Old is gold

Updated on: Saturday, January 21, 2012

Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania has a history of admitting military veterans, both from the US Military and from other militaries around the world. Last year, the MBA programme had over 45 military veterans, including students from Singapore, Israel, Korea, Russia and Australia.

We also have an exchange student from ISB in India who served 12 years in the Indian Army, says Aaron Perrine, one of the lead officers of the Wharton Veterans Club.

As to why one of Whartons focuses is on veterans, Perrine elaborates that the school recognises the service veterans have provided to their country(ies); they contribute to the educational environment at Wharton, and bring different ideas and perspectives to classes; often have leadership experience relative to age.

A two-year programme, admissions are competitive. The Veterans Club works with veteran applicants around the world to help walk them through the process and to make sure people put their best foot forward in the application. Any veteran considering a Wharton application can contact through the website (http://clubs.wharton.upenn.edu/veterans/index.htm).

Perrine points out that the admission committee clearly values the contributions veterans can make, adding, what is important for vets is to make it clear that they have had distinctive success in their military career, and that they are well-prepared to complete the academic work at Wharton.

As to what the programme holds for veterans, a participant points out, I felt I had a successful early career as a military officer, but in looking at the industries I was interested in going into, I felt an MBA would really help show employers what I could do and how I could contribute.

Another feedback reveals that there is a gap as an Army officer. I remember talking to a friend in finance about a private equity fund he wanted to work for. And I just truly didnt know the difference between investment banks, private equity firms, venture capital funds, etc. There is a tremendous amount of business knowledge you learn almost through osmosis just by having conversations with your peers, who come from such an amazing variety of backgrounds, concludes a participant.

Courtesy: Myeducationtimes.com

Times of India

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