Why authenticity is Leap Tools’ secret to successful Employer Information Sessions
For Leap Tools, Employer Information Sessions (EIS) mark the beginning of a long-term relationship — not a one-off recruitment event.
Two University of Waterloo Software Engineering alums founded Leap Tools, a remote-first global tech company. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, Leap Tools builds the world's most advanced 3D visualization solutions to help millions of people visualize products in their homes' instantly.
“We’re a little bit hidden sometimes,” Maria Levshin, Talent Acquisition Consultant, Leap Tools explains. “Millions of people use our product, but it’s often integrated under other brands, so folks don’t really know Leap Tools by name.”
Hosting an EIS at the University of Waterloo became a powerful tool to help the company connect authentically with engaged and motivated students, strengthen its employer brand and build an ongoing presence within the campus community.
Prayaag Munshi, Faculty of Mathematics student
“The employer information sessions give you a more personal and up‑close look at companies,” says Prayaag Munshi, a University of Waterloo mathematics student who attended the Leap Tools information session and was later hired by the company. “Understanding the company you work at feels much better, because you made that active choice.”
Loyalty and visibility
The decision to host an EIS was both strategic and personal.
“Our founders are alumni and are familiar with the calibre of talent that the University of Waterloo produces,” Levshin says.
“Because our technology is often embedded under other brands, the EIS was a way to pull back the curtain and show students the sophisticated engine behind products they already recognize.”
That visibility and connection matters.
“I remember meeting the co‑founders of the company that were leading the EIS, Pawel Rajszel and Cristian Susanu,” Munshi says. “I think that probably played into how impressed I was by the session.”
Hosting an EIS helps Leap Tools showcase their people, stories and product to perspective candidates for the co-op roles they are looking to fill. In turn, they attract students who are eager to find the right fit and excel during their work terms. These co-op experiences have led to full-time opportunities with Leap Tools after graduation.
Leap Tools’ top tips for a successful EIS
1. Prioritize interactive and live demos
Early on, Leap Tools realized that students wanted live demonstrations and the chance to interact with the company's technology.
“We found that we had far more engagement during the live demo,” Dongni Lu, Executive Assistant, Leap Tools says. “That’s where students asked the most questions and really connected with what we do.”
“Being able to actually try the product during the session was huge,” Munshi explains. “It wasn’t just someone talking through slides — it made the work feel real and exciting.”
Now, live product demonstrations take centre stage and give students something tangible to explore.
Dongni Lu, Executive Assistant, Leap Tools
Yiwei Wang, Master of Engineering student
2. Hold your sessions in-person
Being physically present on campus, especially as a remote-first company, is intentional.
“There’s so much you learn about students beyond their résumé,” Lu shares. “Sometimes they’ll show us side projects right on their laptops. You really get to see who they are behind the paper.”
Lu shared that seeing students’ interests and side-projects helps them stand out to the company.
From a student perspective, being in‑person makes a tangible difference. “The team was greeting and talking to the students when they walked in, it was very welcoming,” says Yiwei Wang, Master of Engineering student. Wang was also hired by Leap Tools as a full-stack developer intern after the EIS.
3. Make time for networking
The most valuable part of an EIS often happens after the formal presentation.
“That networking piece at the end is so valuable,” Levshin says. “It humanizes the whole experience, on both sides.”
Wang said talking to different team members solidified his interest in the company. “I can feel like they love their jobs. They think what they are doing is meaningful — that is a very positive signal to our students,” he notes.
Students engaging with Leap Tools co-founder.
4. Bring your leaders
One of Leap Tools’ most effective engagement strategies is having their founders present at their sessions.
“It’s powerful for students to see that the CEO and CTO are still hands-on,” Levshin explains. “They’re alumni, they’re relatable and they’re genuinely excited to meet people.”
“I really enjoyed the fact that the co-founders were there. And how they were being so transparent with their product roadmap, with the company's growth and what it would be like working at Leap Tools,” Munshi adds.
The engagement goes beyond student connection; the founders have also made connections with faculty and other departments during their time on campus.
Measuring success beyond immediate hires
While Leap Tools has successfully hired talent directly and indirectly through EIS, they don’t measure success solely by immediate hires.
“I don’t think it’s a one-and-done situation,” Levshin says. “It’s an investment. Someone might not be looking for a co-op this term, but they’ll remember us later.”
Leap Tools has made the most of their time on campus, resulting in:
- Ongoing referrals from students
- Increased brand recognition across Waterloo
- Connecting with faculty for classroom speaking opportunities
- Stronger integration into the university community
There is this authentic, genuine engagement and commitment throughout everyone I’ve met at Leap Tools. They really build trust and an ongoing partnership with the Waterloo community, whether it’s students, staff, faculty, graduating students or alumni.
Munshi’s advice for employers hosting EIS is to be authentic and seek connection. “I think employers could do a really great job by showing transparency and talking about what an actual co-op experience looks like,” Munshi concludes.
By focusing on engagement, authenticity, and long-term connection, EIS can be one of the most powerful tools in an employer’s talent strategy.