Transitioning from Your Second Year to Becoming a Graduate

As you transition from your second year to graduation, focus on solidifying your academic achievements, finalizing your career plans, and preparing for the next chapter beyond Wharton. This hub brings together key resources, action steps, and connections to help you navigate your final months with clarity and confidence.

Positioning  |  Actions  |  Resources  |  Key Advice  |  Contacts

Positioning

Academics

  • What do you still want to accomplish academically before graduating?
  • Are you confident you are on track to finish all requirements?
  • What classes, professors, and classmates had the greatest impact on your Wharton experience?
  • What intellectual habits did you develop during your time at Wharton that you want to continue after graduation?
  • What skills or topics do you want to continue learning?

Student Life

  • Who do you want to make sure you’ve connected with before you leave?
  • What communities or clubs gave you the strongest sense of belonging?  How do you want to continue to engage in these groups?
  • How do you plan to stay engaged with the Wharton community?
  • How can you support the next generation of Wharton MBAs?

Career

  • How can I continue to build my professional network?
  • Who do I need to connect or reconnect with before graduation?
  • What skills do I need to refresh or build upon for my work?
  • How can I set myself up for success in my first 90 days in my full-time role?
  • Have your long-term career goals changed?

Actions

Academics

  • Go to Degree Planning and Audit in Path@Penn:
    • Review and confirm your major
    • Review your degree, core, and major course progress
  • Submit your graduation application.
  • Resolve any outstanding incomplete grades.
  • Meet with your Academic Advisor for direction and support.

Student Life

  • Activate your Wharton alumni profile before graduation, not after.
  • Have the conversations and make the connections you’ve been putting off — it’s harder once you leave.
  • Schedule a transition meeting with your incoming club leadership and invite your OSL club advisor.
  • Create or update a club handbook, drive folder, or transition doc that captures what you know: vendor contacts, timelines, budget history, lessons learned.
  • Schedule an appointment with OSL for direction or reflection.

Career

Key Advice

Academics

  • Don’t Wait to Apply for Graduation: The MBA Program and University will share with you your Graduation Application and deadline.  The Graduation Application initiates degree processing; missing the deadline can delay your official degree conferral date.
  • Mind the Gap: Use the time you have between now and graduation to close any gaps in your knowledge or skill development.  Find courses to help you strengthen these areas.
  • Feed Your Mind: Explore opportunities in the classroom to explore something you are truly interested in or passionate about.  Consider taking one class, project, or experience because it genuinely interests you, not because it checks a box.
  • Classroom Connections: Connections built in the classroom should not end at graduation. Before leaving campus, reconnect with professors, advisors, or mentors who are aligned with your interests, goals, and long-term pursuits.

Student Life

  • Institutional Knowledge: Think back to when you took over a leadership role at Wharton, what do you wish you knew?  Had access to?  Help the next generation of leaders by leaving a legacy of documentation and support behind.
  • Don’t Overextend Yourself: Avoid the lure of cramming too much into too little time.  Instead priorize events and opportunities that you enjoy and that having meaning and value to you.  Sometimes saying no means you are saying yes to being more fully present and engaged.

Career

  • First but not the Last:  The job search you conduct to secure your first full-time role post-Wharton will not be the last job search you conduct.  Utilize the skills you developed at Wharton to conduct successful job searches in the future.
  • You are Surrounded by Your Network:  Be sure to connect with other Second Years and learn about where they are headed post-Wharton.  Headed to the same city?  Keep in touch and find time to meet up.
  • Connect with Alumni: Leverage the Wharton alumni network to learn about the company and role you may be headed into.  Find mentors and advocates that will support your success.

Contacts

Academics

Student Life

Career