Hometown: San Diego, CA
Education: Political Science, University of California San Diego
Before Wharton: United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal
After Wharton: Finance
Alex Sonnenberg
My Story About Me
Wharton is a great place to transition from the military to another career.
High Expectations for a New CareerAfter thirteen years in the US Navy, I felt that I had achieved all of my personal goals and was satisfied with my service to my country, so I looked for a way to begin a new career. While I’d learned a lot in the military, I wanted to discover new career opportunities and learn the business skills necessary to be successful in them. As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist working with Navy SEAL teams, I’d been part of the most elite military units in the world, and I wanted to make sure that my high standards and expectations would be met in business school - that’s why I applied to Wharton.
Wharton for Veterans
Wharton is a great place to transition from the military to another career. I went into the military right from high school— I wanted to get out and experience the world before I started a normal job. I reached a point where I had done everything I wanted to do in the military, and I felt like I was at the right age to go to business school.
The leadership, teamwork and discipline learned in the Armed Forces are extremely valuable skills that translate directly into the business world. The core curriculum provides a solid foundation for building your business knowledge and the wide range of electives allows you to dive deeper in whatever field interests you. Wharton has a particularly strong alumni network of veterans now working in many different industries - this ensures that students get exposure in whatever career field they choose to pursue. If your only job to date has been in the military, you can certainly leave Wharton with the skills and community to succeed in your next career.
A Path for Success
The MBA Program and Career Management offices go out of their way to make sure that everyone is academically prepared for the curriculum and knows what to expect from the career search process. They are always available and extremely helpful – especially for students who are career-switchers or from non-traditional backgrounds. There is a strong push for success, and the school wants to make sure that you get what you want when you graduate.’
Doors Open
As a non-traditional student, it seemed daunting to compete for jobs with people who already had industry experience. But in the end, I found that Wharton doesn’t just put everyone on a level playing field, it puts you above the competition. The Wharton program is very selective and employers know this. Tremendous opportunities are available to us, as recruiters know where to look for and find talent – and they come find it at Wharton.
