MBA Leadership Ventures
Leadership Ventures are experiences that facilitate self-discovery, leadership, and character development. Participants are able to step out of their comfort zone, exceed personal limitations, and experience leadership firsthand. There are three types of Leadership Ventures: Expeditions, Intensives and Workshops.
All Wharton students accepted as participants on an expedition can apply for a scholarship and receive up to the full land cost of the venture (selected based on financial need). Applicants should indicate whether they would like to be considered for a Scholarship.
Registration and Dates
2017 Fall Information Session Presentation
REGISTRATION – all registration occurs via Course Match.
Expeditions: All expedition registration will happen at once, in September 2017 and all participants will be notified by October 2017. There will be an Information Session held in September 2017 for ALL ventures which will provide additional information – expeditions vs. intensives vs. workshops and what is involved in each.
Intensives or Workshops: Registration for an intensive or a workshop will occur via CourseMatch during the same run of Exepditions. All students will be emailed with a registration link. One week prior to the intensive or workshop, students will be notified that they have been selected. Participant lists are randomly selected.
| Venture | Dates | Focus |
| Antarctica Trekking | Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 4, 2018 | Backpacking, Mountaineering, Glacier Travel, Winter Tent Camping |
| Atacama Desert | Marc. 3 - 10, 2018 | Multi-disciplinary, Backpacking, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Summit Attempt |
| Andes Mountaineering | Dec. 29, 2017 - Jan. 5, 2018 OR Mar. 3-10, 2018 | High-altitude Mountaineering, Backpacking,Glacier/Snow Travel |
| New Zealand Coast to Coast Venture (NZC2C) | Dec. 29, 2017 - Jan. 6, 2018 | Multi-disciplinary, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Whitewater Rafting |
| New Zealand Southern Lakes Traverse Venture (SLT) | Dec. 29, 2017 - Jan. 6, 2018 | Multi-disciplinary, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Kayaking |
| Patagonia Trekking | Mar. 3-10, 2018 | Backcountry Trekking, Raft-building |
| Tall Ships Sailing | Dec. 29, 2017 - Jan. 7, 2018 | Deep Ocean Sailing |
| Utah Canyoneering | March 3-10, 2018 | Backcountry Trekking, Canyoneering, Rappelling |
| Small Crew Sailing | March 3-10, 2018 | Caribbean Ocean Sailing |
| Venture | Dates | Focus |
| FDNY Intensive | Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 | Firefighting Simulation |
| Quantico Military Intensive | Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 | Military Simulation, Ropes Course, Combat Course |
Workshops
Leadership Development Workshops are a set of free active leadership learning opportunities. Workshops focus on one- to three-day programs that highlight alternative leadership education methodologies or specific topics. With a minimal time commitment and no cost, they are an ideal way to add to your leadership portfolio while at Wharton.
| Workshop | Dates | Focus |
| Conflict and You: The Power of Aikido | October 2017 | Centering, Listening, Managing Emotions, Increase presence under pressure |
| Finding a More Authentic Self | November 2017 | Storytelling, Using Creativity to Succeed |
| game on: Communication, Leadership, Confidence | October 2017 | Communication Clarity, Collaboration, Self-awareness |
| Gathering Intelligence Through Conversation | November 2017 | Negotiation Tactics, Build Rapport, Communication Skills, Emotional Intelligence |
| Leadership Presence | October 2017 | Stage Presence, Collaboration, Expressiveness, Creativity, Listening |
| Leader as Storyteller | October 2017 | Narration, Dialogue, Business Storytelling |
| Leadership Lessons from the U.S. Civil War Gettysburg Battle | September 2017 | Decision-making, Teamwork, Leadership Strategy |
More Venture Resources
Financial Aid
Scholarships for the Leadership Ventures are awarded annually for expedition-based Ventures. Only initial Course Match registrants will be eligible for the Scholarship.
Policies and FAQs
In the CourseMatch system, students should input their true preferences for all ventures. There is no limit to the number of ventures that a student can select. For more information on Enrollment Policies, click here.
We are here to help.
We encourage you to speak to any Venture Fellow, Associate Director Jules Roy or Director Preston Cline.
Apply for a Fellowship
Venture Fellows are selected in March of your first year to serve in your second year. Go to the Venture Fellows page for more information. Prior participation in a Wharton Leadership Venture is not necessary.