10 STEPS TO DECIPHERING YOUR ELECTIVES AT WHARTON
Wharton is one of the few schools that require you to declare a major and select electives before entering their MBA program. But how do you determine what those MBA classes are ahead of your arrival? Well, you will have to do some business school research.
Here is a step-to-step guide to help you decipher your elective research process:
Determine what you believe your major should be by reading the MBA Resource Guide.
You need to find your desired major at Wharton in this document – read all about it. Go to that section that’s within your desired major in the guide and read every single class that’s in there.
Then, ask yourself, "What is the gap in my current knowledge that is holding me back from accomplishing my goals?" Consider what you need to still learn and find in what part of the curriculum those classes are.
That should be your major – at least one of them. You can mix and match your classes at Wharton.
You can also take two majors if you wish to do so.
When you do identify the classes that you want to take – think electives – Google to find the syllabus for each class. Also read up about the professor teaching the course.
Scrutinize the program’s career center statistics. Additionally, this PDF guide tells you who is currently being hired. Look to see what specific companies are hiring. What are their names? Where are they located? Find a future version of yourself in that role. Build a critical mass.
See if what you want to do, your goals, are something the school can actually help you with.
If not, re-scope your goals. When you determine appropriate goals, consider what your backup plan is as well.
Additional links for general Wharton knowledge (some are older) but still good to read through:
“Let’s Get Started” presentation – decent overview of everything Wharton https://mba-inside.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/LetsGetStarted2018.pdf
Academic Affairs Introduction: https://mba-inside.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Academics_Introduction_2018-WEB.pdf
Core Curriculum and Majors: https://mba-inside.wharton.upenn.edu/core-curriculum/
Preparing for your Pre-Term: http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/mbaprogram/publications/13_1_cluster1.pdf
Semester in San Francisco is a popular option, but you would have to check to make sure it is compatible with your major. http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/mbaprogram/publications/Semester%20in%20San%20Francisco%20Fall%202016%20Information%20Session.pdf
Wharton has a ton of electives – perhaps the most of any top programs. However, it is your job to take advantage of all these resources. Starting off the process by finding a future version of yourself in a specific role will be a great springboard for this research process. Once you are very specific with your gaps and goals, you will be led to the specific classes and electives that will help you accomplish those goals. Now only are you well on your way to start tackling your Wharton MBA application essays.