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.
Fellowship Commitments
Spring (1Y)
- Starting mid-March through to the end of April, all-day 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)
- Depending on scheduling, first-year LFs may also be invited to the Spring Symposium with William P. Lauder
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 Delivery of the Learning Team Experience
- Serve as Teaching Assistants during MGMT 6100
- Conduct One-on-One Coaching Sessions with First Years
Fall (2Y)
-
- Conduct MGMT6100 Debrief Meetings with Learning Teams
- Attend Leadership Fellows Fall Symposium with William P. Lauder
- Leadership Fellow Info Sessions and Recruiting
- Ongoing Quad Support to 1Y Cohorts:
-
- Offer to Facilitate Learning Team 360 Feedback Sessions
- Offer One-on-One Coaching Sessions with First Years
- Craft and support cohort culture
- LF Community:
-
- Attend LF Meetings
- Establish Objectives and Plans for LF Committees
- Participate in LF Events
Spring (2Y)
- Leadership Fellow Recruiting (Interviews and Onboarding)
- Continue support for 1Y cohort culture and mentor podlings
- Attend Leadership Fellows Spring Symposium with William P. Lauder
- Execute on LF Committee Activities
- Participate in Leadership Fellow Events (including graduation celebration!)
Application Process
The process to become part of the William P. Lauder Wharton Leadership Fellows Class of 2026 involves 3 stages including online application, virtual interviews and team-based activities.
Two information sessions will be held in November with current Leadership Fellows who will be available for questions.
- VIRUTAL info. session on Monday, November 4th from 4-5pm. RSVP here.
- IN PERSON info. session on Tuesday, November 5th from 4:30-5:30pm in JMHH 370. RSVP here.
The online application is open beginning Monday, November 4th and close at midnight (11:59PM) on Friday, December 6th. Students should plan their submission timing accordingly to their class and exam schedules.
Candidates must be available for interviews in January 2025 (26th, 27th, 28th), candidates must pick one date.
The final round of interviews will be held during in the evenings of February 11 & 12, 2025 (candidates must pick one 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
Secure one recommendation from a peer within the Wharton community who has had the opportunity to witness your leadership. This recommender should not be William P. Lauder Wharton Leadership Fellows or member of the Management 6100 or Wharton Faculty. After completing this form in the online application, your recommender will get a system-generated email requesting feedback on you. Your peer recommendation must be returned by Monday, January 6th, 2025. Please provide ample time for your recommender to complete this form.