Leland+ for Investment Banking

Investment Banking Interview Essentials for MBA Students

Preparing for Investment Banking Summer Associate interviews requires a level of polish, depth, and business maturity far beyond the analyst track—and this workshop is designed to get you there. We’ll cover how to tell a compelling, experience-driven story, articulate a convincing and credible “Why IB,” speak intelligently about current deals and market dynamics, and demonstrate a command of both technicals and the sector you’re targeting. You’ll also learn what banks expect specifically from Summer Associates: leadership, client readiness, process ownership, and the ability to think strategically at a higher altitude and a deeper level. If you're an MBA student aiming for IB recruiting, this session will help you stand out as a confident, capable associate-level candidate.

Tips and Tricks to IB Recruiting

Breaking into investment banking is highly competitive, and knowing how the process really works can give you a critical edge. In this session, you’ll learn proven strategies for navigating IB recruiting, from building a strong candidacy and networking effectively to preparing for interviews and avoiding common mistakes.

How to Network Like a Pro to Land IB Interviews

Breaking into investment banking isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about building relationships that get you in the door. In this session, you’ll learn proven networking strategies that help candidates turn cold outreach into meaningful conversations, develop strong connections with bankers, and convert touchpoints into interview opportunities. Led by Jonathan S., a former Wells Fargo investment banker and experienced coach who has helped candidates land roles at top firms, this workshop will teach you how to craft effective outreach messages, manage informational interviews, and confidently position your story. Whether you’re early in recruiting or trying to level up your current approach, you’ll leave with actionable tactics you can start using immediately to stand out in a crowded pipeline.

Networking Log

Keep track of all your coffee chats in one place! This tool allows you to record conversation notes, follow-ups, and next steps so you can maintain organized and professional outreach.

Top 5 Tips to Break into IB

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—but with the right strategy, it’s achievable. Join Top 5 Tips to Break into IB, a focused session designed to give you clear, actionable guidance on how to stand out in the recruiting process. In this event, we’ll cover the five most important factors for breaking into IB, from building a strong resume and networking effectively to preparing for interviews and positioning your story. You’ll gain practical insights you can apply immediately, whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach. Walk away with clarity, confidence, and a smarter strategy for breaking into investment banking.

Get Your Foot in the Door with Top Banks

Breaking into top investment banks can feel out of reach—but the right approach can open doors. Join Get Your Foot in the Door with Top Banks, a focused session designed to help you navigate the early stages of IB recruiting with confidence. In this event, you’ll learn how to position your profile for top banks, approach networking strategically, and make a strong first impression with recruiters and professionals. We’ll cover common entry points, key mistakes to avoid, and practical steps you can take right now to improve your chances. Whether you’re early in your journey or looking for clearer direction, you’ll leave with actionable insights and a stronger game plan.

Valuations for Investment Banking

Valuation is the backbone of investment banking interviews and on-the-job analysis, yet many candidates struggle to explain it clearly and confidently. This session breaks down the core valuation methods used in banking, how to think about assumptions and trade-offs, and how to communicate your work the way bankers expect in interviews and live deal discussions. You’ll leave with a stronger conceptual framework for valuation and practical tips to sharpen both your technical accuracy and your delivery.

Access the Hidden Job Market

My best advice on how to network for a job

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Writing

Many people have asked me a set of questions frequently. These questions will answer some of your questions quickly!

Break into Investment Banking + Private Equity

Join this discussion moderated by @YourAverageFinanceBro, a leading finance comedy creator on Instagram and LinkedIn! A panel of expert Leland coaches who help candidates land roles in investment banking and private equity will break down these industries' complex recruiting processes into clear, actionable advice. This session will cover what it really takes to break into highly competitive finance careers through practical guidance on recruiting strategy, preparation, and common pitfalls, providing insights you can apply immediately to stand out and secure interviews at the top firms.

How to Stand Out in IB Recruiting

Investment banking recruiting is intensely competitive, and standing out requires more than strong grades and technical skills. This session breaks down how banks actually evaluate candidates, what differentiates top applicants, and how to position your background to signal readiness from day one. You’ll learn how to refine your resume, tell a compelling story, network strategically, and avoid common mistakes that quietly hurt your chances.

