Kori Carter, Wharton’s MBA Class of 2024
Kori Carter, Wharton’s MBA Class of 2024Age: 30
Hometown: Claremont, CA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Stanford University, Human Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, Professional Athlete – 400 Meter Hurdler
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had to retire from Track & Field due to injury. I realized I had different ambitions from when I was in undergrad and wanted to pursue a career in Marketing. I felt like business school would be the best way to gain foundational knowledge as I switched careers.
Why did you choose Wharton? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Beyond the brand and reputation of Wharton, I felt like the school had everything I was looking for specifically – a strong marketing program with dynamic professors, a strong network of impactful people, and a chance to challenge myself in areas I wasn’t strong in, like data analytics and finance.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Wharton MBA Class of 2024?
As a former athlete, I have a lot of experience in leadership skills like grit and motivating teams. My untraditional background allows me to contribute a different perspective to my class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
During the pandemic, I picked up a lot of new hobbies like carpentry, roller skating, and gardening.
Post-MBA career interests:
Marketing within the sports industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I had a lot of informational interviews with people in the industries and roles I was interested in to help me really get a picture of what I wanted to do post-MBA and how I would leverage my MBA experience.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I was unaware of resources like MLT and Consortium. I think leaning into organizations like that would not have only given me more guidance in the process, but also allowed me to meet and connect with other candidates.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Writing and rewriting essays. It’s so hard to distill who you are and all your ambitions and passions down to 2,000 words or so. However, I knew this was my opportunity to show admissions what made me a right fit for Wharton.
What is your initial impression of the Wharton students/culture/community?
Wharton is full of extremely talented and diverse people. The more I hear people’s stories, the more in awe I am. The Wharton culture encourages building community in and out of the classroom, so we are able to get to know people in different spaces and on a deeper level.
What is one thing you have learned about Wharton that has surprised you?
I don’t think people realize how kind and willing people are to help one another at Wharton. I have classmates that constantly go out of their way to help. Whether it’s helping me understand course material I’m unfamiliar with or making industry connections, my peers make a point of going above and beyond for one another.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Surviving Philly winters. I am a California girl, so I am not accustomed to the cold.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The trips! I have had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places and bond deeper with my classmates. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I truly treasure.
