Michelle Mockus, Wharton’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Toronto, Double Major in Environmental Studies & Psychology, Minor in Environment & Behavior
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years in the non-profit industry in Business Development most recently at the American Heart Association
Why business school? Why now?
After spending 8 years trying to move the needle in the non-profit sector, I felt disappointed in how slow change really happens. I decided the best way to pick up the pace on much-needed community work was to go to the other side, the corporate sector. Since I have a “non-traditional” background, I knew I could benefit from the business expertise of an MBA. Once I came to this realization (about 1.5 years ago), I knew that I wanted to get started ASAP.
Why Wharton? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Wharton was always my #1 choice, not only because it has an amazing faculty (and resources), but because it’s in Philadelphia. Once I moved back to Philly 6 years ago, I knew I never wanted to leave. I also knew that with my science background, I wanted a more quantitative MBA experience and Wharton certainly loves data.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I am proud to be one of the few from the non-profit sector and from Philadelphia. I am so lucky that I can truly say none of my classmates has the same background (which has been amazing, I selfishly get to learn from everyone in class!).
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
My twin sister is currently in her 2nd year at Columbia Business School!
Post-MBA career interests?
Digital Health, particularly in preventative health for lower-income communities
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would work tirelessly to project my genuine-self through my essays. Not only did this help me get admitted, but it also helped me do the soul-searching that made starting school (and the whole “what do I want to be when I grow up?” questions) much easier!
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would stress a lot less about the GMAT. I took it numerous times and I never truly cracked it. All the schools I applied to seemed to truly take a full look at my application and ALL of its parts.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I absolutely would have skipped the hours I spent googling various, anxiety-provoking questions, like “what GMAT score do you need to be admitted to (insert school name)? How to write the best essay for (insert school name)?” These frantic searches never yielded results and took me down rabbit holes that I did not need to visit. That time could have been much better spent with family and friends!
What is your initial impression of Wharton’s students/culture/community?
Wharton has been such a welcoming community, even in virtual times. I am so humbled by how intelligent and motivated my class is…yet everyone is grounded and willing to be vulnerable. All of my classmates seem eager to learn from and support each other, it’s inspiring, especially when we haven’t even met in person!
One thing you have learned about Wharton that has surprised you? 
How much everyone loves Philadelphia. As a Philly native, on interview day, I was disappointed to hear that people weren’t excited to move to Philly (my favorite city!). Now that most students are settled here, they are loving it too. It has the best benefits of a small town in a big city. An amazing food scene, beautiful nature, and really cool events. I’m even a member of my community garden, which has been my favorite place to do homework.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m anxious about managing my time properly. I didn’t take it seriously when people told me Wharton would be like drinking from a fire hose, and it REALLY is. I’m not even through my 4th week and I already am strategically working through my time management plan. I am constantly looking back at my goals and making sure I’m filling my time in ways that will help me achieve them.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
This is so cheesy, but I am SO excited to learn from the amazing Wharton community. I am so happy and grateful to be back in school full-time and surrounded by a community that loves to learn and evolve.
