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  • Considerations
    From: toknowwharton  Jun 12, 2012 Posts 5

    Hello,

        I would like to address my question to current students preferrably. I realize that it is important for every prospective student to evaluate whether or not a particular school is a good fit for him. I am sure most if not all current students would have considered that. So my question is: What are some of Wharton's attributes you considered before applying to Wharton? After joining the program do you still think that it is a good fit? If so can you please quote some examples how you were proven right? I am currently a software engineer . I will welcome any inputs from past software engineer turned MBA students.

    Thanks

    KP

  • Re: Considerations
    From: victormlee  Jun 13, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    Hi, KP,

    I'm always a little wary of such questions, because "fit" is really something that should be determined based on what your particular objectives and circumstances are. The experience of all 880-odd students in each class may differ noticeably depending on their objectives, and they may not apply to you, even if there are similar backgrounds at play.

    That being said, I can appreciate the desire to learn more about Wharton. Let me be up front in saying that I graduated in 2011 and was not a software engineer (though I am quite familiar with aspects of software engineering). So, I do not know how much my perspective will be of value to you; I suppose it can't hurt to share, though.

    In my opinion, Wharton's distinctive characteristic lies in its combination of a large, international student body; analytical focus; alumni body; and career connections/reputation. 

    Back when I was applying in 2008/2009, I was looking for a large school (i.e. - many potential connections and a broad, diverse set of classmates). This narrowed down my choices fairly quickly. I also knew that I wanted to refine and enhance my quantitative-related skills and analytical abilities. Wharton lived up to its reputation for being very data-driven. Even in marketing classes (Marketing was one of my majors), which are sometimes considered "softer" than other classes, there is an emphasis on approaches like conjoint analysis and factor analysis to leverage statistical techniques to generate actionable insights. 

    I think one highly desired employer put it best to me (they did not know I was in Wharton at the time): "Wharton students get the right answers. They really understand problems and how to solve them." The tradeoff, in my view, is that sometimes Wharton students are so focused on getting the "right" answer, that it can be harder for those same students to take a position and argue a point convincingly when not all the data is available. Some other schools, in my opinion, have an all-case-based approach; this often leads to very good smooth talking and the ability to create a convincing, compelling argument, quickly. There is a lot to be said for this. On the other hand, this approach can also sometimes lead to fundamental mistakes being made and people convicingly defending positions that would actually be suboptimal for a company. 

    One needs elements of both skillsets and abilities. If you are already very analytical and quantitative and looking for something different, maybe Wharton is not the optimum fit. Or maybe it plays right into your strengths. As I said earlier on, it all depends on for what you are looking.

    -Victor

    WG '11

  • Re: Considerations
    From: Sanket  Jun 20, 2012 Posts 36
    In reply to

    Hi Victor,

    Thanks a lot for your detailed reply. It was really insightful comparison and analysis. Thanks, keep writing.

    Sanket.

     

  • Re: Considerations
    From: toknowwharton  Jun 20, 2012 Posts 5
    In reply to

    Hi Victor,

         I hope I am not badgering you but I just wanted to remind you gently about my initial reply (sent twice) to your post above. I am not sure if that reached you as I do not see that posted here. Please let me know if you did not receive it and I will send it again.

    Thanks

    KP

  • Re: Considerations
    From: victormlee  Jun 20, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    Hi, KP,

    I apologize - I don't seem to have it. Did you reply, here, or send me an email? 

    -Victor

  • Re: Considerations
    From: victormlee  Jun 20, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    You're welcome, Sanket. Good luck!

    -Victor

  • Re: Considerations
    From: toknowwharton  Jun 20, 2012 Posts 5
    In reply to

    Hi Victor,

         Thanks again for a quick reply. Yes, I replied to your post here. After I posted my reply I received a message that it was pending approval by a moderator and I received that message everytime I posted that particular message.

    Thanks

    KP

  • Re: Considerations
    From: victormlee  Jun 20, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    KP, 

    Send me the message at victor.lee.wg11[at]wharton.upenn.edu. I don't see the message, unfortunately.

    -Victor

  • Re: Considerations
    From: toknowwharton  Jun 21, 2012 Posts 5
    In reply to

    Hi Victor,

        I've sent the message to your email address.

    Thanks

    KP

  • Re: Considerations
    From: toknowwharton  Jul 17, 2012 Posts 5
    In reply to

    Hi Victor,

         Its been a while since I sent you the email. I was wondering if it ever reached you. When you find some time please let me know.

     

    Cheers

    KP

  • Re: Considerations
    From: victormlee  Jul 19, 2012 Posts 2,555
    In reply to

    Hi, KP,

    So sorry. I for some reason can't find an email from you. I have been having problems with my account. Would you mind sending it to me, again?

    Best,

    Victor

    WG '11

S2S: Fit