Huntsman Hall, located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, is a hub of activity for students pursuing careers in finance and consulting. On September 20, the hall was bustling with eager graduates attending career fairs, networking events, and workshops aimed at securing jobs in these competitive industries.
Penn graduates have long been known to enter financial services and consulting industries at higher rates than any other Ivy League university. Recent data shows that this trend is only increasing, with 50% of Class of 2022 graduates pursuing full-time employment reporting that they went into finance or consulting jobs. This percentage is significantly higher than the next-highest rate of 40% at Harvard University.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Penn has consistently sent a high percentage of graduates into finance or consulting, with 47.5% of 2022 graduates entering these industries. Even the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Penn boasts a rate of 34%, surpassing other Ivy League schools like Cornell, Columbia, and Yale.
One of the main reasons for the high rate of Penn graduates entering finance and consulting is the strong presence of clubs and organizations on campus dedicated to these industries. The competitive nature of these clubs has been a topic of discussion, but efforts have been made to create more inclusive spaces for students interested in finance and consulting.
Wharton, Penn’s prestigious business school, plays a significant role in shaping the career paths of students. Nearly 80% of Wharton students work in consulting or finance immediately after graduation, influencing the overall trend at Penn. However, even excluding Wharton students, Penn still sees a high percentage of graduates entering finance and consulting, reflecting the overall culture of the university.
While the dominance of finance and consulting has been consistent at Penn over the years, there are signs of change. Graduates in majors like cognitive science, communications, English, and environmental studies have seen an uptick in entering these industries. This shift may be attributed to companies recruiting earlier in the year and offering attractive opportunities to students.
Overall, Penn’s strong presence in finance and consulting industries is a testament to the quality of education and resources available to students. The university’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers in these fields is evident in the high percentage of graduates entering finance and consulting roles. As Penn continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of industries, students can expect even more diverse career opportunities in the future.
