Rajat Jain, Wharton MBA Class of 2027
Age: 31
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Master of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia (Canada); Integrated Bachelor of Technology & Master of Technology dual degree in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology – Varanasi (India)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 6 years of management consulting experience: Senior Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company – 3 years (2022-25) in Toronto; Senior Consultant at EY – 3 years (2019-22) in Toronto
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After more than six years in consulting, I felt the need to step back and reflect on my long-term career path – my mission, my calling, and the kind of impact I want to have. Business school felt like the ideal environment to do that: a safe yet challenging space to experiment, learn, and gain perspective. Worst case, I would walk away with a fancy degree; best case, I would gain clarity and direction for my long-term career. My partner, Kunal, also played an important role in my decision. If it weren’t for his encouragement, I may not even have applied. Also, timing mattered. At 31, I already felt the clock ticking. Had I stayed longer at McKinsey, I was on track to become an Engagement Manager – a milestone I would have been proud of, but one that would have made stepping away more difficult. Business school now was the right choice for me to reset, reimagine, and build the future I aspire to.
Why did you choose The Wharton School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I genuinely wanted to study finance, and The Wharton School is the best business school in the world to study finance, so there really was no better place to be. Another major factor was the school’s powerful alumni network. Wharton alumni are not only industry leaders across the globe, but as I am already experiencing, they are also remarkably supportive and engaged with the Wharton student community, offering guidance and opening doors in ways that are both inspiring and invaluable. Finally, the very generous Joseph Wharton Fellowship, for which I am incredibly grateful, made the decision even easier. As one of my mentors at McKinsey put it: “Take the money and run!”
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
With over six years of consulting experience, I enrich class discussions by bringing industry-specific insights and real-world examples from diverse sectors. McKinsey trained me in structured problem-solving, which I now leverage to add tremendous value in group assignments. Beyond academics, I am already supporting classmates who are interested in consulting by sharing my experiences and helping them prepare for interviews, just as others have generously supported me throughout my own journey.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love dancing. Once I got a little too excited and ended up cracking a rib mid-performance.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am still refining the exact path, though leaning towards finance. At Wharton, I know I have unmatched resources to explore, experiment, and define my career trajectory with clarity.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Get the GMAT/GRE out of the way early. I took the GMAT in January 2024 and, to my surprise, scored in the 99.99th percentile on my first attempt. Having that behind me freed up tremendous capacity and mental bandwidth to focus fully on other aspects of the applications in the lead-up to the Round 1 deadlines.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would stress less. In hindsight, the process was as much about self-reflection and self-discovery as it was about admissions. Worrying less would have allowed me to enjoy it more.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Balancing my MBA applications with the demands of my role at McKinsey was no easy feat. I would finish client work at midnight and then write essays until 3am – for weeks on repeat. This was exhausting, but I managed to push through by strict time-blocking and with the support of my mentors at McKinsey.
What is your initial impression of the Wharton students/culture/community?
If I had to describe the Wharton culture in one word, it would be ‘collaborative.’ What has struck me the most is how opposite it feels to the ‘competitive finance bro’ stereotype often associated with Wharton. From the very beginning, I have found everyone to be approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping each other succeed. The sense of community is real, and the environment is one where people lift each other up.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have already joined several student clubs that align with both my personal and professional interests. Out for Business (Wharton’s LGBTQ+ club) feels like a natural home for me as a gay man, and I look forward to contributing to and learning from this supportive community. I have also joined the Adam Smith Society, as I have “strong” views which I enjoy sharing, especially in heated discussions. Professionally, I have joined the Wharton Finance Club and the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club, which will allow me to deepen my technical knowledge, build industry connections, and prepare for a career pivot.
What is one thing you have learned about Wharton that has surprised you?
What surprised me the most is how seamlessly Wharton students balance the intensity of academics and recruiting with an active and vibrant social life. Pub nights, parties, trips, and sporting events are woven into the MBA experience just as much as classes and recruiting. That balance creates a uniquely well-rounded culture where students push themselves hard but also make time to celebrate, connect, and build lasting memories together.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
What I am most excited about is building friendships and memories with my MBA classmates. Wharton brings together such a diverse and inspiring group of people, and I look forward to learning as much from them as I do from the classroom. Whether it’s collaborating on assignments, traveling around the world, or simply late-night conversations over wine, I know these shared experiences will create bonds that last far beyond the two years of the MBA program.
