Alexis Smith

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“I’m a curious lifelong learner who loves exploring the world of technology and staying fit.”

Hometown: Washington, DC

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a two-time Big East Women’s Soccer Tournament Champion.

Undergraduate School and Major: Georgetown University, Marketing & International Business Regional Studies (Europe)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Google, Account Manager (Media & Entertainment)

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’m drawn to the opportunity to participate in the Global Modular Courses. I aspire to be a business leader who is comfortable working in heterogenous settings and can uplift people from a vast array of backgrounds. The best way to understand how to operate in a different culture is to immerse yourself in that society.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? Given my background in tech, I’m excited to get involved with The Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative. In particular, being able to participate in events such as the Hack-AI-thon and the AI & Analytics Accelerator will provide the tangible experiential learning opportunities I’m looking to build.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Catalytic. Wharton is a propelling force that not only opens doors for your career, but allows you to engross yourself in an impressive student body to help make change in the areas you’re passionate about.

What makes Philadelphia a great place to earn an MBA? Philadelphia provides a great balance of being in a city, while also being a size that lets you truly establish deep connections with classmates.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It was working with one of the main major men’s professional sports leagues to re-calibrate their Google Ads strategy ahead of major changes to their business model for their main consumer app.

What is your biggest passion – and how has it helped you make an impact? Finding ways to close the wealth gap in America. In my career thus far, I’ve found ways to blend technology and inclusivity. My work with Stackwell Capital Inc, a fintech startup, has been pivotal to understanding how disseminating accessible fintech tools can create a more equitable financial infrastructure.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? Consulting or FinTech Product Management

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? Be authentic to yourself and don’t compare your unique background to others. Your journey applying to business school is your own and you have to be confident that in your application you can weave your holistic personal backdrop into a narrative that shines.

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