Brendan Lorton

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“I am passionate about preserving our Nation’s security and serving underserved communities around the world.”

Hometown: Columbia, MD

Fun Fact About Yourself: My passion and purpose were molded through my experience as Army Special Forces Officer. Being one of the few Green Berets in Afghanistan during the final days of our War on Terror shaped my purpose, passions, and worldviews.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy; Systems Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Onebrief; Deputy Director of Operations.

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 and finance aligns perfectly with my career goals, where I aim to work in a sector where I can continue to serve my country and communities around the world. Whether I choose to pursue a career as an investor or in a startup, my immediate focus at Wharton is building a strong educational and financial foundation. Wharton’s resources and network will be instrumental in helping me achieve my aspirations.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? The clubs…there are so many clubs to choose from! I am excited for any club that balances food, wine, culture, and athletics.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Leadership. I want to walk in the steps of the great minds and leaders who have made significant contributions to the world.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized the Wharton School was the right MBA program for you? Why? I knew the Wharton School was perfect for me when the admissions committee, students, and teachers took time to individually meet with me. It was a bonus when it unexpectedly started to snow while I was walking Locust Walk, revealing a beautiful campus.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment has been learning that a fulfilling career combines a sense of purpose with a non-linear path. Transitioning from Army Special Forces to the civilian sector was challenging. I struggled with a loss of identity and purpose while navigating my career options. Through experiences in a startup and investment banking, marked by both triumphs and failures, I’ve come to realize that life is a purposeful, exciting, and unpredictable journey.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I plan to continue my career at a startup that contributes to our nation’s security, while also seeking investor roles where I can make a positive impact on important companies and underserved communities.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I highly recommend the All-In Podcast. The podcast is hosted by giants in the tech and VC industry (from both political sides) and covers a wide range of important issues. The hosts’ unfiltered opinions and willingness to talk about polarizing issues models how we can respect all views.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Harvard, Stanford.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? My advice to applicants is to understand your purpose, and how a particular school aligns with that purpose.

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