Hi everyone,
A lot happened this week inside DreamBridge: two powerhouse webinars, tons of questions from students preparing for U.S. admissions, and a lot of interest in GRE prep and tech salaries.

Here’s a full breakdown so you don’t miss anything.

Webinar Highlights

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get a recording of the webinars: https://www.youtube.com/@DreamBridge_edu

1. Haroon’s Webinar: Transferring to a U.S. University, BCG, and Building His Startup

What made his session valuable was how honestly he broke down the “in-between work” - the messy middle nobody talks about:

• fixing his GPA narrative,
  

• positioning his transfer application,
  

• the way he approached networking for MBB,
  

• and the discipline it takes to build something of your own while still in school.
  

His YouTube replay goes live today. We’ll share the link on the DreamBridge WhatsApp + Skool community as soon as it’s uploaded.

2. Sameen’s Webinar: Full Ride to Virginia Tech + 10 Internships + Cybersecurity at PwC

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/7qrRY9rDQVA?si=Tsp6dP6_LeDj_qjA

Sameen’s story resonated with almost everyone who attended. She explained how she earned a full scholarship at Virginia Tech, completed 10 internships across different industries, and eventually broke into Cybersecurity Consulting at PwC right after graduation.

Her replay is already live on YouTube, and it’s honestly one of the most actionable sessions we’ve hosted.

Join our FREE Skool community to network with peers (who are applying to US Grad school) and mentors (who can guide you): https://www.skool.com/us-grad-school-admissions-help-6548/about?ref=0f6936aa80564bc3a555c422fb736432

Quick Credit Tip: Zolve

For everyone moving to the U.S., Zolve is one of the simplest ways to start your credit history early.

You can open a U.S. credit card without a Social Security Number, and it starts building your credit history from day one which helps you later with renting apartments, getting lower loan rates, and even job checks in some industries. You also get a 1% cashback on every transaction!

It’s a solid starter option and takes only a few minutes to apply. Get your card here: https://bit.ly/usacreditcard_

Top Universities for Marketing in the U.S.

Students kept asking for marketing recommendations this week, so here’s a list that consistently delivers strong academic depth and employer access, especially in digital marketing, influencer strategy, brand partnerships, and consumer analytics, which are now billion-dollar skillsets.

The creator economy has already crossed $250B and is projected to reach $480B by 2027, and 63% of global brands increased their influencer marketing budgets this year. Companies hire roles like Influencer Strategist, Creator Partnerships Manager, Product Storytelling Lead, and Growth/UGC Strategist straight out of top programs.

In short: modern marketing isn’t “traditional marketing” anymore. It’s behavioral psychology + analytics + AI + brand influence, and these programs reflect exactly that.

Hence, these programs below are worth a look:

1. Northwestern University – MS in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC)

A leading program for brand strategy, storytelling, consumer insights, and integrated marketing planning.
Class Profile:

• 131 students (Class of 2025)

• Avg age: 23

• 2 years work experience

• Strong industry integration, creative and strategic focus.

2. Columbia University – MS in Marketing Science

A highly selective, STEM-designated program built for marketing analytics, quantitative modeling, and data-driven decision-making.
Class Profile:

• 15 students

• Avg work experience: 0.6 years

• One of the most analytical marketing degrees in the U.S.; extremely competitive.

3. University of Rochester (Simon) – MS in Marketing Analytics

A STEM-designated, analytics-heavy program that blends pricing, consumer research, and predictive modeling.
Class Profile:

• 73 students

• 68% female

• Avg age: 23

• GMAT range: 630–740

• Strong quant curriculum with a capstone project; mean compensation is around $77K.

4. University of Maryland (Smith) – MS in Marketing Analytics

A value-driven STEM program focused on marketing analytics, consumer insights, and data storytelling.
Class Profile:

• Selective public program

• Strong placement in digital marketing, consumer analytics & government-tech crossover roles.

Student loans are a great way to finance your education. See if the university you’re applying to qualifies for a loan in under 60 seconds:

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See if you're eligible for a student loan from MPOWER Financing. No co-signer, collateral or U.S. credit history needed!

