Real Humans of Wharton’s MBA Class of 2024

Priya Bhaidaswala, Wharton’s MBA Class of 2024

Age: 26
Hometown: Newark, Delaware
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, Marketing Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4.5 years working in retail strategy and operations at Gap Inc. 

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school so that I could expand my business knowledge beyond the retail industry across industries.  

Why did you choose Wharton? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The number one reason I chose Wharton was that I knew I would be surrounded by a sprawling community of diverse people who would simultaneously challenge and support me to become a better version of myself. With a class size of nearly 900, I knew I would find like-minded peers who shared my passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, family business, and hospitality. The tangible and intangible resources to support these interests are invaluable. Simultaneously, I knew I would also find people who could not be more different from me, such as people pursuing Real Estate Private Equity, Digital Healthtech, and Non-profit work. I

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Wharton MBA Class of 2024?
In the classroom, as a retail professional, I bring a unique industry perspective to discussions around supply chain disruptions, digital transformation, and brand management. I also enjoy connecting students interested in retail to leaders in my network.

Outside the classroom, I am passionate about converting campuses into communities. I bring an empathetic and empathetic demeanor to everything from hallway discussions to dinner party conversations. I enjoy encouraging individuals to go deeper in conversations with each other, and to discover how we can best support each other in the process.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was born and raised in a hotel!

Post-MBA career interests:
I plan to work in strategy consulting at a top-tier firm, to hone my quantitative and strategic skills and be able to apply those practices to lead and grow my family’s hotel business. 

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely hire my MBA consultant. She served as both a thought partner, life coach, and friend through a process that can sometimes feel never-ending. She kept me motivated when I felt tired or overwhelmed.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have taken a few more breaks to re-energize myself when I hit various creative ruts. You can’t produce your best work if you are not bringing your best self. In those moments, remember to step away and recharge.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would skip trying to write something that you think the admissions team wants to hear. It’s hard to sound authentic in your interviews if you don’t believe what you are writing in the applications. What helped me was sitting down and writing all my thoughts of my short and long-term goals, and then digging into the core motivations behind each of those goals.

What is your initial impression of the Wharton students/culture/community?
I thought Wharton was going to be a cut-throat, quantitative-heavy place with very little room for non-traditional applicants and empaths like myself.

What is one thing you have learned about Wharton that has surprised you?
I found that the community is actually quite genuine and collaborative. Also, because the campus is filled with 900 students (more than most other business schools!), I also found pockets of people who shared my values and interests.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Making the most of my two years. Time flies by really quickly, and I want to make sure I take advantage of the amazing resources, classes, and opportunities around me.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited for my friendships to continue blossoming. This is an incredible opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. I’ve met some brilliant people, and I will continue to meet many more. I’m excited about the conversations and memories we will share.