top research institution, with a dedicated department of Health Care Management at the Wharton School, provides a unique opportunity to effectively study the supply side of the health sector and how to improve disparities in the provision of healthcare,” says Lucarelli.
Founded in 2000 by Penn LDI and the Wharton School’s Health Care Management Department, this summer internship program helps advance equity in the health care professions.
Since 2000, more than 350 undergraduate students have participated in SUMR. Of those 350 undergrads, 85% have gone on to have careers in health care.
Participating scholars work with Penn faculty on mentored research projects, attend the Academy Health Annual Research Meeting, and present on their projects at the SUMR Research Symposium.
The SUMR/LDI partnership introduces talented undergraduate students with a demonstrated commitment in advancing the needs of underrepresented groups in health services to research in this field.
Wharton Stories
Meet Seven New Members of Incoming MBA Class of 2026
Image: Wharton MBA students gather in Huntsman Hall for community building activities. (Samantha Oyola)
“Take some time for some introspection to figure out who you are, what makes you stand out, and your ‘why’. The application process may seem long and daunting, but if you believe in yourself and your ‘story’, it will make the journey worthwhile.” – Veronica Rivera, WG’26
The incoming MBA Class of 2026 is a few months away from the start of their life-changing MBA experience. In April we welcomed ~400 members of the class and their partners to campus to learn more about what’s in store for the next two years. During their weekend on campus, students had the opportunity to get to know fellow admits, take a masterclass with Vice Dean Nicolaj Siggelkow, and listen in on student panels that provided a candid look at the MBA experience.
Between events, we caught up with seven incoming students to hear what excites them about Wharton, and what led them to join the Wharton MBA community.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Henri Mattila
Hometown: I was born in Helsinki, Finland but moved with my family to Haverford, Pennsylvania when I was in third grade.
Previous Education: B.S. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University.
Previous Career Experience: Most recently, I have worked in corporate development in the pharmaceutical industry, and prior to my pivot into pharma I worked in a strategic finance role at a tech and media conglomerate.
Fun Fact: In college, I co-founded a magazine with a mission of fostering respectful, civil dialogue across ideological lines called Merion West—the fun fact being that against great odds, it’s still going strong!
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? Shortly after being admitted, I was invited to a local Wharton student-organized party for the class of 2026. There, I met some of the most remarkable people and immediately knew I would have great company for the next two years, and hopefully beyond.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I’m most looking forward to trying out the different clubs I’ve heard so much about, from tennis to the Health Care Club. And though a younger version of me would be shocked to hear this, I’m also looking forward to taking some classes and learning from top-rate professors.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? As someone who’s lived in many other cities as well as Philadelphia, Philly is kind of a perfect town for MBA students. It’s very walkable and bike-friendly, and the restaurant scene is strong but still doesn’t break the bank. Also, it’s very much worth mentioning that both New York and D.C. are a quick Amtrak train ride away (from a seasoned Amtrak rider: if you book a little in advance, tickets can be as low as 25 bucks!)
Image: Samantha Oyola
Samuel McDaniel
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Previous Education: Vanderbilt University
Previous Career Experience: I started my career in management consulting before transitioning to various product management and sales roles in the SAAS space. Most recently, I’ve been working in software sales and leading operations for my family’s business.
Fun Fact: Every year my mother and I venture to a new NFL stadium. Our goal is to knock out all stadiums by 2030. So far we’ve been to Atlanta, Oakland, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. I’m looking forward to knocking out Philadelphia next year!
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? Wharton has always been on a short list of potential MBA programs based on my interactions with alumni, the Wharton brand, and the strength of their entrepreneurship through acquisition programming. My experience at the Explore Wharton program really confirmed that this would be the right place for me. The ability to have dedicated facetime with leaders from the career, graduate affairs and financial aid offices really helped me envision how I could maximize my two years on campus. Lastly, I’ve been impressed with the well roundedness of the students I’ve interacted with. I’m excited to be part of the work hard, play hard culture and continue to build my network.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? As an athletic person, I’m looking forward to diving into the sports-based clubs on campus — Boxing, Rowing, Golf & Hockey. Outside of athletics, I really want to be active in AAMBAA and the ETA Club.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Talk to as many students as possible and try to visit campus. During my research, every person I spoke to had a unique Wharton experience from their social life to professional goals. These conversations really helped me add a layer of intentionality and genuineness to my application that I believed helped me standout.
Image: Veronica Rivera
Veronica Rivera
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Previous Education: University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance; Minor in Retail
Previous Career Experience: Management Consultant, Boston Consulting Group
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Operations, Information and Decisions
Fun Fact: I bake the world’s best chocolate cake* (based on unbiased feedback from my friends and family)
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I spoke with alumni of varying degrees, from students who graduated last year, and alums who graduated 10-20 years ago. Recent grads gushed over the exceptional community and experience, while more seasoned alums emphasized the unparalleled network and its lasting impacts on their career. While I was excited about the buzz from such a vibrant student experience, I really was inspired by the idea that this program opens doors to career, and life changing opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? Too many to choose from already…but, the Wharton Graduate Retail Club, Yoga & Wellness Club, and Food Club.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Get to really know yourself as you consider the Wharton MBA. Take some time for some introspection to figure out who you are, what makes you stand out, and your ‘why’. The application process may seem long and daunting, but if you believe in yourself and your ‘story’, it will make the journey worthwhile.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Wesley Suggs
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Previous Education: BA in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia
Previous Career Experience: I was a Teach For America Corps Member in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. I taught High School History and then became an Assistant Principal. I currently work as a Strategist and Partnership Manager at Grammarly.