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GRE Prep: A Practical, Proven Approach

Here’s a realistic plan used by students who score 320+ consistently:

1. Start With a Baseline

Take an ETS PowerPrep mock before touching any prep. It sets your starting point and helps you build a targeted plan.

2. 8–12 Week Prep Window Works Best

If you’re studying alongside classes or work, 2.5–3 months is ideal. Anything shorter becomes stressful; anything longer becomes unfocused.

3. The Only Resources You Actually Need

ETS Official Guide

ETS PowerPrep (Mocks)

Manhattan 5-lb Book

Magoosh for structured lessons and vocab

This is the exact combo most scholarship winners use because it’s efficient and predictable.

4. Mock Strategy

• First month: 1 mock every 2 weeks
  

• Last month: 1 mock per week
  

Mocks matter more than solving 500 random questions.

5. Track Errors Like a Research Project

Make a sheet of recurring mistake types:

• question types
  

• timing issues
  

• careless errors
  

Your score jumps come from fixing patterns, not from adding more study hours. You can check our exclusive webinar with Saad Amer, GRE Coach here: https://youtu.be/z8vRLksI7FU?si=RmhK1FBSx685xbCz

U.S. Starting Salaries for Tech Roles

Early-career software engineers, AI engineers, and ML engineers in the U.S. are benefiting from a machine learning market that’s projected to hit $30.6 billion in 2025, growing at more than 32% annually. 

Global AI spending is also booming as analysts expect the AI market to expand at a 19%+ CAGR, scaling from $638 billion today to over $3.6 trillion by 2034.

This surge in demand helps push early-career compensation for AI/ML engineers above $100K, with total pay often climbing toward $150K+, reflecting how premium these skills have become.

Here’s what it looks like in the U.S. right now based on reputable compensation data:

Artificial Intelligence Engineers

$117K–$188K, with an average around $146K. AI engineering is still one of the highest-paid early-career paths.

Software Engineers (SWE)

Average starting compensation: $112K
Ranges vary heavily by city and company. Big Tech tends to overshoot this by quite a margin.

Machine Learning Engineers

Average starting salary: $110K
Companies hiring ML engineers typically expect internships or projects, so portfolios matter.

These numbers are useful benchmarks for students planning their OPT or deciding between master’s programs.

Have a productive week,
Tabarak Rehman

Good news for international students and recent graduates.
On October 20, 2025, USCIS released an official clarification confirming that the controversial $100,000 H-1B fee does not apply to most students currently in the United States.

If you are on F-1, OPT, or STEM OPT status, this update protects your path to an H-1B visa.

Background

In September 2025, the White House announced a new $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions.
The announcement sparked widespread confusion and concern—especially among international students preparing for the 2026 H-1B lottery.

Last week, USCIS provided much-needed clarity on who will actually pay the fee and who is exempt.

Who’s Not Affected

If you are already in the United States, you are safe.
The fee does not apply to:

• Students on F-1, OPT, or STEM OPT filing a Change of Status to H-1B inside the U.S.

• Current H-1B holders filing extensions, amendments, or transfers

• Any petitions filed before September 21, 2025

In short, if your H-1B is filed while you are in the U.S. with valid status, you are exempt from the $100,000 fee.

Who’s Affected

The $100,000 fee applies to:

• Applicants outside the U.S. filing new H-1B petitions

• Denied Change-of-Status cases that must refile abroad

• Petitions requesting consular processing or port of entry notification

This means that new applicants filing from overseas—or those whose petitions are processed through a U.S. consulate—will face the payment requirement.

What Employers Should Do

USCIS guidance advises employers to:

• Review all pending or upcoming H-1B cases

• Confirm whether each case involves Change of Status or consular processing

• Integrate payment verification into internal compliance checklists

• Stay updated as legal challenges to the policy move forward

What Students Should Do Now

For students, this clarification provides a clear roadmap:

• Keep your F-1, OPT, or STEM OPT status valid

• Avoid unnecessary travel while your H-1B petition is pending

• Ask your employer to file a Change of Status, not a consular processing petition

By doing this, you can pursue your H-1B from within the United States without triggering the $100,000 payment.

A Hidden Win for International Students

There is also a hidden advantage.
Because the $100,000 H-1B fee applies only to applicants filing from overseas, many U.S. companies will now prefer to hire candidates already in the country on F-1, OPT, or STEM OPT status.

