At Penn, Ryan Ghose W’25 explores his preprofessional ambitions while simultaneously forging a path of creative fulfillment. Upon graduation this spring, Ryan’s degree from the Wharton School will be complemented by a minor in Theatre Arts—and the University has provided him with the ideal setting to pursue these seemingly divergent interests. “Penn offers a college experience unlike anywhere else. Our campus is both covered in greenery and connected to one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the United States. I can receive the best business education in the world while having the opportunity to act in professional musical comedy shows for major audiences. At Penn, these apparent paradoxes become possibilities.”
Ryan’s involvement with the Mask and Wig Club—Penn’s historic musical comedy troupe—has encouraged his growth as an artist and expanded his knowledge of professional theatrical productions. As a Cast Member and Undergraduate Secretary-Treasurer, Ryan has collaborated with alumni leadership on club improvements and played a key role in the organization’s daily operations. During Ryan’s time at Penn, Mask and Wig has also undergone a significant transformation—starting with the 2022-2023 academic year, the traditionally all-male troupe removed gender as a qualification for membership for the first time since its founding in 1889. “It has been especially rewarding to see Mask and Wig continue to evolve, now welcoming students of all genders and becoming better and funnier than ever.” Ryan’s additional involvements—specifically with the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Wharton Alliance, a pre-professional organization for LGBTQ+ students at Penn—have also allowed him to cultivate lasting friendships and increase his impact within the campus community.
As a recipient of a Philadelphia Summer Internship Award through the Wharton Undergraduate Division, Ryan earned funding that enabled him to accept an otherwise unpaid internship with the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA). “I’ve always wanted to intern for a government agency, but I was limited due to the financial obstacles that come with these often unpaid opportunities. The Philadelphia Internship Award allowed me to explore this interest and learn more about the inner workings of government, free from financial worry.” With the PEA, Ryan advocated for clean energy policy and contributed to a city-wide campaign to help all Philadelphians go solar. In addition to his efforts in helping advance climate-forward initiatives, Ryan enjoyed learning the texture of the city in a new way. “Neighborhood and community outreach through PEA allowed me to explore Philadelphia beyond my usual paths. It reminded me of the passion, vibrancy, and resilience that can only be found here. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to connect with the city in a meaningful and impactful way during my time at Penn.”
As Ryan looks ahead to his remaining time on campus and his life after graduation, he reflects in gratitude on his experiences at the University. “While my path will undoubtedly twist and wind after I leave Penn as a student, the incredible connections I have made will endure forever. I am grateful to know that wherever I find myself in my journey, I will have a community to rely on for support and mentorship.”
Favorite Spot On Campus
