The Wharton Industry Exploration Program gives 40 undergraduates a week to explore and experience the Silicon Valley ecosystem. The trip features visits to tech-sector businesses, lectures at Wharton San Francisco, extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities with Wharton alumni in the Bay Area.
Experiential learning opportunities continue to expand at Wharton San Francisco, putting students at the center of a global hub for business, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. WH 297x: WIEP: The San Francisco Bay Area Tech Sector debuted as the first undergraduate pilot course on Wharton’s West Coast campus in 2015.
Course instructor Lori Rosenkopf, vice dean of Wharton’s Undergraduate Division, designed the program itinerary to expose students to the diverse Bay Area business community and the Silicon Valley ecosystem. The group visits growing (and Wharton-founded) startups such as Prosper and Ampush, established giants such as eBay and Google, venture capital firms like Greylock and NEA, and financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs.
Students attend several classroom panel discussions at Wharton San Francisco, scheduled lectures, and networking events. Through business site visits and meetings with senior managers and alums, they gain a better understanding of the tech sector and the startup space. But it’s not all work and no play — the weeks include plenty of events and excursions for students to explore San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Applying to WIEP: SF
With just 40 spots available and one course offering a year, the application process is highly competitive. Learn more about program costs and logistics and find out where you can submit your application.