Leland+ for Investment Banking

The IB Playbook for Non-Traditional Backgrounds: From Networking to Interviews

​Breaking into investment banking without a traditional finance background can feel daunting—but it’s absolutely possible with the right strategy. In this workshop, expert Leland coach and former Wells Fargo banker Sereena T. will walk you through how to position your unique experience, build meaningful connections, and succeed in interviews. ​You’ll learn how to translate your skills into the language of finance, craft a networking approach that actually leads to interviews, and prepare effectively for both technical and behavioral questions. The session will wrap up with a Q&A, giving you the chance to get personalized insights from a coach who has helped countless candidates land top IB offers.

Exit Paths from Investment Banking: How to Navigate Your Next Move in Finance

​After landing a role in investment banking, the next big question is—what comes after? In this panel, Max M. (IB-> PE), Garret W. (IB -> Growth Equity), and Max S. (IB -> Startups) will break down the most common and competitive exit opportunities from investment banking, including private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and corporate strategy. You’ll learn how to evaluate different paths, what recruiters and hiring managers look for, and how to position yourself for a smooth and successful transition. ​Whether you’re in your first year as an analyst or preparing for your next career move, this session will help you strategically plan your trajectory in finance and make your next step your best one yet.

Crack the IB Technicals: 10 Questions You Must Be Prepared to Answer

Get ready to master the core technical questions that consistently show up in investment banking interviews. In this session, we’ll walk through the 10 fundamentals—valuation, accounting, enterprise value, DCFs, accretion/dilution, and more—that every strong IB candidate must be able to explain with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn how interviewers evaluate your answers, what separates a solid response from a great one, and how to practice effectively so you can walk into recruiting season fully prepared.

From Zero to First Round: Understanding the IB Recruiting Journey

​Breaking into investment banking is one of the most competitive and misunderstood recruiting processes out there. In this session, expert Leland coach and former BMO banker Alex B. will give a clear, honest overview of what it really takes to land that first interview—from networking and resume prep to understanding timelines and firm expectations. ​You’ll learn how to approach IB recruiting strategically, avoid common mistakes that derail candidates early, and build a step-by-step plan to stand out in an intensely competitive process. Whether you’re just starting to explore finance or gearing up for recruiting season, this session will help you navigate the journey with clarity and confidence.

Investment Banking Recruiting - 5 Top Tips to Stand Out

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.

Ask Me Anything: IB Recruiting Insights from a Former Lazard Banker

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—especially if you're targeting elite boutiques or specialized coverage groups. In this AMA-style workshop, Akaash P.—a former Lazard banker with hands-on experience across Media & Telecom, Restructuring (RX), FIG, Energy, and Software—will give you an inside look at what it takes to stand out in IB recruiting. Drawing on cross-sector banking and investing experience, as well as coaching candidates into top groups at elite firms, Akaash will answer your questions on technical prep, industry-specific expectations, crafting a differentiated story, and navigating competitive recruiting processes. Whether you're aiming for M&T, RX, FIG, Energy, or Software roles, or simply want to understand the landscape better, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights to elevate your recruiting strategy.

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.

Build Your Personal Brand: Craft Your Story & Stand

A practical workbook that helps professionals define and confidently communicate their personal brand during a career transition.

Hedge Fund Case Study

This real-world case study presentation was used successfully to secure a job offer at a credit-focused hedge fund. It demonstrates how to structure analysis, present investment ideas, and communicate insights effectively.

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.

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.

Demystifying IB Technical Interviews

Join top Leland investment banking coaches for a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what IB technical interviews really test—and how to prepare for them effectively. They’ll walk through the core concepts, frameworks, and problem-solving approaches that top firms expect candidates to master, plus the mistakes that quietly kill otherwise strong interviews. You’ll leave with a sharper understanding of technical expectations and a practical roadmap to boost your readiness and confidence.

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.

Behavioral Interviews & How to Tell Your Story

Landing an investment banking offer starts long before the technical questions—your behavioral responses and personal story often determine whether you even move forward. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your motivations, showcases your strengths, and aligns with what banks actually look for in candidates. We’ll break down common behavioral questions, effective frameworks, and the biggest pitfalls that sink interviews, plus how to tailor your story whether you’re coming from finance, consulting, engineering, or a non-traditional background. You’ll leave with clear strategies, practice prompts, and a structured approach you can use to walk into interviews with confidence and tell a story that sticks.

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.

Quantitative Finance Career Guide

A starter guide for careers, skills, and companies related to quantitative finance.

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.

Technical Interviews & Core Finance Concepts

Technical interviews are where candidates rise or fall, and mastering the fundamentals is essential to getting an offer. In this session, you'll learn how to approach the most commonly tested finance concepts—from valuation and accounting, to financial statement analysis and market drivers—in a clear, structured, and interview-ready way. We’ll cover typical technical questions, what interviewers listen for in strong answers, and how to avoid the common mistakes that signal inexperience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or sharpening your edge before first-rounds, you’ll walk away with frameworks, study priorities, and practice tactics to approach technicals with confidence and communicate like a future banker.

IB Division Structure: Coverage v. Product Groups

Explains the organizational structure of investment banks, distinguishing between coverage groups that manage client relationships and product groups that provide specialized financial services.