How will Wharton MBA help you to achieve your professional objectives?

My father spent his childhood in a concentration camp. As a survivor, he taught me not to stand by idly. Consequently, I was raised to stand-up for those who could not and to fight for my beliefs. Today, my weapon of choice is business empowerment and the battleground is Herat, the “Silicon Valley of Afghanistan.”

I work at PeaceBiz, providing management skills and technical knowledge to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan. Now, I’m looking to gain profound financial skills, industry knowledge, and a connection to a global network in order to solve a worldwide problem—the lack of capital available to female-owned businesses in war torn regions.

Business knowledge is necessary for the SMEs in my portfolio to achieve scale. But, I have learned that to continue on a growth trajectory, SMEs need sustainable financing—something they lack today.

My long-term goal is to start my own “patient” capital fund for female-owned SMEs in conflict-affected countries. The fund will provide financing and mentorship, as business consulting is crucial to the success of SMEs experiencing their first influx of capital. Financing and mentorship together will allow these SMEs to grow their businesses, create local jobs, and contribute to their economy.

Before starting my own fund, I need experience in the industry. Immediately following graduation, I will work at an organization like Acumen Fund, which provides financing to SMEs in developing countries in addition to business skills. It will provide me with insight, networking opportunities, and a greater global context, which will prepare me to achieve my long-term goal.

I need more than an MBA to achieve my goals; I need a Wharton MBA because, at Wharton, rigorous coursework is coupled with a deep commitment to social responsibility—one of the school’s three pillars. Through first year classes, I will gain the hard financial and management skills I need to progress in my career. During year two, I will apply and build off of my new skills in classes like Private Equity in Emerging Markets and International Business Ethics. I will also learn “in the field” with a Global Modular Course and a social impact trek.

To start my own fund, I need a network of investors and partners; through the International Development Club, I will connect with students and industry professionals to form that network. From there, my network will expand across the Wharton community in what will be a reciprocal relationship that will continue to grow throughout my lifetime.

I need a school that values entrepreneurship, brave thinking, and bold leadership; Wharton is that school.