Emmalyn Shaw, WG'07
“Managing work, school and family is a challenge. When they say that your family must buy in to your decision, it's really true. There are several important sacrifices and trade-offs. My husband is incredibly supportive and takes care of the kids when I am away at school. In addition, I spend quality time with my family when I am home. My company is also very committed to my academic and professional success. In the end, it takes support from all key constituents because it is impossible to succeed in managing the demands of work, school and family on your own.”
» Read more of this EMBA student perspective.
Two-Week Student Diaries
How do students in the program handle full-time work, full-time school, and family life? The program requires strong commitment, and often sacrifices of personal life, family time, and sleep. But Wharton students say it's manageable — and worth the effort.
Alex Botelho, WG’07 |
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Making time for his family is a priority for Alex, who reads with his kids every evening and steals some time with his wife when she meets him in Philadelphia. But it's a challenge for Alex to make this time. During these two weeks, Alex takes on additional responsibility for a project at work and spends six hours seeding his lawn. And then, of course, he must also find time to study.
| Dr. Michelle Leff, WG’07 Deputy Clinical Director National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH |
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In the two weeks she kept her diary, Michelle talks about the sacrifices she makes to be in school, such as missing her daughter's performance at school, but she also recognizes the value of the sacrifice. "The Wharton Exec MBA program has been a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun," she says.
Charla Serbent, WG’07 |
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As director of sales for a multinational company, Charla spends a lot of time on the road. In addition to her class visit to Philadelphia, she travels to Milwaukee, Mexico City, and Euclid, OH, in this two-week period. Somehow, she also finds time to study, attend a swim meet, and host a pumpkin carving party for the kids.