This shift could lead to:

• More job opportunities for students already in the U.S.

• Less competition from overseas applicants

• Higher chances of securing H-1B approval through Change of Status

Being in the United States is now more advantageous than ever for international graduates seeking sponsorship.

The Numbers Behind It

According to USCIS data, in FY 2023 there were approximately 386,000 approved H-1B petitions, down from about 442,000 the previous year. Roughly half of those approvals were for individuals who were already in the U.S., rather than being hired from abroad.

In FY 2024, 71% of all H-1B approvals went to India-born applicants, followed by 11–12% to China-born professionals.

Let’s look at which countries are leading in H-1B approvals.

Source: USCIS (FY 2023 Characteristics of H-1B Workers Report); VisualCapitalist (FY 2024 H-1B by Country)

Why This Matters

This announcement brings relief to thousands of international graduates and professionals who feared their U.S. career plans might be derailed.

For now, those who maintain valid status and file their H-1B from within the country can continue their journey without the added financial burden.

Join Our Free Skool Community

If you’re applying to U.S. grad schools or navigating post-study work options, join our free Skool community to connect with peers and mentors who’ve been through the same process:
Join the Skool community →

You’ll get access to:

• Direct mentorship from students at top U.S. universities

• Scholarship and visa updates

• Insider resources to strengthen your U.S. application journey

Attend Our Upcoming Webinars (This Weekend)

We’re hosting live interactive webinars this weekend covering:

• H-1B 2026 strategy for international students

• U.S. grad school admissions and funding options

• OPT and STEM OPT career pathways

Register here:

• Webinar 1 →

• Webinar 2 →

Watch Past Webinars on YouTube

Missed a session? Catch up on all previous webinars and expert panels on our YouTube channel.
Subscribe to stay updated on H-1B, OPT, and graduate admissions tips:
DreamBridge YouTube Channel →

Check Your Student Loan Eligibility

Need help financing your studies?
You can check your university’s loan eligibility and get an estimate in under 60 seconds here:
MPOWER Financing Eligibility Tool →

Stay Informed

DreamBridge is tracking every major immigration and career policy update affecting international students.
Follow us to stay informed and prepared as new policies develop.

As of October 1, 2025, the Trump-administration led US government is in effective shutdown

Before we get into it, let’s take a step back - what is a government shutdown and how did the US find itself facing one?

With reference to the United States, a government shutdown occurs when the federal government faces a funding gap before the start of the next fiscal year. This means that the necessary funding legislation which was needed to finance government failed to pass. When this occurs, non-essential services and operations in federal agencies - which may include those that international students often rely on - come to a halt

So what now?

Right now, negotiations are underway to reach a funding agreement but as of October 9, a stalemate has continued. According to the GOP Whip’s office, further voting won’t take place until October 14 - meaning that shutdown will continue on into the next week. The first of the financial impact has already made itself known as families across the US - particularly those in military - brace for potential missed paychecks

But the question on everyone’s minds - what does government shutdown mean for international students on F-1 and H-1B visas?

Well, this is not the first government shutdown that the United States has faced - it’s actually the eleventh, with the shortest lasting a mere 4 hours and the longest being 35 days during Trump’s last presidential term - so we can look both at past trends and the current landscape

1. Travel

Airports have been one of the first areas to be impacted. With the Federal Aviation Administration reporting air traffic control staffing shortages, flight delays and cancellations have been observed at major airports throughout the country

2. USCIS - US Citizenship and Immigration Services

Generally speaking, USCIS should not face any major impact as it is fee-funded, and so applications - including F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 OPT STEM Extension, and H-1B - should continue as regular

However, certain applications may require involvement from third-party government agencies, and if these agencies are facing closure due to shutdown then USCIS processing may also face delay

3. Visas - Appointments, Interviews, and Issuance

Historically, visa operations at US Consulates and Embassies across the globe have faced delays and temporary pauses during previous government shutdowns. Several US institutions - including MIT - have advised their students not to travel outside the US where avoidable to the best degree

4. SSN - Social Security Number

The SSA (Social Security Administration) is considered an essential service, and so most operations will continue to be active. As an international student you can still apply for your SSN, but take caution that you may face delays. During previous shutdowns, SSN application processing has seen pauses which left international students unable to obtain an SSN until normalcy resumed

