Erik Kellomaki

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Lauder Institute

“Golden Retriever Energy with a Mix of Dad Jokes, Dry Sarcasm, and Genuine Curiosity.”

Hometown: Apex, North Carolina

Fun Fact About Yourself: I moved to England in kindergarten and developed a British accent after classmates teased me for sounding American. When I returned to the United States, the reverse happened—I was teased for sounding British. I’m still a lifelong student of phonics.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – (BA) Peace, War, and Defense and (BA) Middle Eastern Studies

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Army – Special Forces Officer ‘Green Beret’

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 partnership with the Lauder Institute was the deciding factor for me. The joint degree program allows me to continue studying Arabic and the Middle East while building world-class business skills—a rare combination that aligns perfectly with my goal of leading at the intersection of global strategy, business, and national security.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at the Wharton School? I’m most excited about the Youth Mentors Club. Growing up overseas, serving in conflict zones, and raising a family have given me perspectives I hope can encourage and connect with underserved youth in Philadelphia. Just as importantly, I’m hoping to gain their perspective and hear their stories about what they’ve overcome and where they’re heading.

When you think of the Wharton School, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? Growth. Every conversation at Wharton reminds me how much I still have to learn. My classmates bring expertise from industries, countries, and life experiences vastly different from my own, and they’ve already become as valuable to my education as any classroom.

What makes Philadelphia a great place to earn an MBA? Philadelphia offers the best of both worlds: the energy and opportunities of a major city without the pace of New York or Washington. It’s diverse, deeply rooted in history, and home to thriving healthcare, technology, finance, and defense ecosystems—all while remaining an incredibly livable place for students and families.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment was supporting strategic coordination between U.S. and Kurdish partners during the 2024 collapse of Assad’s regime in Syria, helping navigate an exceptionally complex and rapidly changing operational environment.

What is your biggest passion – and how has it helped you make an impact? My biggest passion is providing hope to those living in combat zones or resettling refugees. I’ve been able to make an impact through both refugee resettlement programs in the United States and through military service while deployed to Africa and the Middle East.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I hope to join a leadership development program in operations or corporate strategy within the defense or aerospace industry, helping organizations solve complex operational challenges while strengthening national security through innovation.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Wharton School’s MBA program? Don’t try to navigate the MBA application process alone. Reach out to current students who share a similar background or interest and ask for advice. Most of us got here because someone invested time in us, and we’re eager to pay that forward.

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