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.
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.
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Healthcare Management
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!)
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.
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Entrepreneurship & Innovation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Healthcare Management
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.
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.
— Abby Behrends, Wharton MBA Admissions
Posted: June 18, 2024
