Wharton Circles
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
By the Numbers
Alumni Engaged Since Program’s Launch in 2019
Trained Circle Leaders
Total Circles
Wharton Circles
By the Numbers
Alumni Engaged Since Program’s Launch in 2019
Trained Circle Leaders
Active Circle Members
“Whether we are blazing trails in fields where we were once absent, or using our influence to alter an industry together – alumni are shifting workplace dynamics in new and important ways.”
Dean Erika H. James
“Whether we are blazing trails in fields where we were once absent, or using our influence to alter an industry together – alumni are shifting workplace dynamics in new and important ways.”
Dean Erika H. James
About Joining a Circle
Circles create opportunities to make new friends from different backgrounds; provide a sounding board for ideas; form safe spaces to talk about personal and professional issues; and exist as peer groups of smart, high-achieving, generous Wharton alumni who help each other succeed.
Who can apply?
- Circles are open to alumni from Wharton’s full-time MBA, Executive MBA, and Undergraduate programs.
How are Circles formed?
- Circles are comprised of 4-8 alumni with 1-2 leaders with region and time zone considered.
- We aim to make each Circle as diverse as possible. These are not industry-focused Circles.
What are the expectations for Circle members?
- Commitment
- Attend monthly, virtual meetings over the course of six months.
- Circle meetings are scheduled by each individual group.
- 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?
- Applications for new Circles occur every Fall.
- Interested alumni must attend a virtual Open House to learn more about the program and how to apply.
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 referred to as facilitators and are participating members of the Circle. Facilitators are responsible for setting group norms, ensuring that the group meets regularly, and guiding conversations to meaningful outcomes. Facilitators receive training from Wharton and attend meetings throughout the year to be successful in the role.
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 referred to as facilitators and are participating members of the Circle. Facilitators are responsible for setting group norms, ensuring that the group meets regularly, and guiding conversations to meaningful outcomes. Facilitators receive training from Wharton and attend meetings throughout the year to be successful in the role.
Circle 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 application process, and the matching process. Alumni must attend one virtual open house event to be eligible to participate in the program.
Complete the Application – On the application, you will select whether you want to be a Circle member or facilitator. Please note that Circles are organized by geographic region and intended to reflect demographic diversity, especially age and industry. However, these are not industry-specific Circles.
Attend a Training or Orientation Session – These virtual sessions are designed to introduce you to your role in your Circle. Links to join these sessions are shared with those who complete an application.
Training Session: Circle facilitators are required to attend a 90-minute training session covering best practices for leading the group and guiding Circle discussions.
Orientation Session: Circle members are required to attend a 60-minute orientation session focused on how to optimize the Circle experience and best contribute to the group.
Circles launch and meet monthly for six months as determined by your Circle. Circle facilitators are invited to join three additional virtual meetings between February and May to collaborate and receive additional support.