Classes began on Aug. 26, 2015, but first-year Wharton MBAs had already been on campus for nearly a month by that point. That’s Pre-Term for you, the engaging introduction to the Wharton MBA experience that brings new students to campus a month early to bond with their learning teams and cohorts through activities like the Big Idea and the Leadership Retreat.
With all this comradery and teamwork fresh in their minds, we asked four MBAs:
What’s the most important thing that your new classmates learned about you during MBA Pre-Term?
“Growing up, I moved every two to four years. That’s 10 cities, six countries, four continents and eight schools. Today, it’s only appropriate that Toronto, a city that captures all of my favorite cultures and people, is home. My classmates have learned that this variety is a big part of who I am: my job choices, my appreciation of uncertainty and my ability to take more spice than strictly healthy.”
— DIVYA NARAYANAN, WHO COMES TO WHARTON BY WAY OF GOOGLE
“How important my history has been to me. I just left the Army after 10 years of service. My classmates have been really great about incorporating me into their culture … really dealing with all the questions that I ask them about their history. That’s been the coolest part. Really learning about all the diverse backgrounds. Everybody here is here for all the right reasons.”
— VINCE KUCHAR, WHO THROUGH SEVEN DEPLOYMENTS EARNED THREE BRONZE STARS, A JOINT SERVICE COMMENDATION MEDAL FOR VALOR AND TWO MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDALS FOR COMMAND OF OVER 100 SOLDIERS
“I am a person with diversified backgrounds in real estate, investment banking and entrepreneurship who likes to challenge and push the boundaries of business through critical thinking and analysis. I always look for unconventional ideas and new business models and am excited to see how they transform the world we live in.”
— SICHEN HUANG, WHO CO-FOUNDED KUNLUN FIGHT, CHINA’S LEADING MIXED MARTIAL ARTS TV SHOW
“By now, my classmates have probably learned that I’m not afraid of looking silly in the name of bonding and inclusivity. When a cluster dance-off left us in need of a choreographer/captain, I shamelessly cheered like a maniac, gave satirical motivational speeches and led our team in a magical Beyonce-themed performance. Anytime a little bit of absurdity is needed to bring people together, count me in.”
— ALLIE MILLER, WHOSE MARKETING BACKGROUND INCLUDES WINNING NATIONAL AD COMPETITIONS FOR SMUCKER’S AND HASBRO
