Prior to Wharton I had spent two years in strategy consulting with Marakon Associates and almost four years in private equity with Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. Since graduating, I have continued to work in private equity at Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. Changing jobs was never a motivation for applying to the MBA exec program. However, I do think completing the program has enhanced my ability to evaluate potential investments and has broadened my network substantially, which helps in sourcing new opportunities. My career goals continue to focus around private equity, as I find it such a stimulating field in which to work. An MBA is not a prerequisite for a successful career in private equity, but I know that the knowledge and contacts I gained have made me a more effective investor. If I eventually move back to the UK, an MBA from Wharton will prove to be a very worthwhile credential. I think it is important for applicants to realize that the Wharton MBA reputation isn't confined to the full-time program. Many recruiters I spoke with view the executive MBA program at Wharton as an even stronger indicator of the ambition, discipline, and work ethic necessary to succeed in any industry.

Full-time equivalency
The Wharton program takes slightly longer to complete than other executive MBA programs, but I viewed this as a positive because I didn't want a watered-down degree. I knew the Wharton program had the best reputation, largely due to the fact it offered the same faculty and curriculum as the school’s full-time MBA. In choosing between MBA programs I felt that, if I was going to sacrifice the time and money to pursue the degree, I should select the very best school. I found the commute from New York to Philadelphia (an hour and a half) to be relatively easy. I was able to use the travel time to catch up on my reading or to socialize with other students.

Informed dialogue
I received my undergraduate degree from the London School of Economics, and I believe the standard of teaching and content of Wharton's curriculum compares well. What differentiates Wharton is the informed and insightful dialogue between professors and students. Students can apply what they are learning real-time and often bring relevant examples into classroom discussions. I don’t believe discussions of that quality occur in undergraduate or full-time MBA programs.

Not just bankers and consultants
I was surprised by the diversity of students at Wharton. I had expected most of my classmates to be investment bankers and management consultants, but many come from operations and technology backgrounds. Others have even more unusual backgrounds; several were previously in the Air Force and one classmate was a chess grandmaster. These are the type of people I came to Wharton to meet. The fact that classmates travel to Wharton from such distant locations as Chile, London, Montana and Florida is a testament to the quality of the program.

Mastering the balancing act
Learning how to balance everything was initially a challenge. My colleague who had gone through the program told me I'd adjust to the hectic schedule after a term and a half, and on reflection I think that’s about right. To cope with the workload, I went into the office a little earlier and dedicated a couple of nights each week to extended study. It was important to me to still get home at a reasonable hour to spend time with my family and I was able to accomplish this. An unexpected benefit of commuting was that while I was in Philadelphia, I could devote myself 100% to the program.

Sponsorship — sharing the investment
I was partially sponsored. Before I applied, I sat down with one of the founders of my firm and discussed the schedule and time commitment involved. I made it clear that he should let me know if my work was being adversely affected and I would make adjustments. In general, everyone at my firm was very supportive. Clearly it worked out since one of my colleagues has recently signed up for the program.