Taylor Clarke

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“A Return Peace Corps Volunteer working in the intersection of business and public policy.”

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina

Fun Fact About Yourself: I participate in powerlifting competitions with the American Powerlifting Federation.

Undergraduate School and Major: International Business, University of South Carolina

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Consultant at Guidehouse

What has been your first impression of the Wharton MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Wharton story so far. My experience with my Wharton classmates has been outstanding. The breadth of accomplishments, and knowledge among my peers, in addition to their welcoming personalities, has made my time here valuable. I’ve felt a sense of real community. My favorite memory so far has to be the Talent Show that we put together during our first week of Pre-Term. There were skits, songs, and even some live musical performances!

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Wharton School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? During an info session that Wharton held ahead of Round 1 applications, I heard a current student say that Wharton is the place where you’ll be surrounded by the most diversity of thought that you’ll ever be around. I’ve always tried to surround myself with people who think differently than I do, and who come from backgrounds that are different than my own, so that I can continue to challenge my worldview. Business school was no exception, and I realized after talking with Wharton alums and looking through our required courses, that Wharton would provide me that opportunity.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? I’m interested in the Politics and Policy Club at Wharton. Coming from a background that’s a mélange of public and private sector work, I’ve seen the effectiveness that comes with merging business acumen and public policy initiatives – and how it can lead to real changes in communities. I’m excited to continue to explore this intersection with my peers.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Inclusivity. Wharton prides itself on having one of the largest student bodies of any business school and they make sure to fill it with a diversity of backgrounds. In my classes, we have folks from the nonprofit sector, professional sports, and those who are successful entrepreneurs. This diversity extends to including a large percentage of international students as well.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my previous role at Guidehouse, I worked with senior leadership to build out the firm’s State and Local Government practice in the Southeastern US. I managed COVID Relief Funds for more than 80 towns, counties, and municipalities across South Carolina – providing localities with the funding they needed to prepare for and respond to the pandemic. As a native South Carolinian from a rural part of the state, it meant so much to be able to support my home state in a time of crisis.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? While my background in undergrad was in business, I’ve spent most of my career so far in government and policy. I’ve found that merging the efficiency of the private sector and the sweeping changes of the public sector is a space where I really thrive. I wanted to hone my effectiveness on the business side of the house to become a more purposeful leader in both areas. I plan to go back into consulting after graduation.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? Smart People Should Build Things by Andrew Yang. The book talks about how the brightest individuals in our educational system usually follow the paths of professional services, finance, or law, and examines the benefits and pitfalls that come with following those paths. It’s provided me with an additional lens on how to view the next step in my career after business school and what skills I truly want to cultivate through my work.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Duke, Yale, Northwestern, and UChicago

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? Be passionate and be your authentic self. There will be thousands of applicants whose entire goal is to pivot into X or Y higher-paying career. The way that you really differentiate yourself is by diving deeper into your motivations and purpose. The application isn’t just a question of why you want an MBA, but who you are and what values drive you. You have to ask what you want to accomplish in your career and how an MBA can assist with that goal.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE WHARTON SCHOOL’S MBA CLASS OF 2024