Wharton Stories: Undergrad

Lush garden filled with colorful blooming flowers, including roses and foxgloves, with a white bench and wooden trellises in the background.
One student’s quest to help classmates see that the Wharton undergraduate experience is about more than grades and job offers.

Stopping to Smell the Roses

Alex lying on a grass lawn, using a laptop while resting his head on a backpack.
Alex Zhou, C’25, W’25, explains how he merged his interdisciplinary education to become a more creative business thinker.

The Economy of Words

A group of hikers sitting on a grassy plain, resting and enjoying the view of a snow-capped mountain under a cloudy sky
Jaein Kim, W’25, reflects on her weeklong Wharton Leadership Ventures Expedition backpacking in Ecuador.

A Step at a Time: From Cotopaxi to Antisana

Amanda Cui reclines on a red blanket, holding a square mirror that reflects her face and upper body. She wears a metallic, deep red pleated top. Her reflection in the mirror shows a composed, introspective expression.
Amanda Cui, W’25, started Humans of Penn as a way to have numerous conversations and capture the various perspectives across Penn’s campus.

Major: Economics. Minor: Humanity. The Storyteller behind Humans of Penn

Wide-angle image of William’s Cafe's front area, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and a bustling coffee shop environment.
How Olivia Turman, W’26, found community, leadership, and clarity through Williams Café.

Brewing Business: A Wharton Undergrad’s Experience Managing Penn’s Student-Run Café

Group of students posing for a photo with a Wharton banner in front of the British Museum in London
How some students build their leadership, academic, and professional experiences by going even further into the classroom.

From Student to Teaching Assistant: Same Class, Different Takeaways

Students in line with luggage at an airport
Wharton students share their experiences traveling abroad on four short-term programs offered by Penn.

Unlocking the World: Global Learning Opportunities

Students walk through the splash fountain in front of City Hall
Wharton first-years helped pilot a new activity that familiarized them with Philadelphia and connected them to each other in a meaningful way.

Finding Camaraderie by Finding City Hall

Two people are sitting on a bench outdoors playing musical instruments, one with a guitar and the other with a keyboard, in a sunny park setting.
Grace Gramins, W’26, finds harmony between music production and business.

Finding the Rhythm Behind Business Fundamentals

Sailboats with several people navigating on a body of water during a cloudy day. The boats have white sails and visible identification numbers.
An immersive look inside Team Sailing, a Wharton Leadership Venture designed to foster team cohesion in a high-pressure environment.

Trimming the Jib and Other Ways to Think About Business