The Francis J. & William Polk Carey JD/MBA Program offers JD/MBA students the option of applying to the Semester in San Francisco (SSF) program. This unique opportunity combines classroom learning with extracurricular activities and various opportunities for students to engage with the regional economy in a unique immersive learning experience.
Here, Nico Goldberg L’25, WG’25 shares his experience during his semester in San Francisco.
Nico Goldberg L'25, WG'25
Q: What motivated you to apply to the Wharton MBA Semester in San Francisco?
I lived in the Bay Area before moving to Philadelphia, and I always planned on going back as soon as possible. SSF was both the fastest way to do that and a fantastic opportunity to tap into the San Francisco Wharton network for full-time recruiting.
Q: How has your experience in the program been so far? What are some of the classes you are taking?
It’s been great to get to know the current WEMBA West executive MBAs, who have such great insights from diverse settings. Right now, I’m working on a group project with four WEMBAs where we’re negotiating a very realistic VC term sheet, and it’s been an amazing learning experience. The other SSF courses are some of Wharton’s most competitive to get into, including Influence and Scaling Opps. With the smaller size of the SSF program, I’m getting to know my Wharton professors much more than I would have in Philly.
Q: How does this semester fit into your overall experience in the Carey JD/MBA?
While I can’t take any law credits in San Francisco, the flexibility of the program allowed me to frontload JD credits and focus on the SSF and MBA experience. With the lighter class load, I’ve had a lot of time to focus on networking and exploring different career pathways, specifically in San Francisco. SSF also has dedicated career counselors who are much more familiar with the area and the tech and startup scenes.
Q: Is there anything specific you hope to achieve by the end of the semester?
I’d like to intern at a Search Fund. That’s been my newest obsession since being here, and Wharton happens to have a great network of alumni searchers.
Q: Beyond this semester, what would you say have been the highlights of your JD/MBA experience?
Obviously, the amazing program director, Amanda Aronoff!
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering the JD/MBA and/or enrolling in the Wharton MBA Semester in San Francisco?
Do it! If you’re considering a JD/MBA, you’re probably someone with a lot of varied interests. Both SSF and the JD/MBA are very much “choose your adventure,” and you can explore so many different paths while you’re in Philadelphia or San Francisco.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about the JD/MBA or your semester in San Francisco to date?
I’ve become a much better surfer!
Original source can be found here.