Hi Dreamers!

Big week. After months of building, DreamBridge.ai is finally live — a platform made specifically for Pakistani students navigating U.S. admissions, funding, and careers. In this update: a no-fluff student loan guide, our first-ever mixer in Chicago, and key takeaways from recent webinars. Let’s get you moving, one step at a time.

DreamBridge.AI is finally live

About time somebody built a product for Pakistani students

The dreambridge.ai website is finally live. According to a US Department of Commerce report, international students of Pakistani origin contributed ~$476 million to the US economy in 2023. That means Pakistani students spend $50,000 — $70,000 (annually) on tuition, housing, food, travel, etc.
We, the students, make the most important and expensive decisions of our lives without support, guidance, or mentorship. And that’s about to change with dreambridge.ai

I am building this because I wish something like this existed when I was applying to grad school.

The platform helps you find the best-fit universities from a database of 2,800+ programs, matched to your background, career goals, and budget. It guides you through writing powerful essays (you’ll still need to make them your own), helps you access student loans, and supports you in finding jobs — whether you're headed to the U.S. or staying in Pakistan.

The DreamBridge Student Loan Handbook

Student loans are the #1 thing people reach out to me about — and for good reason. It's a taboo topic, and most students have no idea where to start, what their options are, or how to manage repayment or refinancing later.

The DreamBridge Student Loan Handbook is a no-fluff, practical resource for Pakistani students heading to the U.S. It breaks down how international student loans work, compares lenders like MPOWER and Prodigy, explains key terms, and walks you through what to do — from borrowing smart to managing worst-case scenarios.

If you're even thinking about taking a loan, download the guide here.

I’m hosting my first-ever mixer in Chicago!

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, I’ll be hosting our first in-person networking mixer in Chicago — and I still can’t quite believe it.

As someone who grew up in a small rural town in Taxila, the chance to bring this community together across cities like New York City and now Chicago feels surreal.
I started hosting these mixers in NYC to build a community for young Pakistani professionals—no panels, no pressure: just thoughtful conversations, good people, and a shared ambition to grow. And now we’ve grown into a real, strong community of 200+.

Now, we’re bringing that same energy to Chicago.

If you're in Chicago — or know someone who is — consider this your invite.

📍 Saturday, June 7, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 For young Pakistani professionals, or anyone who believes in community, connection, and building something bigger together.

No fancy name tags. No big speeches. Just real stories, new friendships, and shared ambition.

Feel free to share this with someone who needs to be in the room.

A Big Thank You to TapTapSend 

Big shoutout to TapTapSend for backing our mission to uplift the Pakistani community in the U.S.
Fun fact: They were one of the first to support my 1,000-mile run across Pakistan, and have consistently invested in education.

If you’re moving to the U.S. or are already here and need to send money back to Pakistan, especially for Eid al-Adha, TapTapSend is a great option. I use the app — it’s fast, reliable, and has the best rates compared to all traditional transfers.

Use code “DB” when you sign up for a $30 bonus on your first transfer.

Download the app using this link.

Missed the Webinars? Here’s What You Need to Know

Over the past week, we hosted two powerhouse conversations for Pakistani students planning their careers in the U.S.

1. Breaking into Investment Banking — ft. Hammad Zaidi

Hammad Zaidi went from fixed income trading at HBL to Booth School of Business—and is now heading to New York for a summer internship in Investment Banking.

We talked about how to start recruiting before landing in the U.S., why Pakistani students often start too late, and how to turn your local work experience into a global story.
Missed it? Watch the replay here

2. Consulting 101 — ft. Jahan Ara Saleem

Right after that, we hosted Jahan Ara — Acumen Fellow, ex-Engro, and now a rising consultant at BCG (fresh off her MBA at Kellogg).

She broke down what management consulting is, what top consulting firms want, and how to tell your story and network like a pro.

Missed it? Recording of the session

Bonus: Case Prep Resources
To help you get a head start, Hammad shared a curated folder of case prep materials — including fit questions, frameworks, and practice cases:

LCG Consulting & Case prep resources

McKinsey Case Prep

This newsletter is here to bring you real learning, career opportunities, practical upskilling tips, and market insights — all designed to help you take your next big leap.

If you’re finding it useful, just reply with “KEEP ON KEEPING ON” — it lets me know you’re with us.

And if you ever have ideas, questions, or want to say hi—I’d love to hear from you.

Catch you soon,
Tabarak Rehman