Meet Wharton’s MBA Class Of 2018

Ioana Calcev

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I am passionate, driven and I strive to have profound and positive impact on the world.

Hometown: Bucharest, Romania

Fun Fact About Yourself: English is my third language

Undergraduate School and Major: Harvard University, Economics

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Finance Manager
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Strategy Officer
• Boston Consulting Group, Associate

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most rewarding project was leading WHO, UNICEF, and CDC experts to revamp the $5.5B Global Polio Eradication Initiative in an effort to strengthen the program and achieve eradication.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Start the application process early and talk to others who have gone through it before. There are numerous components – information sessions, recommendation letters and scholarship applications – that take time to research and execute well. Also, be honest and thoughtful about what you want from business school and what you have to offer. Schools are looking for a diverse set of candidates. So be yourself throughout the process.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I was drawn to Wharton because of its analytically rigorous curriculum, collaborative culture, and global network. Ultimately, I chose to enroll after meeting some of the exceptional students, alumni and faculty that make up the Wharton community – everyone was accomplished and yet down-to-earth!

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? I strive to work at a development organization and scale disruptive technology and health solutions that empower millions of individuals in under-developed communities.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like for them to say that I am fun, passionate, and driven. I take on life’s adventures with open-minded creativity, enthusiasm, and good humor.