Matthew Jacobs

Penn World Scholars
Class of 2026

South Africa

Academic Areas of Interest

“Although still somewhat undecided on my final Wharton concentration, I have a deep passion for both behavioral economics and legal studies and ethics. I have always been drawn to the more human element of business and I am sure this is an area I will be inclined to major in. Outside of this, I have a deep interest in philosophy (primarily Ancient Greek) and will be working towards gaining a minor in this field.”

Activities & Hobbies

“Self-improvement guru. I love journaling, experimenting with morning and evening habit routines, listening to podcasts and reading. I am also a very active person and love going on early morning runs down Locust Walks, visiting Pottruck for a lifting session in the afternoon and joining the Penn Rugby team for practice in the evenings.”

Future Plans

“Without a doubt, my future plans include returning back home to my beautiful country, South Africa. The educational outreach programs I created in the rural areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal exposed me to the depth of suffering experienced on a day-to-day basis. Although I am not entirely sure of my final business path, I know I will take the skills and connections I have made over my time at Penn and Wharton back home with me to Africa and make the large-scale impact my country desperately needs.”