5. E-Verify

E-Verify, the system used to confirm eligibility of new hires, is generally unavailable during shutdown. However, the system was brought back online on October 7, and processing is now active - although how long it will remain active if a shutdown continues is unclear. In worst case scenarios, international students can expect hiring and onbaording delays

6. Labor Condition Application

In the case of H-1B visas, individuals must have a US Department of Labor-approved Labor Condition Application before a visa petition can be sent to the USCIS. During a shutdown, the Department of Labor is among the first to be impacted, and presently, new LCA filings are on hold

So, international students looking to pursue their H-1B path are in turn for delays

All in all, international students are being told to sit tight and bide time - and if they’re in need of support, to reach out to their university’s international student offices

How we can Help

At DreamBridge, our core offering is community. While we have no direct way to assist students facing application and filing delays, we are here to offer support and guidance

The best way to reach us? Through our private Skool community - join for free, post a question, and receive guidance from a community that is deeply immersed in the workings of the US educational and corporate system. To join, click here

Weekly Highlight: A Masterclass in Networking with Taha Mansoor

With uncertainty looming and corporate competition rising, it’s essential to become a pro at networking. For international students specifically, networking can be the tool that opens doors and puts opportunities within reach

In this 90-minute masterclass, Taha Mansoor (BlackRock, Bloomberg, Point72) outlines his experience and shares tips on how to build and leverage a network in the US

Watch here

Looking for Housing?

Book through our HousingAnywhere portal and get 10% off on your booking fee in 150+ cities worldwide - explore here

Don’t know how to Pay for your Degree?

If you don’t have family support or scholarship, student loans are a great way to finance your education. Check your loan eligibility in under 60 seconds and see if the university you’re applying to qualifies for a loan

Click 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

Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever

As of September 21, 2025, the Trump administration’s $100k H-1B fee has come into play. While the initial response has been one of panic and breakdown - all witnessed via a social media flurry - there’s one question on everyone’s mind: what now?

Well, let’s pause, rewind, and reflect

Pause

Does the $100k fee rule mean that you should panic, start making a list of top destinations to live outside of the US, and mass-apply to every non-US LinkedIn opening that comes your way?

In one word, no

All you should really be doing is making the most of your weekend, getting ready for the week ahead, and not letting this $100k news affect your work performance - after all, anxiety and panic gets to the best of us. Oh, and while you’re at it - you might as well attend our virtual summit over the weekend - plenty of people who are right in the thick of it, and who better to ask about the H-1B situation than them?

Rewind

So, what exactly is a H-1B visa, and what is the $100k H-1B fee rule?

The H-1B is a category of non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign employees in specialty occupations. Historically, students on F-1 status have used the H-1B to be able to legally work in the US. Once an F-1 student graduates, they apply for OPT - or Optional Practical Training - which ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature of your degree. It is during this time period that former F-1 students apply for the H-1B visa, which allows them to continue working in the US under employer sponsorship

On September 19, 2025, the Trump government signed the ‘Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers’ proclamation, under which a $100k fee is now levied on new H-1B visa applications filed after 12:01am Eastern on September 21, 2025

This is a one-time fee, to be paid by the sponsoring employer, and does not apply to H-1B renewals or ammendments

As a result, US firms that regularly hire from overseas - and sponsor their employees via the H-1B route - are now hit with a massive cost increase. Naturally, this is going to impact international hiring trends, the remittance economy, and company structures

Reflect

The golden question - where does this put F-1 students?

Well, technically, the $100k rule does not directly impact F-1 students seeking H-1B sponshorship via the OPT route. This is because they come under the exempt category - any employer sponsoring an F-1 OPT student will not have to pay the $100k fee

While international students should treat this news with caution, there is no need to panic. Rather, it is now more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. This means building a strong profile and utilizing your university years to gain relevant experience that will make you a valuable asset to any potential employer.

So, what does the road ahead look like for international students on F-1 status?