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Finance and Social and Governance Factors for Business
Fun Fact: In college, I played on the Varsity Soccer Team and won the Division 1 Men’s Soccer NCAA National Championship
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I knew Wharton was the right fit for me after I attended the Explore Wharton event this past November. I got to converse with current BIPOC Wharton MBA students and hear about their experiences. I was also able to glean insights from the Admissions Office on how to craft a compelling application. After having soaked up that energy and gained invaluable advice, I felt a surge of confidence in my application. Wharton wasn’t just a prestigious business school anymore; it felt like a supportive community where I could thrive. The BIPOC students I met radiated a passion for making a difference, and their stories mirrored my own desire to bridge the opportunity gap. The admissions team’s guidance demystified the application process, and I knew I could tailor my strengths and experiences into a compelling narrative. Explore Wharton wasn’t just an event – it was a turning point.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I am looking forward to learning from and growing with my learning team. Wharton does a great job of building a culturally and professionally diverse class, so I know that I will be exposed to a wealth of perspectives and experiences that will challenge my own thinking and push me to grow in unforeseen ways. I am eager to become an active member of AAMBAA. The resources that the club afforded me during my application process were invaluable, and I can’t wait to contribute to its tradition of Black excellence.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? If you come from a non-traditional background, it is important to know that Wharton will appreciate your unique experiences and has a lot to offer you! If you are passionate about making a social impact, Wharton is the perfect place to thrive. They will provide you with the necessary knowledge and resources to leverage your unique talents and achieve your goal of becoming a positive force for change. It is a place where you can develop the skills and make meaningful connections that will enable you to make a real difference in the world.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Astha Berry
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Irvine, California
Previous Education: Medicine, Science, and the Humanities (undergrad) and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (grad) at Johns Hopkins
Previous Career Experience: Strategy Consulting
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fun Fact: I read 200 books / year
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? Wharton was my dream school for an MBA – I visited friends at Penn during undergrad and always had an amazing time. I spoke to multiple friends from my undergrad who are current students or alumni at Wharton and when I visited it immediately felt like home. Then, to seal the deal, over Christmas, I ran into a group of Wharton students on a cruise in Antarctica. Turns out Wharton students are truly everywhere.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I can’t wait to get plugged into VIP-C and VIP-X at Tangen Hall, Follies,
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Talk to students who are doing the things that you want to do, visit campus to get a feel for the student body, and see if you can picture yourself there.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Matthew Keepman
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Previous Education: BA in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Brigham Young University
Previous Career Experience: Most recently I was a private equity associate at DW Healthcare Partners and prior to that I was an investment banking analyst at Piper Sandler.
Fun Fact: I listen to Disney music when I’m stressed.
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I had always known that Wharton was a world renowned business school but when I learned about the healthcare management program and spoke with current students I knew it was a perfect fit for me.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? The Wildmen Hockey Club.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Consider how you want to learn and grow during business school, both personally and professionally, and figure out how Wharton will help you to achieve that growth.
Image: Daniele Anderson
Daniele Anderson
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Previous Education: Undergrad: United States Naval Academy; Master’s: Columbia University (NY)
Previous Career Experience: From 2013 to 2018 I served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy. I left the Navy to work on issues of economic inequality in the social impact sector. I’m currently a research director at a civil rights organization.
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fun Fact: I love music and collect records as a hobby. My next goal is to learn how to DJ!
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I was looking for both flexibility and community in an MBA program. I am interested in launching my own digital health company, Wharton’s flexible curriculum gives me the ability to tailor my academic experience across my three interests, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. After I attended ‘Explore Wharton’ day and saw how tight-knit students were and how welcoming they were to us prospective students, I knew Wharton was the right place for me.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I’m looking forward to building meaningful relationships with my classmates and working on my health-tech venture. I’m also looking forward to joining the African American MBA Association and Veterans Club, both were instrumental resources during my application process. I’m excited to pay it forward and help other veterans and BIPOC prospective students along their MBA application journey.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program?
Whatever business school you end up attending, know your story and be confident in your abilities. Many people will have impressive backgrounds but you bring unique skills and experiences as well. Know your unique value add, and be able to articulate it. If you’re a veteran there is a lot you don’t know about different industries and sectors but it also means there is space for exploration for the first time in your professional life. Take advantage of that. Talk to as many people as you can, so you can be armed with the information you need to be in the driver’s seat of your professional life.
Every year, the Office of MBA Admissions and Office of MBA Student Life partner to plan Welcome to Wharton events in January and April, welcoming recently admitted MBA students to campus for a weekend of programming designed to showcase all aspects of life at Wharton.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Staff and current students eager to welcome recently admitted MBA candidates to campus.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Panelists Samimi Haroon WG’24, Vice Dean Maryellen Reilly, Loyd Bradley WG’24 and Director of Student Life Eddie Banks-Crosson discuss life at Wharton, and what’s next for the MBA program.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Admitted students sit in on mock classes, sessions led by Career Management, and student panels throughout the weekend.
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 thatForbes 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 thePeter 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 pursuingWharton’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.”
Simran Ahuja, WG’25
Elizabeth Niersbach, WG’25
Karina Patel, WG’25
