Wharton MBA for Executives

Question

If anyone has questions on the Wharton School MBA for Executives Program in Philadephia or San Francisco, let me know.

RVD.

cougarblue · Answer

Hey RVD, I'm in SF and am contemplating the FT MBA but I also have a good opportunity to stay at my current firm and receive a partnership interest. They are supportive of a PT/Exec MBA in SF. By next fall, I will have 4 years work exp + 2 years volunteer exp. I don't have much management exp to speak of since I'm the only junior professional at a small PE shop supporting 2 senior professionals. Do you think my experience is a little light, either on years or management, for Wharton West? Do you see others in the program with comparable profiles? Thanks.

RVD · Answer

I think your experience is a little on the light side. You would fall into the "fellows" category where Wharton will take students that have less than 10 years of management experience. However, you must show that you are in a management role now and that you have a lot of promise. Fellows candidates are for people who are young and less experienced but definitely on the fast track for management and success.

You should attend one of the info sessions and talk to a representative. They will be able to give you an honest assessment.

RVD.

krishdpi · Answer

Hi RVD,

I'm planning to apply to Wharton-West. Registered for the info session at Palo Alto (Oct 14th). I'm 38 yrs old/ with various levels of experience (founder, chief architect, manager, engineer etc). Working on my second networking/telecom startup with few engineers. Planning to approach VCs for funding in the near future (once our prototype is ready) Have an MS from UCSC in computer engineering.

I'm planning to sit for GMAT exam in the first week of December, 09. I'm curious about the interview at Wharton-West. What sort of questions asked? How many days before hand I've to schedule the interview? Can I schedule it before I submit my application? I saw in one of the forums you advised to wear suit, is that necessary?

thanks
-sk

RVD · Answer

Great, have fun at the info session. If there are some current students there you should try to meet them if you can.

For the interview, here are my tips:
1) schedule early. You can schedule before you turn in your application. I waited until after my application and they were booked solid. I had to keep calling back every few days to see if a spot opened up for me. I got lucky and got an open spot.

2) Try to interview on a Friday or Saturday so that you can also sit in on a class.

3) Wear a suit. Almost everyone else who interviews will wear a suit so just blend in and wear the suit.

4) There aren't any tough questions in the interview but be prepared to give a quick 5 minute background of walking through your resume and how the MBA fits into your future plans.

5) If they ask if you want to change jobs, think through your answer. An EMBA program isn't really for career changers (engineer wants to be an I-banker) so make sure that your expectations are accurate.

6) If you have any weaknesses in your application be prepared to talk about them (e.g. low GPA, low gmat score, gap is work experience, etc.).

7) Try to distinguish yourself from the pack. There are many other technology folks so try to think of something that sets you apart from the rest of them.

I think that's about all I can think of right now. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

RVD.

Wharton MBA for Executives

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