The William P. Lauder Wharton Leadership Fellows program is an intensive 16-month leadership development and coaching role with specific time commitments. During the required first-year Pre-term, Leadership Fellows play a critical role in the Learning Team formation process. They deliver the Learning Team Experience and Team Innovation Project, serve as Teaching Assistants for MGMT 6100 under faculty direction, and facilitate 360 feedback sessions. Fellows also establish 1:1 mentoring and support relationships with each member of their Learning Teams.
Leadership Fellows then serve as team process consultants and stewards of both individual and cohort development throughout the regular academic year. As peer coaches, the Fellows direct regular reflection, goal-setting and accountability touchpoints across the first year experience. LF meetings throughout the academic year enable continued learning on topics relevant to first-year concerns, and assist with coordination among LF Committees.
Leadership Fellows are essential in recruiting the next class of Fellows, thus cultivating their promotion, interviewing and onboarding capabilities. By their development of first-year students and teams, Leadership Fellows gain experience with practical leadership tools that will be applicable in every area of their lives after Wharton.
Read more about the recruitment process and eligibility on our FAQ page!
Fellowship Commitments
Spring (1Y)
- Starting mid-March through to the end of April, attend all-day Spring trainings every Friday and 1-2 Saturdays
- Attend one meeting with current Leadership Fellows to facilitate knowledge transfer (LFs need not regularly attend meetings until their second-year)
Summer & Pre-Term (2Y)
- Remain in Contact and Communication with the Program
- Form Quads and First Year Cohort Assignments
- Return to campus in early August for Pre-Term Facilitation Training
- Lead the delivery of the Learning Team Experience
- Serve as Teaching Assistants during MGMT 6100
- Conduct 1:1 Sessions with First Years
Fall (2Y)
- Conduct MGMT6100 Debrief Meetings with Learning Teams
- Attend Leadership Fellows Fall Symposium with William P. Lauder
- Support Leadership Fellow Info Sessions and Succession Planning efforts
- Ongoing Quad Support to 1Y Cohorts
Spring (2Y)
- Succession Planning for incoming Leadership Fellow class (Recruitment/Interviews/Onboarding)
- Continue support for 1Y cohort culture and mentor podlings
- Attend Leadership Fellows Spring Symposium with William P. Lauder
- Execute on LF Committee/Focus Group Activities
- Participate in Leadership Fellow Events (including graduation celebration!)
Application Process
Information Sessions
Two information sessions will be held in November with current WG’26 Leadership Fellows, who will share their experiences and answer questions.
- In-Person LF Info Session (Tuesday 11/4) in JMHH 265, 12:00-1:00 PM RSVP HERE
- Virtual LF Info Session (Wednesday 11/5), 6:00-7:00pm RSVP HERE
Application Process
The process to join the William P. Lauder Wharton Leadership Fellows Class of 2027 includes three stages:
1. Online Application – the Leadership Fellow online application will open on Monday, November 3rd, 2025 and close at midnight (11:59PM) on Sunday, November 30th, 2025. Students should plan their submission timing accordingly to their class and exam schedules.
A few technical notes we want to share to ensure your application experience goes smoothly:
- We strongly encourage you not to wait to apply! The application has moved to a new platform this year. Please don’t wait to submit yours, in case you encounter any technical issues leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.
- If you experience any technical issues with your application please contact Emily Gunther (gunthere@wharton.upenn.edu). The McNulty Leadership Department will be closed on Thursday 11/27 & Friday 11/28, any technical issues will be addressed after the holiday weekend during normal business hours Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.
- We recommend drafting your responses in Word (or another word processor) before transferring them into your online application, to avoid losing any work. You can save your progress in the online application as you write it and return to complete your application before submitting it.
2. First Round Interviews – Candidates must be available for interviews in January 2026 (25th, 26th, 27th). Invited candidates must select one interview date.
3. Team Based Final Round Interviews – During in the evenings of February 10 & 11, 2026. Invited candidates must select one interview date.
Application Details
Sample Essay Questions (Maximum 500 Words Unless Otherwise Noted)
- Why would you like to be a Leadership Fellow? What would you give to the role and what would you take from the role?
- Describe one key concept from MGMT6100 (other than raising the white flag) and how you have applied it at Wharton since taking the class?
- Please describe how your background and experiences have equipped you to make a unique contribution to supporting the incoming MBA class as a diverse learning community?
- Please list your top 5-10 priorities for your second year at Wharton.
Recommendations from Wharton Peers
Applicants much secure one recommendation from a peer within the Wharton community who has had the opportunity to observe your leadership. This recommender should not be a William P. Lauder Leadership Fellow or a member of the MGMT 6100 staff and/or Wharton faculty.
After you complete this section in the online application, your recommender will receive a system-generated email with instructions to provide feedback on your behalf. Your peer recommendation must be submitted by Sunday, January 4, 2026. Please allow your recommender ample time to complete the form before the deadline.
Leadership Fellow application is OPEN until midnight (11:59PM) Sunday, November 30th, 2025. Students should plan their submission timing accordingly to their classes, exam schedules, and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
To ensure your application experience goes smoothly:
- We strongly encourage you not to wait to apply! Please don’t wait to submit yours, in case you encounter any technical issues leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.
- If you experience any technical issues with your application please contact Emily Gunther (gunthere@wharton.upenn.edu). The McNulty Leadership Department will be closed on Thursday 11/27 & Friday 11/28, any technical issues will be addressed after the holiday weekend during normal business hours Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.
- We recommend drafting your responses in Word (or another word processor) before transferring them into your online application, to avoid losing any work.