Pamela J. | Leland

Pamela J.

5.0

Studied at Columbia Business School

Works at MBA Pathfinders

Available Monday at 4:00 PM UTC

Usually responds within 10 hours

I only offer comprehensive packages for MBA candidates. Hourly services are reserved for non-MBA Masters degrees only and require a five hour hour minimum purchase. I have a few spaces left for Round One candidates.

Protected by the Leland Experience Guarantee

Available Monday at 4:00 PM UTC

Usually responds within 10 hours

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About Pamela

Professional Admissions Consulting + Industry Expertise = Your MBA Dream MBA Pathfinders was founded on the premise that helping candidates succeed in their MBA journey requires both a strong understanding of the MBA admission process as well as a keen knowledge of how businesses operate in today’s environment. My co-founder and I met 15 years ago at one of the best-known professional admissions consulting companies where we both received extensive training. We took that knowledge; we decided what worked and what didn’t; and we developed our own methodology. Though our careers are focused on MBA admissions, we both recognize the importance of industry knowledge. Developing an MBA application isn’t just about writing essays – it’s about charting your professional course to develop a compelling story. I have over 15 years of experience helping hundreds of candidates gain admission to the top US and European MBA programs. I am a member of AIGAC (Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants) - an industry association which ONLY accepts professional consultants. I attend conferences and webinars with Deans of Admission at the top MBA programs to discuss trends in admissions, how essays reflect a given school’s needs, candidate concerns with the overall process, and the role of AI in admissions. Finally, I provide strategy consulting services to Fortune 500 companies during the “off-season” to keep myself abreast of the latest industry trends. I received my B.A. from Smith College and my MBA from Columbia Business School. My latest reviews can be found on Poets & Quants: https://poetsandquants.com/consultant/pamela-jaffe/

Why do I coach?

It was another day at work. As I sat in yet another gray, windowless, Fortune 500 conference room reviewing the 79th version of the deck, I sighed and looked around at my colleagues. Was I the only one who just didn’t care? Was I the only one who was pretty sure this project was never going to see the light of day? Was I the only one who really didn’t think it mattered if the arrow was on the left or the right side of the page? Did my colleagues really mean it when they threw around phrases around like: “What keeps you awake at night?” Seriously? This keeps you awake at night? I thought to my evening ahead. I needed to leave the office by 6:30 as I had a 7:15 pm call with Rebecca—one of my admissions clients—to prepare her for her Round 1 GSB interview, followed by an 8:30 call with Andrew to discuss his story and goals for Round 2. I smiled. This was the work I was looking forward to doing. This was the work I enjoyed. This was the work where I could make a difference. In six months I could help a candidate make their dream come true. Business schools love to throw around the word “impact” but THIS—my part-time job—was the place where I was making true impact. This was the place where I was changing people’s lives. This was the place where I looked forward to receiving that all important email from a Client that read: “We did it! I’m going to Wharton.” I realized I needed a change. Now I don’t mean to knock the business world. Great corporate leaders are needed to run major companies – companies that create life-changing products and services. Without a need for these leaders, business schools wouldn’t even exist. In fact, I haven't fully exited corporate America as I think it's important to THIS job - I just took it down a notch. I realized that the job I loved was helping others gain the credentials to become leaders. In short, I knew I needed to swap my part-time job and my full-time career. My two years at Columbia Business School were probably the best two of my life. My twenty plus years in the corporate sector have made me and continue to make me a better consultant. It’s the combination of my passion / experience in admissions, as well as my time in corporate America, that makes me a great coach. I have worked in some capacity as an admissions coach for 15 years. However, I will never tire of receiving that email—“I got in!”—as I nervously drum my fingers at 12:02 waiting for the HBS decisions to come out. That feeling, that feeling of seeing someone else succeed, of watching someone else’s dreams come true—that’s why I coach. — Interested in working together on your MBA application? Click here for my Leland coaching profile.

Work Experience

Co-Founder

MBA Pathfinders

2024 - Present

Founder / CEO

The Jaffe Advantage

2015 - Present

Assistant Vice President, Marketing Operations

MetLife

2017 - 2019

Strategy Consultant

Independent Consulting

2013 - 2017

Consulted to Fortune 500 companies across industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, media, retail, and technology.

Senior Consultant

mbaMission

2010 - April 2015

Managing Consultant (Engagement Manager)

IBM

2011 - 2013

Internal strategy consultant focused on projects for the IBM C-Suite.

Manager Strategy and Analytics

Weight Watchers

2009 - 2011

Senior Consultant, Strategy

BearingPoint

2006 - 2009

Consulted across industries - included one year based in Singapore, focused on oil & gas in Southeast Asia

Deputy International Brand Manager

Publicis Worldwide

2001 - 2004

Oversaw strategy / localization efforts for Nestle Worldwide. Focused on global launch of Nestle Pure Life (water) in the Middle East. Based in Paris.