Landing an Investment Banking Role

Investment banking recruiting is highly competitive, and success depends on strategy, preparation, and timing. This session breaks down the full recruiting process, from understanding roles and timelines to building a strong resume, networking effectively, and preparing for technical and behavioral interviews. You’ll learn how banks evaluate candidates, what differentiates top applicants, and how to avoid common mistakes that derail otherwise strong profiles.

How to Crush your Finance Behavioral Interviews

In finance interviews, technical skills get you in the room—but behavioral answers often decide who gets the offer. Your ability to tell clear, confident stories about leadership, resilience, and impact can make all the difference. In this session, you’ll learn how to structure powerful answers, anticipate the questions firms consistently ask, and turn your experiences into memorable, results-driven narratives. We’ll break down what interviewers are truly assessing and how to respond with clarity, confidence, and credibility. If you want to walk into your next finance interview prepared to stand out, this is where to start.

How to Craft a Standout Resume for Investment Banking

After this session, you will know how to structure an investment banking resume that clears the initial screen and holds the attention of a recruiter who reviews hundreds in a single cycle. The coach will cover how to quantify deal exposure and financial skills without overstating your experience, how to tailor your bullets for bulge bracket versus boutique targets, and how to position non-traditional backgrounds so they read as assets rather than gaps.

Preparing now for IB Summer Recruiting

IB summer recruiting moves quickly, and the strongest candidates are the ones who prepare with intention well before applications open. The groundwork you lay now can dramatically shape your outcomes later. In this session, we’ll cover how to sharpen your technical skills, craft a resume that stands out, network strategically, and understand what banks are truly looking for in summer analysts. If you want to enter recruiting season focused, confident, and ready to compete at the highest level, this is where it starts.

What You Need to Know About Investment Banking Technical Interviews

Preparing for investment banking technical interviews can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure which concepts interviewers actually prioritize. This session is designed for candidates targeting IB roles who want a clearer, more focused way to prepare for the accounting, valuation, and financial modeling questions that frequently appear in interviews. You’ll learn how bankers evaluate technical responses, which core topics consistently come up, and how to structure answers so you sound confident and precise under pressure.

What Top Investment Banks Are Looking For

Many candidates aiming for investment banking roles aren’t sure what actually differentiates applicants in a highly competitive process. This session is designed for students and early-career professionals who want to understand how top banks evaluate candidates beyond GPA and technical skills. You’ll learn what qualities banks prioritize, how to position your experiences effectively, and how successful candidates prepare for both networking and interviews.

Top 5 Tips to Get Into IB

​Are you looking to break into investment banking as your next career move? Join Alejandro A., a seasoned investment banking and private equity professional, for an exclusive session where he will share essential strategies to help you stand out in the highly competitive recruiting process. ​​With over 10 years of experience, Alejandro has worked at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs, where he served as an Investment Banking Associate, and at Fanatics, as Director of M&A. He also co-founded Harbor Street Capital, a private equity fund, and has mentored over 200 students who have gone on to secure positions at top firms such as Goldman Sachs, Evercore, JPMorgan, and Morgan Stanley. ​​In this event, Alejandro will provide insider insights into how to successfully navigate the investment banking recruitment process and stand out as a top candidate.

How Candidates Actually Land Elite Boutique Offers [4/30/2026] (Recording)

Elite boutique investment banking offers are highly competitive, and the candidates who break through are intentional about how they position their experience and navigate the process. This session is for students targeting firms like Evercore, Lazard, and PJT who want to understand what actually differentiates successful applicants. You’ll learn how to build a focused recruiting strategy, position your background to signal strong fit, and approach networking and interviews in a way that leads to real traction. Join live to hear how an experienced coach evaluates candidates targeting elite boutiques and the patterns they see across successful applicants. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions about your own recruiting approach and get real-time guidance typically shared in 1:1 coaching sessions.

Back-to-School IB Networking

​Kick off the recruiting season with Max A. (Former Senior Associate @ Vector Capital Management) in this interactive networking-focused session for students interested in private equity and investment banking. ​​Whether you're preparing for fall interviews or just getting started in the process, this workshop will help you build key relationships, ask the right questions, and make a strong impression. Max will share tactical tips on how to connect with professionals and stand out in coffee chats and info sessions—just in time for the start of the school year.