ARINGO continues to interview students and graduates of the top MBA programs to bring you the inside stuff. Today, we interview a Wharton graduate Mr. Shai Kiviti, class of 2019.

Tell us a bit about your pre-MBA background

Before Wharton, I spent 9 years in the military. I came to the US with no real business background.

What is special about your school? In your eyes, what differentiates your school from others?

Wharton has a tremendous value proposition in almost every aspect, being the first and one of the best business schools worldwide. As a student and as an alumnus, you will probably find a path in every career trajectory you will choose.

Any recent changes in your school? or in the admission process?

The Wharton school just inaugurated a new entrepreneurship building. The school decided to double down on entrepreneurship. Almost half of the Wharton students recruit to Tech, and Data Analytics has long since passed finance as the most chosen major.

Can you share some details about the atmosphere in the school? between students, between students and faculty? How do you spend your free time?

Having joined Wharton right out of the Army, I can honestly say these were the most fun two years of my life. You will find parties to go to almost every day (and in many times more than twice a day). The entire two years revolve around having fun (have no fear, if you are interested in learning like I was, you will also find world-class professors).

Every Thursday, at the end of the last class (yes yes, Friday-Sunday are off), all the students and the professors go into “club pub” to toast the end of the weekend and mingle.

Can you share some details about the area/city?

Philadelphia is an amazing city with vivid nightlife and a culinary scene. My wife and I are foodies but even after two years, we were not able to visit every recommended restaurant in the area. There are just too many! Gladly we were able to get a reservation at the famous “Zahav”.

If you love History, Philadelphia is full of that as well, as it was the first capital of the US.  The area has a great combination of old history together with huge high-rises surrounded by amazing nature.

Can you share some details regarding job opportunities and summer internships for students in your school? How strong is the career office? Did the school name/brand give you an advantage when looking for a job? Are there any specific recruiters who mostly recruit from this school?

The career paths that are available post-Wharton are very broad. About a quarter of the students end up going to big tech, a quarter to small tech, a quarter to finance, and the last quarter to consulting. The career office itself is very dedicated with dozens of consultants aiming to help you build your ultimate career path and help you achieve it. Another key resource to consider are the student-led professional clubs that are tremendously helpful in structuring the recruiting process and helping you prepare for whichever career path you chose.

As an international candidate, how did you deal with the Visa issue?

Don’t worry about it, really, it is a minor logistical issue that all students can resolve once they find a job at the end of their MBA.

What did you like about the school/program? Any classes/clubs you would recommend for future students?
A few courses I personally loved:

OIDD 693 – Influence – a course that you will not find at any other school, what is power within an organization? How to influence others? How does organizational politics work? Cade Massey is one of Wharton’s most thought-after professors.

MGMT794 Understanding Careers and executive labor markets – How to think of a career in the long run, when to move roles within the firm? When to move between firms? How to network? What tasks affect promotions. A really unique course that leverages data.

FNCE750 – VC and the finance of innovation – the best VC course I ever took and Luke Taylor is just amazing. Took me from 0 to a successful VC internship in a semester.

What kind of candidates is the school looking for? Who will especially enjoy this school? who will be a good fit for the school?

The amazing thing about Wharton is that anyone can find their path there. As long as you are a high-caliber individual who is ambitious to be successful, whether it is in business or beyond, the Wharton school is for you.

Any tips for someone who is considering applying to your school?

Talk to us! When I applied to the Wharton School I attended a recruiting event. After which, I remember 5 different alumni spent over an hour helping me with the application. And these weren’t recent alumni, these were folks that sold companies, were managing VCs, and even the head of a larges consulting firm. My takeaway was clear – if this is how the community treats me before I even started the application process, it is a community I want to be a part of.

We are here for you, and it is our role to help the next generation get to Wharton, please reach out to us.