Kash Rajagopal, Wharton MBA Class of 2023
Kash Rajagopal, Wharton MBA Class of 2023Age: 29
Hometown: New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Princeton, International and Public Affairs
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years, private equity and health tech startup
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to grow my network, take classes about interesting topics at the intersection of finance and tech, and make friends along the way. I was at a good juncture having had both entrepreneurial and finance experience.
Why did you choose The Wharton School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Wharton has a rich core curriculum, from communication classes to “Managing the Emerging Enterprise”- these are great classes to one day lead a venture past its infancy. The Wharton class is also notably larger than its peers, offering more opportunities for connection.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I can walk them through the ins and outs of freelancer contracts to build their app. And I can catch popcorn with my mouth.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I can make it through Mushroom Gorge faster than you.
Post-MBA career interests:
Some flavor of investing.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would start at least 1-2 months ahead of the deadline as I did, and buy into a proofreading service.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d buy an elite proofreading service earlier, to work on the drafts through multiple iterations.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wasn’t sure if my group interview was that helpful. It helped to ask other interviewers questions and speak up only when I had a particularly relevant and insightful point.
What is your initial impression of The Wharton School students/culture/community?
Very welcoming, keen on bonding through shared experiences (recruiting, extracurricular clubs, etc.), thirst for life.
What is one thing you have learned about The Wharton School that has surprised you?
The sheer breadth of academic and career resources has been surprising and helpful.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Due to COVID, it was tougher to meet potential cofounders and customers for my entertainment app – so that affected my app success and Wharton application.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Not anxious, but keen on finding a great internship.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Forging more friendships.
