Why I Coach – Sandra Y.
Sandra Y., an expert Leland MBA and Investment Banking coach, outlines why she chooses to coach and what it means to her.
By Sandra Y.
Posted March 6, 2025
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My passion for coaching comes from a natural desire to help others, but also a deep understanding of its power to transform someone’s path.
Pursuing a career in finance was entirely fortuitous. It was winter break of my junior year of college and my older brother, Steven, was back in town for the holidays. He met up with some friends, one of whom was working in investment banking in New York, and must have mentioned how lost I was - a Biology major with no desire to go into medicine - because his friend sent me a note the next day.
“Shoot me your resume, we should talk.”
I wasn’t a business school major, I didn’t have a resume, and even if I did, I had no clue what investment banking was. Scott was my first career mentor. He helped me craft my story (and resume), coached me on technicals, and explained the financial / M&A landscape over countless discussions. I landed the offer letter on the spot during my last Super Day interview.
Fast-forward to today. I write this from my apartment in Cambridge as I wrap up my first year at Harvard Business School. I have worked in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital and I can confidently say I owe all of my career moves to the help and advice of many mentors I met along the way: Alysia, who suggested I take the GMAT my senior year for optionality; Colin who sent me models to practice before private equity recruiting; Rob, who challenged me to run meetings typically led by those above my tenure. The list goes on.
Leland has given me the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with all of you and hopefully end up on your list! Whether or not you are a nontraditional candidate (like I was) or a keyed-in business major set on investment banking, the stressors and doubts that plague a recruiting or admissions process impact you just the same. I will work with you to dispel these feelings via targeted preparation and tactical advice.
Seeing you not only achieve, but surpass your goals gives me so much joy and I can’t wait to work together! Head to my Leland coach profile to get started.
Written by Sandra
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Hi! I'm Sandra. I'm a Midwest native from St. Louis, MO currently living in Boston, MA while I pursue my MBA at Harvard Business School. Prior to school, I worked in private equity, venture capital and investment banking. I would not be where I am without the mentors in my life and I hope to be the same resource for you! Whether you are an undergraduate trying to break into investment banking or a pre-MBA associate applying to business school, I am here to help. On the former, I have interviewed countless banking and private equity candidates so can share all the tips from landing the interview (resume, cover letter, networking) to crushing a super day. I also recently went through the MBA application process and would love to help you bring your story to life for admissions committees. Quick tip: they want to see the human in you (your accomplishments speak for themselves)! Outside of work, school and mentorship, you can find me on a mountain (skiing, hiking or riding) or brainstorming countless, bad startup ideas based on the pain points in my life (why isn't there a laundry machine that can fold my clothes?!) I love a good documentary and just bought new golf clubs so will look to you for any recommendations in those areas :) Looking forward to working together!
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Harvard Business School
Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
MIT Sloan
Moelis & Company
