Elyshia Geter

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“Adventurous, empathetic, and ambitious individual committed to inspiring others, embracing challenges, and driving meaningful change.”

Hometown: Norwalk, CT

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was a competitive cheerleader for 11 years.

Undergraduate School and Major: New York University, Real Estate

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Artemis Real Estate Partners – Senior Associate, Acquisitions & Asset Management

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? It was the flexibility and technical rigor of the curriculum. I appreciate that the Wharton curriculum enables me to enhance my leadership and communication skills while also staying sharp in the analytical and technical areas. As someone who aspires to be a senior executive one day, it was important that I find a program that would allow me to develop a well-rounded skillset, equipping me to handle complex challenges and lead effectively in diverse business environments.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? I am excited to take the course Negotiations. I’ve heard it’s a favorite among students and I think the skills that I gain from the course will serve me well as I navigate future job placements and structure deals throughout my career. Plus, I’m not the best negotiator in my personal life, so I’m hoping this course will help me out there too! I am also looking forward to being a part of AAMBAA and finding my community on campus.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Collaboration. It’s clear from Wharton’s MBA interview (the Team Based Discussion), that the school values teamwork and the power of working together to achieve common goals. The school recognizes that success in business often hinges on the ability to work effectively with others and leverage diverse perspectives. I also think the collaborative nature of the program allows for a more fulfilling and enriching experience for everyone.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized the Wharton School was the right MBA program for you? Why? I had the opportunity to attend the Explore Wharton on-campus event the fall before submitting my application. During one of the panels, a Black student mentioned that Wharton was the first place where she didn’t feel the need to seek out other Black peers to find a sense of community. Her comment resonated with me and stayed with me throughout the rest of the application process. For many people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, it’s common to immediately look for someone who resembles you in new or uncomfortable environments. Hearing that this student—and other panelists who agreed—didn’t have to do that at Wharton spoke volumes about the inclusive, collaborative, and close-knit community the school fosters. After that event, I knew Wharton was a great fit for me. Not to mention, the UPenn campus is beautiful in the fall!

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Providing support and mentorship to others. I am a first-generation college student and the only person in my family to pursue a career in finance—now also the first to seek an advanced degree. I understand the challenges of navigating the financial industry without significant guidance. Despite experiencing self-doubt and imposter syndrome, I’ve built relationships with incredible mentors who have instilled confidence in me and profoundly influenced my career path. I’m committed to giving back to the next generation of investment professionals, whether through supporting summer interns, training first-year analysts, or offering advice to undergraduates aspiring to break into investment banking. I’m proud of the strides I’ve made to get to where I am today and honored to provide the same support and guidance that was crucial to my own journey.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I hope to combine my enthusiasm for investing with my commitment to supporting historically underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I plan to return to the private equity space with a focus on investing alongside and in minority- and women-owned firms. In doing so, I aim to bridge the gap in access to capital and cultivate greater opportunities for economic growth and wealth creation within these communities.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? If you’re looking for a great podcast in general, I highly recommend The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett. While all episodes are excellent, I particularly recommend the one featuring Mo Gawdat (Former Chief Business Officer at Google X) where they discuss stress. They explore how stress is often seen as a status symbol and how external pressures drive us to constantly take on more. Mo’s insight that “while life is supposed to be lived, we spend most of it planning to live” is especially thought-provoking. This podcast is specifically relevant for prospective MBAs because it provides valuable perspectives on managing stress and maintaining balance while pursuing ambitious goals. As future business leaders, understanding these dynamics can help us navigate the intense demands of an MBA program and beyond, ensuring we stay focused on what truly matters and avoid getting lost in the hustle.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Harvard and Columbia

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? Be yourself! When applying to business school, it’s easy to feel pressured to fit the mold of the “ideal candidate.” However, MBA programs like Wharton are genuinely interested in what makes you unique. So proudly tell your story, trust the process, and know that you will end up wherever you’re meant to be.

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