The following is Sunny Jiang, WG’24’s firsthand experience in the Semester in San Francisco program.
During the Fall 2023, I embarked on an extraordinary journey with a cohort of like-minded students as part of the Semester in San Francisco (SSF) Program. Nestled in the heart of the world’s technology and innovation hub, this program was more than a unique academic endeavor; it was one of the most significant chapters of my Wharton experience; filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories with lifelong cohort friends.
The SSF program is uniquely designed for students like me who are deeply passionate and looking for pivotal opportunities in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and technology. It provided a rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Bay Area’s dynamic tech scene with a campus a block from the iconic Bay Bridge and a short drive from Silicon Valley . This experience wasn’t confined to classroom walls; it was about venturing out into the industry, connecting with leaders, and gaining insights that are only possible through firsthand interaction. Looking back, there are the three most valuable aspects of the SSF experience: 1) immersive real-world learning opportunities in technology and innovation; 2) tailored academic offerings and access to world-class faculty members; 3) lasting memories through activities on the West Coast.
Real-world Learning Opportunities
Proximity creates opportunities. One of the most enriching aspects of the program was the closeness to the world’s most bustling entrepreneurial ecosystem. We were blocks away from a wide network of venture capitalists, startup founders, and tech executives. Every week during lectures, we had Wharton alumni who are industry leaders in innovation come to campus, sharing with us their career journey and industry insights. C-level executives regularly visited campus as guest speakers to connect with us and discuss the real-world challenges they’re solving day in and day out.
Internships played a crucial role in our experiential learning. More than half of the cohort, including myself, leveraged the opportunity to work for startups and venture capital funds. The flexible class schedule allowed students to maximize their time in harnessing internship opportunities. These in-semester internships gave us the opportunity to apply classroom theories; and serve as a testbed for our entrepreneurial skills and a chance to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge projects.
My fellow students in the SSF cohort all proactively leveraged their networks in the Bay area to organize student-run treks and contributed to collective learning. We frequently drove down to Silicon Valley to visit companies and host happy hours with alumni. These events opened additional avenues for networking and learning, allowing us to engage with industry leaders who are shaping the future of technology.
Tailored And Immersive Academic Offerings
The program provides class offerings that are tailored towards the professional interests of SSF students. A lineup of top Wharton professors flies to SF each week and teaches a customized curriculum. Our academic offerings included Scaling Operations from Gad Allon, Venture Capital and the Finance of Innovation from David Wessels, Strategy Equity Finance from David Musto and Dave Erickson, and Marketing Strategy for Technology Platforms from Pinar Yildirim.
The connection with professors was another cornerstone of SSF program. Our relationships with faculty members were significantly enhanced by the program’s intimate setting. We discussed trending innovation topics over small group dinners and morning office hours, which provided a unique setting to discuss academic topics, personal development, and aspirations. These interactions helped us to gain insights from our professors’ vast experiences and wisdom, adding a personal touch to our professional growth.
Building Lifelong Friendship and Memories
Beyond academics and professional growth, the semester was also full of personal connections and fun. The friends I made within the cohort are one of the top reasons I chose to do the SSF Program. Similar career interests and hobbies helped us bond on the first day. There were a ton of fun group activities, from story-teller nights to themed parties and cultural celebrations.
The memorable experiences our cohort shared outside the classroom helped us embrace the special opportunities made accessible by being in the Bay area during the fall season. We hiked the breathtaking trails of North California, sailed on the serene waters of the San Francisco Bay, and created moments of joy and camaraderie which played a critical role in balancing the rigorous demand of our MBA program with creating deep, meaningful, and lifelong relationships.
— Sunny Jiang, WG’24
Posted: August 1, 2024