How do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community?
Wharton Essay 2 Taking into consideration your background– personal, professional, and/or academic– how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)
As a product designer, I bring a somewhat atypical background to a business school setting. I have a highly specialized technical skillset, and I have learned to put aside my ego to accept constructive feedback from end users, without taking personal offense. My professional background coupled with my lifelong passion for art and creativity make me a unique candidate and an asset to the Wharton community both inside and outside the classroom.
Outside of my professional background, I have a colorful history of creative pursuits. I spent my most formative years as a competitive ballet dancer and have a deep appreciation for visual and performing arts. I hope to use this passion to bring artistic experiences to the Wharton community through the Wharton Art Club. As a lifelong member of the New York City arts scene, including my time as an undergrad at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, I’ve benefited from the privilege of that city’s diverse artistic offerings, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to Wharton. Whether organizing an outing to see a new play or arranging a walking tour of Philadelphia’s rich collection of murals followed by a discussion of their cultural contribution to the city’s history, I look forward to facilitating events to appreciate the art offered in the broader Philadelphia community.
Professionally, I have spent my career thus far as a product designer, honing my design thinking skills and devising creative solutions to complex problems. I am eager for the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the Innovation and Design Club, particularly by participating in the annual Penn Design Challenge with a team of peers from a variety of Penn’s schools. I will bring my unique multidisciplinary background and interests to serve as a source of strength to my teammates.
Inside the classroom, my understanding of design will prove invaluable in collaborative work. From a website to a coffee mug to a park bench, I’m aware of the enormous role played by product design in how we perceive everything with which we interact. I’ve meticulously studied how we interpret and react to information depending on its presentation, and I’m excited to use my experience to help my peers design unbiased interview studies, create engaging presentations, and visualize data effectively. With a multitude of specialized skills at my disposal, I look forward to bringing a unique perspective to all aspects of the Wharton community.