It wasn’t too long ago that my fiancé was navigating MBA applications, prepping for interviews, and ultimately choosing Wharton. We knew that pursuing an MBA would be an incredible investment in his future, but that also meant career and life changes for me as well.
Fortunately, the Wharton Partners Club has helped make the transition much smoother than I would have imagined. Wharton Partners Club (or Cohort P as we like to call ourselves) is a networking and social organization for MBA students and their spouses and significant others.
Beginning with Welcome Weekend, I had the opportunity to meet other partners who were in the same (and admittedly scary) position. While prospective students had a plenty to do, the Partners Club hosted their own sessions on topics that included navigating the housing search, career opportunities, international partners, life in Philadelphia, and activities for kids.
Finding a Job I Love
One of my biggest worries was finding a new job that I loved. I found my job in the MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Office through a posting on the Partners Club website and started working shortly after we arrived in Philly. I personally love working at Wharton because I see students regularly and can take full advantage of the Wharton experience.
Other partners also found jobs on campus including the MBA Career Management Office and Wharton Social Impact. Some partners work remotely while others are busy volunteering, furthering their studies, focusing on little ones, or simply pursuing a personal passion.
Making Philadelphia Our Home
My other immediate concern was housing. We, like most other students, chose to live in Center City. Living off campus gave us the chance to find housing that meets our personal needs: dog friendly, budget appropriate, and easy access to grocery stores. We currently live in a building, recommended by a partner during Welcome Weekend, just a few short blocks from Rittenhouse Square, the Museum District, Trader Joe’s, and phenomenal restaurants.
Now that we are wrapping up the first semester here, I find myself loving the city of Philadelphia and managing a calendar full of Wharton events. Throughout the semester partners have experienced a plethora of both informal and formal events: apple picking, the Red and Blue Ball, the White Party, hosting Pub, baking class, on-campus lectures by Malcom Gladwell and Ashton Kutcher, and impromptu lunch dates, just to name a few.
This weekend we are going to New York City to enjoy the holiday festivities and get out of the way while our students study for finals. With so many options, many partners have become very familiar with the term “F.O.M.O” (fear of missing out).
Joining Wharton Clubs
Partners are also welcome to join Wharton Clubs, use facilities such as gyms and libraries, go on Cultural Treks, and attend academic presentations on campus. I am a member of Yoga Club and Pub while others have joined Wine Club, Tennis Club, Ski Club, Food Club, Out4Biz, and more.
The Wharton Kids Club (WKC) is comprised of families within the Wharton community who are experiencing the two years of business school either with children or expecting children, serving as a resource for families to make the transition to Wharton and Philadelphia easier while also providing great activities and friendships along the way.
No matter what you choose to do professionally or where you choose to live, there are plenty of resources to help you along the way. Thanks to an amazing Partners community, there are plenty of new friendships to be made and always something to do around Philadelphia.
Posted: December 10, 2013
