Mansi Jain

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“Champion for women, fashion, and retail.”

Hometown: New Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a professional Bharatnatyam dancer (Indian classical dance form); I started dancing when I was 4, and got my certifications by the time I was 14

Undergraduate School and Major: Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Delhi University; Finance Major

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Entrepreneur at NoBarr, fashion e-commerce brand in India

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? Wharton’s emphasis on leadership development and global exposure was key to my decision. I’m really excited to try P3 and leadership ventures, offered as part of the McNulty Leadership Program, to hone my leadership skills in challenging environments and diverse settings.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? The Global Modular Course on Luxury Branding & Retailing that involves a trip to Paris. I’ve always been awed by the rich history of luxury brands and their ability to sustain their legacy over decades while staying in tune with contemporary trends. The opportunity to engage with CXOs and understand their strategies firsthand would be a dream come true.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? `Legacy. Some of the world’s greatest changemakers have studied in the same classrooms as I do today, and now I have the privilege of joining such a strong community of leaders. Walking into Huntsman Hall and seeing the Dhirubhai Ambani auditorium fills my heart with pride and hope that one day I, too, might create a legacy and have my name inscribed on one of these halls.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized the Wharton School was the right MBA program for you? Why? I remember listening to an interview with Shuchi Pandya, where she discussed how she leveraged Wharton’s professors, labs, and extensive entrepreneurship resources to validate her idea and lay the groundwork for Pipa Bella. Hearing similar stories from Devangi Nishar (founder, Aza Fashions) and Tory Burch further reinforced my belief that Wharton (UPenn) is the ideal launchpad for my ambitions.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Starting NoBarr, a women’s apparel e-commerce business in India. What began as a passion project to address the lack of clothing options for myself and my immediate circle has evolved into a business that makes clothing accessible, affordable, and inclusive for women across India. Despite India being an apparel manufacturing hub, local options were extremely limited, especially back in 2018 when I started. Today, NoBarr collaborates with all major e-commerce platforms, enabling us to ship over 30,000 units each month.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? While an MBA opens up countless opportunities, my current focus is to pursue a career at the intersection of fashion and e-commerce.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I recently read Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. The MBA application process can be overwhelming and stressful, often taking a toll on your mental health. This book offers practical advice on how to maintain perspective, focus on the bigger picture, and prioritize what truly matters. It’s a great reminder to stay grounded and not let minor setbacks derail your progress.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Stanford GSB, Columbia Business School

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program?

* 10-Minute Rule: No matter how busy you are, take 10 minutes each day to stay connected with your application timeline

* Don’t Self-Reject: I’ve met many people who almost didn’t apply, but pushing through self-doubt is key.

* Law of Large Numbers: Reach out to a hundred people; likely, 10 will respond. Some of my biggest supporters through the process were connections I made through LinkedIn.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2026: THE ‘DO ANYTHING, BE ANYONE’ COHORT