Simply speaking, not much different. Keep in mind that the $100k fee is a temporary rule (currently only in place for 12 months) - and may change at any moment - and companies sponsoring F-1 students face no greater financial charge than they were before September 21

To make it clearer, here’s a breakdown of when the $100k fee would apply - and when it wouldn’t:

✅ $100k fee not required

1. An F-1 student graduates in the US and applies for H-1B while on OPT

2. Current H-1B holder switching employers (transfer)

❌ $100k fee required

1. H-1B worker travels outside of the US, needs new petition upon return

2. International student applying for first H-1B from home country

How we can Help

DreamBridge is hosting a two-day virtual summit on 27-28 September where we’ll be going over the US higher education process and the details of building a career. While the H-1B visa was not initially in our range of topics, our guest speakers are highly knowledgable individuals who have successfully navigated the international student to professional route in the US themselves

At the end of each session, we’ll be holding a live Q&A where attendees are free to ask questions. If you have concerns, bring them

Sign up 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

Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever

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

Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever

It’s week 38 of 2025 - that means we have just over 25% of the year left. And I’m jumping into this last quarter with one of the biggest goals that I’ve set for Dreambridge.ai till date: The DreamBridge US Admissions and Careers Summit

2 days, 8 guest speakers, and 1500+ international students - all connecting virtually over a drive for self-growth

Details? Here they are:

• 27-28 September, 2025

• Free of cost for all attendees

• Completely virtual - attend from anywhere!

• 8 expert-led webinars on university applications, education funding, networking, and more

• Speakers from top institutions and companies (Dartmouth, BlackRock, Johnson & Johnson, McKinsey, and more)

• Live Q&A opportunity with US professionals

  Want to know more? Check out complete summit details here - and don’t forget to register!

Speakers & Sessions

Here’s a rundown of the speakers and sessions of The DreamBridge US Admissions and Careers Summit:

Day 1 (27 September 2025)

1) From Lahore to BlackRock, NY - a Masterclass in Networking with Taha Mansoor

Join Taha Mansoor as he elaborates on the process of moving up the career ladder to reach top firms such as Bloomberg, Point72, and BlackRock. Leave with tips about networking, navigating the US job market as an international student, and achieving long term career growth

2) The PhD Route: Funding and Internships with Muhammad Haroon

Ever thought of pursuing a fully-funded degree in the US? The PhD track makes this possible - and Muhammad Haroon knows it well. Currently completing his PhD in chemical engineering, Haroon will share insights on how to secure funding and internships during your PhD

3) Adapting to Life in the US - Insights from Washington and Beyond with Sanjina Kumari

Navigating the US as a newly-arrived international student can be daunting. From bank accounts to SIMs to housing - there’s a whole minefield to cover. Join Sanjina - a Harvard WECode scholar and part of the Amazon Reachback Cloud Cohort - on Saturday as she shares her tips and tricks for adapting to life in the US, networking, and choosing the right programs

4) The Pivot: from STEM to MBA with Saad Idrees

The human mind is ever-changing, and the career paths we desire might not always be the ones we went to university for. Join Saad Idrees - a Business Strategy Manager at AES - as he talks about the road from STEM to MBA, and whether you should pursue it.

Day 2 (28 September, 2025)

1) Funding your Education: Mpower Student Loans

Didn’t get a scholarship and have no savings? No sweat! With Mpower Financing, you can still pursue your US higher education dreams. Join this session to learn more about how education financing at Mpower works, and whether it’s the right fit for you

2) How to Secure Job Offers while Networking from Remote Areas with Arsal Arif

People often think that networking requires being at the centre of the action - and while this certainly helps - it’s more about leveraging the resources on hand. In this session, Arsal will elaborate on how to do just that, using the same expertise that allowed him to secure 5 job offers while on CPT

3) Balancing Passions with Career Outcomes: A PhD in the Humanities with Ilsa Razzak

Join Ilsa Razzak as she narrates the journey of attaining a PhD in the humanities. Ilsa, who has significant prior teaching experience - at The Citizens Foundation, Habib University, and IBA - will cover everything from application tips to career building with a humanities PhD. Learn whether you’re more suited to a career in academia or outside of it - and how to stay on the path you choose

4) From Dartmouth to McKinsey: Operating for Success in Undergrad with Momina Naveed

Dartmouth to McKinsey - sounds like the dream trajectory, doesn’t it? Well, it’s entirely possible to build a similar trajectory for yourself, and Momina’s going to be breaking down the process in Sunday’s session. She’ll discuss the importance of networking, internships, and sheer determination - and how you too can apply all three to achieve remarkable results. After all, Momina herself landed her current role at McKinsey via an internship!

