Tanishi Agarwal

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“I lead by listening, innovate through curiosity, and shape lasting outcomes through quiet influence.”

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I once used live bacteria as my paintbrush.

Undergraduate School and Major: B.Tech(Hons) + M.Tech in Biological Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Goldman Sachs, Associate Quant Strat

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? I chose Wharton for its approach to leadership. I’d often found myself running things quietly from the background, but I knew I needed to stretch: to lead visibly, speak up, and grow in the areas I’d avoided. Programs like P3 and McNulty stretch experiences offered exactly that — a thoughtful, structured way to build the muscles I hadn’t yet used. It was the right challenge, at the right time.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? I’m most excited about Wharton Leadership Ventures (WLV) — because spreadsheets never made me sweat, but a glacier might. I came to Wharton to grow, and WLV throws you into situations where there’s no hiding — physically or otherwise. It’s not just adrenaline; it’s discovering how you show up when plans break and roles blur. That’s the kind of leadership practice no boardroom can give me — and exactly what I need now.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? “BECOMING”

Wharton feels like the space between who I was and who I’m ready to be — the right challenge, one that nudges you forward without throwing you off balance. Wharton helps you step into that challenge with clarity to start shaping the version of yourself you haven’t met yet.

What makes Philadelphia a great place to earn an MBA? Philadelphia is a legacy city — steady, historic, and quietly powerful. It doesn’t seek attention. However, it leaves a lasting mark — much like Wharton itself: rooted in tradition, built for real change, and focused on substance over show.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I addressed persistent delays in private markets client reporting for 65,000 investors and $120B+ AUM in Goldman Sachs’ External Investing Group. The project was recognized among the top 5 innovations out of 200+ in the Bangalore office. Working under quarter-end pressure, I redesigned reporting workflows and aligned global teams — a reminder that meaningful change often starts by quietly fixing what’s broken.

What is your biggest passion – and how has it helped you make an impact? I’m passionate about exploring what others overlook — and stepping up when it matters most. Curiosity draws me into underinvested spaces; responsibility keeps me there until they’re built to last. That instinct drove me to launch the Lifestyle Club at IIT Madras, represent women in intercollegiate sports, support team continuity at Goldman, and design systems that endure beyond me.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I hope to build a career in investment banking, helping businesses navigate complex decisions through capital and strategy.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? Take time to understand your story — the wins and the gaps. Show why Wharton is the next right step, not just for your career, but for who you want to become.

DON’T MISS: MEET WHARTON’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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