About the Program
Wharton Circles is a groundbreaking program designed to facilitate personal and professional connections among Wharton alumni. The school thoughtfully matches small groups that meet once a month, virtually, over the course of six months.
Wharton Circles Is More Than a Network
Alumni Engaged Since 2019
Trained Circle Leaders
Total Circles
Wharton Circles Is More Than a Network
Alumni Engaged Since 2019
Trained Circle Leaders
Total Circles
Step 1: Register for a Virtual Open House
Virtual Open Houses will be offered on August 26 and September 2. Sign up now to learn everything you need to know about Circles.
Step 2: Log In to Attendee Hub for Meetings
After you register for a Virtual Open House, log in to Attendee Hub for comprehensive and easy access to all Circles resources.
- Fill out the Circles intake form to become a Circles leader or participant
- Join virtual events
- Watch past recordings
- Access member resources
- Connect with the Circles team
Mission Statement
Wharton Circles creates opportunities for Wharton alumni to build meaningful personal and professional connections through small, thoughtfully curated groups. Open to Wharton alumni globally, Circles foster genuine cross-background relationships, provide a trusted sounding board for ideas and challenges, and create supportive spaces for growth. Through virtual engagement across class years, participants share experiences, navigate professional and personal journeys, and deepen their connection to one another and to the Wharton community.
Who can join?
Wharton Circles is available to all alumni from Wharton’s full-time MBA program, MBA Program for Executives, and doctoral and undergraduate programs, as well as graduates of Wharton Executive Education’s Alumni Status Programs.
How are Circles formed?
- Circles are comprised of 6–10 alumni and one leader with region and time zone considered.
- We strive for each Circle to include multiple backgrounds and perspectives. These are not industry- or age-specific Circles.
- Scheduling is discussed during our Virtual Open Houses.
What are the expectations for Circle members?
- Commitment
- Attend monthly virtual meetings over the course of six months.
- Stay in touch with Circle members between meetings.
- Vulnerability
- Share your personal and professional experiences.
- Communicate about positive and challenging experiences.
- Engagement
- Listen to others’ stories/experiences.
- Give advice to group members when asked.
What is the cost to participate?
- Wharton Circles are made possible through the generosity of the Susan and Carl Bolch, Jr. Fund.
- Participant cost is your time and full engagement in your Circle.
How can I sign up for a Circle?
- Intake for new Circles occurs in late summer/early Fall.
- Interested alumni must attend a virtual Open House to learn more about the program and how to apply.
The Open House event will also cover privacy and engagement protocols upon joining a Circle.
Who can I contact with questions?
Contact us by email: whartoncircles@wharton.upenn.edu
Be a Circle Member
Participant role – active contributor to the Circle
Circle participants commit to being fully present and engaged in monthly circle meetings, following the group’s norms and behaviors, and contributing to the group in a meaningful and authentic way. Commitment to the group and processes is a key component and regular attendance is critical to a group’s success.
Be a Circle Leader
Leadership role – ensure Circle meets monthly, set the tone, and guide the group
Circle leaders are participating members of the Circle. Leaders are responsible for ensuring that the group meets regularly, guiding conversations, and upholding group norms. Leaders receive training from Wharton and attend meetings throughout the year to be successful in the role.
Circles Program Timeline
Attend an Open House – These one-hour, virtual events are the introduction to Wharton Circles. You will learn important details about the structure of Circles, the intake process, and the matching process. Alumni must attend one virtual open house event to be eligible to participate in the program.
On the intake form, you will choose to be either a Circle leader or a participant. Please note that Circles are organized by geographic region and intended to match alumni across industries and class years. These are not industry- or age-specific Circles.
Attend a virtual training to learn about how to create a successful Circles experience.
Plan and attend your first Circles meeting.
Schedule and attend an additional five Circles meetings with your group.