Register for your favorite sessions here - for absolutely free!

Aand back to this week!

Saturday Webinar: Your Roadmap to Top Universities

📅 Saturday, September 20
🕘 2:00 PM EST / 11:00 PM PKT
📍 Live on Google Meet (RSVP here)

Dreaming of a top graduate program in the US?

This Saturday, join us for an exclusive session with Ayesha Shahzad - a former NUST graduate and current Master of Management Studies student at Duke.

Ayesha will touch upon the intricacies of her application process, inlcuding:

• SOP writing

• Securing the right recommendations

• Building an impactful resume

• Navigating GRE/GMAT testing

• Funding your degree

Who should attend:
🎓 Students looking to pursue graduate school in the U.S.
🎓 Students with specific application problem areas e.g. essays, recommendations

Part Q&A, part open discussion - come prepared with questions for Ayesha!

You can register here: https://luma.com/cmq3ft1l 

Sunday Webinar: From Parsons to VR and AI: Building a Career in Creative Technology

📅 Sunday, September 21
🕘11:00 AM EST / 8:00 PM PKT
📍 Live on Google Meet (RSVP here)

Technology is the career to go into in 2025, but do tech roles always have to fit into a certain framework?

Our guest, Fatima Ashraf, believes otherwise, and her career trajectory speaks for itself. Graduating with a Master’s in Design and Technology from Parsons School of Design, Fatima has built her career on the intersection of immersive tech, human connection, and data-driven storytelling

She has previously worked at The New School as a UI/UX designer, at Airnsquare Inc as a UX and data visualization specialist, and has also founded her own venture - Couwed - a creative technology company that focuses on AI, VR, and design innovation

Join us on Sunday to learn more about her journey and discover how you could follow a similar path - or carve your own!

Who should attend:
🎓 Students looking to pursue graduate studies in the U.S.
🎓 Individuals inspired by creative tech

Part Q&A, part open discussion - come prepared with questions for Fatima!

You can register here: https://luma.com/pmw45dko

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Catch you soon,

Tabarak Rehman

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Saturday Webinar: How to Stand Out in U.S. College Applications - Insights from Dartmouth

📅 Saturday, September 13
🕘 10:00 AM EST / 7:00 PM PKT
📍 Live on Google Meet (RSVP here)

Getting to the US is one thing, but getting into a US Ivy League university is a different ball game altogether. Join Aina Nadeem (Dartmouth College, Junior) this Saturday as she takes you through what makes an Ivy League application stand out in a highly competitive admissions process.

Aina is double-majoring in Economics and History, and maintained an active extra-curricular roster during her high school years. She will share:

• How to take college applications beyond classroom performance

• How to craft an Ivy League-worthy application

• The journey from Pakistan to US undergrad

Who should attend:
🎓 Students looking to pursue undergraduate studies in the U.S.
🎓 Ivy League aspirants
🎓 Students who are struggling to expand their applications beyond grades

Part Q&A, part open discussion - come prepared with questions for Aina!

You can register here: https://luma.com/3gzj797g

Sunday Webinar: Personal Branding & Networking as an International Student

📅 Sunday, September 14
🕘 9:00 AM EST / 6:00 PM PKT
📍 Live on Google Meet (RSVP here)

Building a career in the US brings its own challenges. From figuring out how to stand out in competitive markets to creating networks that actually open doors

Join Roshaan Mahmood (Senior Financial Analyst at Clean Harbors) on Sunday as she shares her journey from Lahore to Northeastern to Massachusetts. She’ll talk about the lessons she’s learned along the way, including:

• Personal branding

• Proven networking strategies

• How to navigate career growth and excel in the workplace

Who should attend:
🎓 Students interested in learning networking tips and tricks
🎓 Early-career professionals looking to expand globally
🎓 International students navigating US colleges and jobs

Part Q&A, part open discussion - come prepared with questions for Roshaan!

You can register here: https://luma.com/pa26znwh

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