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October 11, 2023 1:36pm ET
Applying: Harvard Business School, UPenn / Wharton
Intake Year: 2024
Pre-MBA Career: Director of Information Technology
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Entrepreneurship Companies: McKinsey , Other
GPA: 3.97
Years of Work Experience: 4
Location: Philadelphia
Post MBA Location: Northeast
Notes:

Background Information:

I am 28 years old at the time of matriculation.
I am a first-generation immigrant from one of the economically and democratically challenged countries in South America.
I am a first-generation college degree holder.

Education and Standardized Testing:

GPA: 3.97

GRE: I initially took a practice test with no preparation and scored 147Q and 153V. Currently, I'm undergoing a 2-month, 25-hour-per-week program to take the test in December, aiming for 160Q and approximately 165V.

I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree next spring from a well-known private university, ranked in the top 50. My degree is in Information Technology management with a minor in organizational behavior. I also hold an associate's degree in information technology from a reputable community college.

I worked full-time while pursuing both of these degrees.

Relevant Work Experience:

I have served as the Director of Information Technology for approximately 2 years at a medium-sized firm. Prior to that, I worked as an Information Technology Engineer for about 1 year in the education sector. I also worked as a field technician for roughly 1 year at a technology company in the food and beverage sector.

I founded and operated a small international student consultancy company. I assisted international students from the Middle East with various tasks related to their move to the US, such as finding housing and purchasing cars. At the peak of my business, I had three full-time contractors working for me. However, this venture was impacted by COVID-19 as fewer students were coming in, and I shifted my focus to full-time jobs and school.

Before all of these, I worked in various jobs to make ends meet, including car wash, restaurants, painting, construction, and computer repairs.

Volunteering and Extra-Curriculars:

I am a nationally certified volunteer structure firefighter for my local volunteer fire company. This role involved over 250 hours of training in firefighting practices, firetruck operations, hazardous materials, and more. I've dedicated approximately 5 hours per week for the last 5 years.

I have served as an eSports assistant coach, coaching student-athletes at a local university. I've committed 6 hours a week for 3 years.

I'm a leadership council member for a local trade group, responsible for organizing and managing networking events for the local branch of a nationally recognized IT trade group.

I play as a striker for a 6th division soccer team in a local Philadelphia league. I dedicate 6 hours a week for the last 2 years.

I'm the vocalist and rhythm guitarist of a cover band I formed with friends from my coaching and soccer volunteer activities. This involves approximately 6 hours a week for the last year.

Why Wharton and pretty much only Wharton:

I embarked on my journey to Philadelphia with only $200 in my pocket and no place to sleep. This city has borne witness to my transformation from rock bottom to my current self. While I'm open to compelling opportunities elsewhere, it would take something truly exceptional to sway me from the city that has shaped me.

In terms of what the AdCom at Wharton seeks to hear, as I envision my future, I see the potential to tap into the wealth of academic resources, extensive networking opportunities, and dynamic social environment that Wharton has to offer. My goal is to pursue a fulfilling and impactful career in technology management consulting, with a strong emphasis on organizational behavior.

Moreover, I'm deeply committed to charting the path toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into technology workflows, recognizing the transformative potential of AI and the challenges it poses to organizational behavior. At Wharton, I eagerly anticipate exploring strategies to manage these impacts effectively, ensuring seamless AI integration while fostering positive changes in organizational behavior.

I look forward to engaging with fellow students, esteemed professors, and prospective employers at Wharton to not only sharpen my skills but also empower myself to navigate the complex world of technology and organizational dynamics. This dual focus on technology management consulting and AI integration aligns with my vision of contributing to innovative and adaptive businesses in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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