1. Wharton Alumni Feel the Power
of the Wharton Effect
By Aaron Packles

2. Introduction
• Aaron Packles serves as head of investment banking for
the banking industry for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Before embarking on his professional career, Aaron
Packles earned his undergraduate degree and MBA from
the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of
Business. He is one of several alumni who have
contributed stories to Wharton Magazine about how “the
Wharton effect” has contributed to their professional
careers.
As Wharton Magazine explains, many of the school’s
alumni thrive in the spotlight. This may be because the
school attracts ambitious people and trains them to
achieve success in their fields.

3. Wharton Effect
• While many alumni say studying at Wharton was a
transformative experience, others acknowledge that the
recognized prestige of the Wharton education has
opened doors for them.
With one of the largest and well-published faculties
among business schools, Wharton has earned the
number three spot on U.S. News & World Report’s
ranking of graduate business schools for 2016. Today,
with nearly 1,800 students enrolled in its MBA programs
and an additional 9,200 individuals engaged in executive
education each year, the school is giving many more
emerging and established business leaders opportunities
to experience the Wharton effect.