Transitioning from your first year to your second year is a pivotal moment to build on your academic foundation while sharpening your career focus and deepening your involvement in the Wharton community. Use this hub to stay on track with key actions, explore resources across academics and student life, and connect with the people who can help you make the most of your second year.
Mindset | Actions | Resources | Key Advice | Contacts
Mindset
Academics
- What do you want to accomplish in your second year?
- How are you thinking about the balance of coursework and other priorities?
- What first-year experiences surprised you, and what would you do differently?
- Which faculty or electives do you most want to prioritize?
Student Life
- Did your summer change what you want?
- Where do you want to lead this year and are you ready to commit to it?
- What relationships do you want to build intentionally as a second year?
Career
- What did you learn from your summer internship?
- Have your career goals changed?
- What do you want to communicate to recruiters about your summer experience? Situation-Task-Action-Result
Actions
Academics
- Confirm your Course Match Access
- Review and confirm your major declaration
- Complete your Degree Audit
- Schedule time to discuss your summer and academic goals with your Academic Advisor
Student Life
- Review your club involvement – add and subtract based upon your goals
- Connect with outgoing club leaders
- Check in with a recent alumn (like your Student Life Fellow) – they’ve navigated this transition
Career
- Reflect on your internship and honestly assess whether your goals have shifted
- Track accomplishments and skills for resume use
- Seek and receive feedback from summer manager and peers
- Connect with your Career Advisors to reflect on your summer and determine your next steps
- Update your industry alert preferences in CareerPath
Resources
Academics
- Degree Audit in Path@Penn
- Departmental Websites & University Catalog
- Wharton MBA Academic Calendar
- MBA Academic Affairs Team Page
Student Life
- OSL Peer Advising (Starting in the Fall)
- OSL Advising Appointments – Virtual and In-Person
- Student Life Advising Resources
- OSL Club Event Planning Guide
Career
- MBACM Summer Advising
- Networking and Relationship Tracking Tools
- Resume Development Resources
Key Advice
Academics
- Plan Summer Advising: Course Match opens for rising second-year students in April and remains open through mid-August, when it closes for all students. Academic advising for second-year students concludes in late July, as MBA Academic Affairs transitions to first-year advising during Pre-Term. Plan your advising conversations accordingly.
- Update Your Major: Completing a major is required for the MBA degree. While it is not uncommon to be undecided about a major entering your second year, you should confirm your major well before your final semester. If you are interested in designing your own course of study, an individualized major (WIDS) is available; note that the proposal process requires advance planning and approval from both MBA Academic Affairs and a faculty advisor.
- Track Your Progress: Major changes are submitted via electronic form on MBA Inside. Review your degree audit and meet with your academic advisor before initiating a change to understand any implications.
Student Life
- Club Leaders + Student Life: If you are a new club leader or want to lead a club, meet with the OSL Associate Director of Governance. They advise on WGA, cluster boards, and other leadership pathways.
- Start Planning Events Early: You should start earlier than you think. Students who come to us late scramble, and so do we. Reach out to OSL Associate Director of Events before you’re in planning mode, not after.
- Understand Your Finances: The WGA owns the finance process, but OSL can help you navigate it when you’re stuck. For escalations — internal vs. external funding sources, purchase orders — reach out to the OSL Senior Asssociate Director.
Career
- Stay in the Game: If an internship is not ideal – expand your scope, don’t disengage. Also, connect with a Career Advisor as soon as possible.
- Be Visible: Maximize return offer changes through cosnstent impact and visibility
- Be Prepared for Full-Time Recruiting: If you do not receive a full-time offer, start preparing for just-in-time hiring. This will be a marathon, not a sprint. Be sure to update your resume, networking materials, and pitch to reflect your summer experience
Contacts
Academics
- Academic Advising
- Student Registration & Financial Services
- MBA Academic Affairs/MBA Program Office Email
Student Life
- Your Club Advisor
- OSL Associate Director of Governance Email (WGA, Cluster Boards, Leadership Opportunities)
- OSL Associate Director of Events Email (Club Events and Conferences)
- OSL Senior Associate Director Email (WGA finance escalation, purchase orders, and internal vs. external funding questions)
Career
- MBACM Advisors
- Alumni Career Experts
- Wellness Coach