Felipe Milla Santos, Wharton’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 28
Hometown: Santo Andre, Brazil
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidade de São Paulo (Brazil) – Naval Engineering & Université du Sud (France) – Marine Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 2.5 years Pharma plus 2.5 years Management consulting
Why business school? Why now?
Enrich the business knowledge I acquired on-the-job, International experience, and develop leadership skills. Now is the perfect moment because I was about to lead teams and I want to excel at it.
Why Wharton? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I see the MBA experience as a combination of academic rigor, networking, and student life. Wharton’s brand attests to the first, the size and robustness of the alumni network corroborates the second, and the students I met during application showed me I would enjoy the last. The Lauder program also played an important role in the decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I believe I am an authentic student who values inclusiveness and who faces daily challenges with enthusiasm. I will do my best to balance academic performance, social life, and active participation in the community.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I once faced an 18-hour (traumatizing) bus ride between Thailand and Cambodia to save $100.
Post-MBA career interests?
Switching careers to Finance or specializing in financial services in Consulting
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I leveraged the application process as a means to get to know myself better, which I deeply recommend to other candidates.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have taken 1 to 2 months off work to avoid overload and unnecessary stress.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the waiting between each step and Wharton’s response. I believe the support of my friends and family was important, but also work helped avoid anxiety.
What is your initial impression of Wharton’s students/culture/community?
Wharton has a huge, diverse student body, so one can easily find their crew. Every student brings a unique view to the classroom and many are willing to share personal stories outside the classroom, which I cherish.
One thing you have learned about Wharton that has surprised you?
How adaptable the school managed to be during the Covid crisis and how the leadership of the institution is committed to maintaining the status of the #1 MBA program in the world.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious to finally sit inside a classroom to watch in-person classes and chat with classmates over the coffee breaks.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to enjoy several clubs and share this experience with like-minded peers.
