Kevin Modise
Wharton ’29
Finance
GRIP: Business in Sydney
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- Using an international internship to discover what kind of leader I want to become. At Abundium, I worked alongside experienced leaders, supported nonprofit engagement, and was gradually given the autonomy to contribute my own ideas.
- Building meaningful professional relationships with people far more experienced than me. I learned that networking is not about collecting contacts; it is about being genuinely curious, listening well, and finding ways to create value for others.
- Being challenged to become more independent and embrace life outside my comfort zone. Living in Sydney, travelling around Australia, reconnecting with old friends, and building a new Penn family showed me how much personal growth can come from simply saying yes to unfamiliar experiences.
- How two months abroad changed my perspective on my future. I arrived looking for international work experience and left with a renewed belief that I can build a career in finance while remaining globally minded, people-oriented, and committed to creating positive impact.
My Experience Abroad
My experience in Sydney connected directly to my academic and professional goals in Finance and Real Estate at Wharton by showing me how the skills I develop in the classroom translate into real organisational settings. I applied skills in analysis, communication, project coordination, and problem-solving while supporting nonprofit engagement and working alongside senior leaders.
The experience also complemented my interest in pursuing a career in finance and global business. Although my internship was not directly finance-focused, it strengthened the interpersonal and leadership skills that are essential in any professional environment. Working with nonprofit leaders and corporate professionals taught me how to build relationships, communicate with different stakeholders, and contribute meaningfully within a team.
Most importantly, GRIP expanded my understanding of what I want my professional future to look like. I came to Sydney seeking international work experience and left with a stronger desire to become a globally minded leader who combines business expertise with meaningful social impact. The experience showed me that my academic goals and professional ambitions do not have to exist separately: I can pursue a career in finance while remaining committed to leadership, service, and creating value for the communities around me.
Other Highlights
- Interning at Abundium: Working alongside senior nonprofit and corporate leaders, gaining hands-on experience in community engagement, project coordination, and leadership development.
- Discovering Sydney: Exploring the city’s beaches, landmarks, Vivid Sydney, hiking trails, and food scene while experiencing life in a new part of the world.
- Building a new Penn family: Forming close friendships with my GRIP cohort and sharing spontaneous adventures that made Australia feel like home.
- Growing through independence: Navigating a new country, workplace, and culture pushed me to become more adaptable, confident, and self-reliant.
