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Kelly C.

Kelly Chan

She/Her

Top Expert

50+ Success Stories | Atlassian TPM, Cornell/JHU | Ex-Apple & Adobe

  • Cornell University Logo

    Cornell University

  • Atlassian Logo

    Atlassian

  • 2.5k

    Expert mins

  • 36

    Followers

Available today

Starting at 5:00 PM UTC

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About

As a Bay Area native with over 10 years of experience at companies like Apple, Adobe, and Goldman Sachs, I understand exactly what top tier industry recruiters and admissions committees are looking for. My own journey was non-linear: I navigated the complex transfer process to graduate from Cornell University (B.S. Industrial & Labor Relations) and am currently completing my M.S. in Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. I used my non-technical background to launch a career in multiple engineering organizations. I specialize in helping non-traditional candidates find their lane. Whether you are a transfer student, coming from a startup background, or worried that a lower GPA might hold you back, I help candidates pivot from unqualified to unforgettable by highlighting their unique narratives and strengths.

Why do I coach?

I became a coach because navigating the transfer process and breaking into engineering organizations without a traditional STEM background was a significant challenge. While online resources helped, I realized the immense value of having an advisor to provide step by step guidance through such a complex transition. I now dedicate my work to being that guide for students with non-traditional backgrounds or lower GPAs, helping them strategically reframe their stories to become top-tier candidates. My coaching methodology has helped students gain admission to elite institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, USC, and Vanderbilt. On the professional side, I have guided candidates to land roles at world-class firms including Apple, Meta, Goldman Sachs, Adobe, Accenture, Oliver Wyman, and Blackrock. I focus on showing applicants how to leverage their unique histories as a competitive advantage. By focusing on narrative and strategy, I help my students bridge the gap between where they are and the competitive schools and companies they want to reach.

Work Experience

Atlassian Logo

Staff Technical Program Manager

Atlassian

August 2026 - Present

Apple Logo

Engineering Program Manager

Apple

April 2025 - August 2026

Interviewer

Wunderkind Logo

Senior Technical Program Manager, Head of Product Operations

Wunderkind

July 2024 - April 2025

Interviewer

DoubleVerify Logo

Technical Program Manager

DoubleVerify

April 2021 - June 2024

Interviewer

Adobe Logo

Program Manager

Adobe

August 2019 - April 2021

Admissions Committee

Adobe Logo

Project Manager

Adobe

2018 - July 2019

Goldman Sachs Logo

Equity Derivatives

Goldman Sachs

2016 - 2017

Kelly was also given offers to work at

  • Microsoft Logo

    Microsoft

  • BlackRock Logo

    BlackRock

  • Disney Logo

    Disney

  • GitHub Logo

    GitHub

  • Startups Logo

    Startups

  • Sony Group Logo

    Sony Group

  • Atlassian Logo

    Atlassian

Education

Johns Hopkins University Logo

Johns Hopkins University

M.S., Systems Engineering

2026

Cornell University Logo

Cornell University

B.S., Industrial & Labor Relations, Minor in Information Science

Kelly was also personally admitted to

  • Columbia University Logo

    Columbia University

  • Vanderbilt University Logo

    Vanderbilt University

  • Bryn Mawr College Logo

    Bryn Mawr College

  • Smith College Logo

    Smith College

  • Barnard College Logo

    Barnard College

5.0 average review

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