The Running of the Bulls: Inside the cutthroat race from Wharton to Wall Street

Last time when I had gone to get some books I happened to see the above book and without any second thought I picked up a copy to get an insider view of the life at Wharton. I had also been partially inclined towards finance and was not sure if I Banking would be my cup of tea or not.

This is one of the few books that I read without leaving a single page, including the preface, acknowledgement etc. The reason for this may be that either the book was so interesting or I was too motivated to get the maximum juice out of the book.

The only thing I was disappointed at was that the book talked only about the undergraduate school and not the MBA School, but despite of that it gave a very good perspective about the culture of the school, the academic rigor, the alumni base of the school etc. The biggest insight was about the recruiting and internship process, which is the most important phase of the life at a B school.

Another big take away for me from the book was the greater understanding of what it takes to be a banker J. I am more aware about the dark side of this job then before and about the brighter side I think we all know it pretty well J The high salaries and fat bonuses and an amazing sense of empowerment. I am pretty convinced that given the priorities of my life I am not interested in such a career where I would be left with no time for my family, myself and to be involved in some of the things which are very close to my heart.

Wharton came off as a very finance centric school with almost the whole batch trying to jobs in finance related fields, consulting was the second preference and the book never talked about technology related careers or Not for Profit related careers. But I think that might be because it was a book about the undergraduate school.

I surely liked the challenge of thriving in such an ultra competitive environment and being among the over achievers. I myself would go out and make the most of it if I get a chance at Wharton. I liked the awesome career service department and the alumni base, the kind of admiration and reputation the brand carries. It will help me come back to my country and work in future as Wharton brand holds the same value across the globe.

I would still spend some more time on the Wharton website and try and get in touch with some current students or alumni.

So am I applying to Wharton? Well cannot say that as of now need to research more schools and see which fit me most. But no doubts about it that Wharton surely rocks!!!!!!

I would really appreciate if you guys can share some of your insights about the school incsae you researched the school.