Talking = 650+ Signups!

If you remember from last week, I shared that DreamBridge is hosting a virtual summit this weekend - our first - and so far, it’s been a whole lot of fun, a whole lot of work, and a whole lot of talking

We’ve spent the past few days talking to students, our speakers - highly knowledgable people you really wouldn’t want to miss out on - and amongst ourselves, really trying to make this the best possible experience for you

The result? 650+ signups, 8 speakers, and 12+ hours of webinars that will leave you with a strong sense of the US university application process and job market

All of this has also given me reason to reflect, and here are some things worth sharing:

1. I’ve been reminded - yet again - of how incredibly complex people can be. Over the past 18 months, there hasn’t been a single week where I haven’t been working on my content, talking to people from vastly diverse backgrounds and trajectories. Working on this summit has reinforced this thought, and it’s something I hope to carry with me while building DreamBridge and keeping accessability at the forefront of everything I do

2. International students - and especially those from South Asia - aren’t afraid to reach beyond their means. Living in Boston and then New York, I’ve been exposed to unparalleled levels of privelege. And one thing I’ve observed is that it’s often those with privelege that don’t quite know how to make the most of it. On the other hand, I’ve seen students and young adults with relatively limited means excel way beyond what would seem reasonable - and it just drives home the notion of keeping at it

But back to our summit. I’m not going to go into too much detail again - I’ve already shared all that, and you can access it all here

I am going to share some highlights though - sessions you really shouldn’t miss out on if you absolutely have to pick and choose

Balancing Passions with Career Outcomes: a PhD in the Humanities with Ilsa Razzak

📅 Sunday, September 28
🕘 9:00 PM PKT
📍 Live on Google Meet (RSVP here)

The humanities often get a bad rep. A degree in the likes of history, sociology, and literature can be associated with poor job prospects and low ROI. But Ilsa - and countless others are changing the narrative

We’ll be covering everything from crafting the perfect PhD profile to figuring out whether you want to build in academia or outside of it - and how to excel in the path you choose!

Funding your Education: MPower Student Loans with MPower Financing

📅 Sunday, September 28
🕘 6:00 PM PKT
📍 Live on Google Meet (RSVP here)

US grad school is expensive. And scholarships or fully-funded programs aren’t always the answer - and may not even be available for your specific program. So, is that the end of the US higher education dream? Not necessarily

Organizations - such as MPower Financing - work specifically on education funding, helping international students afford grad school and build a life for themselves that would otherwise be very much out of reach. Curious? Tune into our session with MPower Financing on Sunday to learn more!

Adapting to Life in the US: Insights from Washington & Beyond with Sanjina Kumari

📅 Saturday, September 27
🕘 9:00 PM PKT
📍 Live on Google Meet (RSVP here)

Most people think it’s the work that you do before you get to the US that’s most difficult. Completing countless applications, figuring out how you’re going to pay for it all, and of course, leaving everything you’ve known behind - for who knows how long

But there’s another very real kind of struggle waiting for you once you land at an American airport - and I’m not talking about immigration. It’s the culture shock, combined with the realization that you’re in a very new country, and very much responsible for yourself - perhaps for the first time in your life

Luckily, Sanjina’s been through it all - and on Saturday, she’ll be guiding you through the entire process - giving you her tested tips and tricks on how to adapt to life in the US. You don’t want to miss this one!

So, who’s joining us at our first virtual summit!?

P.S. We’ll be sharing free resources + guides after the event with everyone who attends!

Thinking of an MBA?

If you’re interested in applying to an MBA program, here’s a great free resource

@joinleland is hosting a FREE MBA Application Sprint from September 30 - October 2! 10+ virtual sessions demystifying every step of the application process, from application strategy to essays and more. Sessions will be hosted by former Admissions Committee members at top business schools like Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, and more

Plus, you’ll unlock a special, exclusive session to meet current Admissions Directors from Chicago Booth, Michigan Ross, and more for insider insights

Register for free now: (RSVP here)!

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

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