Veterans and members of the military comprise more than 10% of the Wharton MBA Program for Executives (EMBA) class. Wharton second-year EMBA student and Navy veteran Marco Segura, WG’25, is one of those passionate to see that number increase.
“It’s a wonderful program and worth it, but like everything else you have to put your left foot in front of your right foot and go all in,” says Marco “Military students bring a lot of value to the program with their unique perspectives and experiences, and I am committed to helping more veterans transition into business.”He knows first-hand about unique experiences. Growing up in Lima, Peru, he dreamed of becoming an American and serving in the military. At age14, he embarked on an undocumented immigration journey to Virginia. Living with his aunt, he learned English in high school and planned a future in construction – until an admissions brochure arrived in the mail from the University of Virginia that ignited his aspirations for a four-year degree.
“I started to see how school was like magic,” says Marco. “It could unlock opportunities – and this would only happen in the U.S.” His new goal became to do well in school, attend college, and then join the military.
While he did earn his undergraduate degree from UVA, the rest of his plan was delayed due to his immigration status. As he sorted that out, he earned a master’s degree. Finally, after a delay of several years, he was able to join the Navy – but with a hitch. “When you’re a new American, you have to wait for a lengthy background check to be an officer, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to serve, so I enlisted,” Marco explains. With no prior mechanical experience, Marco became a ship mechanic and attended law school at night. “I was the only enlisted person in my Command attending law school night classes, waking up at 4 a.m. for military duties and then spending evenings in school.”
His focus shifted in his last semester when he attended a guest lecture by Wharton alumna and negotiation expert Mori Taheripour, WG’03. “Her talk ignited my interest in business and led me to consider pursuing an MBA at Wharton,” Marco recalls. After attending admissions events and engaging with Wharton’s EMBA program to learn if it would be a good fit, he decided to apply.
Today, he’s a second-year EMBA student at Wharton’s San Francisco campus, a Tillman Scholar, and Senior Assistant Vice President of Corporate & Investment Banking at Wells Fargo’s Confirmations Team. As a leader of the Wharton Veterans Club, he actively encourages fellow veterans to explore the EMBA program by sharing his experiences and how he navigated the admissions process.
Photo: Leonor Hermoza
Marco emphasizes how he made sure to tell his personal story and how he would contribute to the Wharton community. “Approximately 1% of the population in the U.S. serves in the military; we are unique individuals with our own experiences and perspectives that we can bring to the classroom. That kind of diversity brings value to the ecosystem.”
Another important part of his application process, he says, was preparing for the standardized test and knowing when to ask for help. “I thought I was going to apply in Round 1, but I wasn’t happy with my Executive Assessment (EA) score. So, I sought out tutoring to improve my score enough to apply in Round 2,” Marco explains.
Knowing when to ask for help has continued to be crucial throughout his journey. “In my first year, I struggled with some quantitative subjects, but a member of my learning team helped me understand the material. I went to his house every week and we’d work together. Wharton EMBA students are collaborative, and we’re all committed to each other’s success,” he says. The program, he adds, forms a tight-knit community. “It’s an amazing place with a unique student body. My classmates are my inspiration and have become family. That’s why I want to make sure to give back to other military applicants by increasing awareness and supporting them through the process because this is an incredible opportunity.”
– Meghan Laska
Posted: November 4, 2024
