Leland+ for Private Equity

How to Stand Out to PE Firms

Private equity recruiting is one of the most competitive processes in finance—and standing out requires more than strong technical skills. In this session, you’ll learn how top firms evaluate candidates, how to position your deal experience (or transferable experience) effectively, and how to craft a compelling story that signals judgment, ownership, and investing potential. We’ll cover resume refinement, outreach strategy, interview preparation, and the mindset shifts that distinguish top performers in on-cycle and off-cycle recruiting.

Master List of PE Firms for Networking

This Firm Database includes thousands of investment banks, private equity (PE) firms, and hedge funds, organized by region — from large money-center banks to small two-person firms.

How to Ace PE Interviews: From Behaviorals and Technicals to Why PE

​Private equity interviews test more than your technical skills—they assess your judgment, communication, and fit. In this workshop, Claire H. and Jonathan L.—three seasoned finance professionals who have successfully navigated and conducted PE interviews—will walk you through what top firms are really looking for. You’ll learn how to craft thoughtful answers to behavioral questions, structure strong technical responses, and nail your “Why PE” story. ​Between Claire’s experience at Morgan Stanley and The Carlyle Group and Jonathan's role as a senior PE associate at General Atlantic, you’ll gain insider insights from both sides of the interview table. Whether you’re preparing for on-cycle recruiting or exploring post-banking opportunities, this session will give you actionable strategies and the confidence to stand out in competitive PE recruiting.

IB/Private Equity Networking Tracker

Networking Tracker for IB/PE

Networking Your Way Into Private Equity

​In private equity recruiting, your network can be just as important as your resume. In this workshop, Nina M.—a former Growth Equity Investor and Analyst at Goldman Sachs—will share how to strategically build relationships that open doors to top PE firms. ​With over seven years of experience in private equity and more than 100 candidates successfully coached into competitive finance roles, Nina will walk you through how to identify key contacts, craft thoughtful outreach messages, and turn conversations into real opportunities. Whether you’re breaking into the industry or planning your next move, this session will give you the tools and confidence to network effectively and accelerate your private equity career.

Financial Modeling | 5 Year Annual Model

A 5-year financial model template built for aspiring and early-career investors. Complete with a full P&L, returns, debt paydown.

Quick Quant Career Guide

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

Private Equity Networking & Firm Outreach Strategy

Supporting slides from free event on best practices & strategies for private equity recruiting

Breaking Into Private Equity

​Private equity is one of the most competitive—and rewarding—careers in finance, but understanding how to break in can be challenging. In this session, you’ll learn what top firms look for in candidates, how to position your background effectively, and what steps to take whether you’re recruiting from investment banking, consulting, or another path. ​Join Wendy P. (Tech PE @ Silver Lake), Pranav M. (4 years in MF/MM PE; 20+ offers), and Derek O. (Vista Equity Partners; ex-Audax Private Equity; ex-Goldman Sachs) as they share firsthand insights on the recruiting timeline, interview preparation, and networking strategies that actually work. Collectively, they’ve coached over 150 professionals into PE roles across top funds!

Technical Interview Guide (40 Questions)

This guide provides 40 questions from topics such as LBO modeling and returns, valuations, accounting, and fundamental business and diligence.

How to Land a role as a PE Summer Analyst

Learn exactly what it takes to break into one of the most competitive finance roles: the Private Equity Summer Analyst position. In this session, top Leland coaches will walk you through the recruiting timeline, essential technical and behavioral prep, and how to stand out—even without a “traditional” background. You’ll leave with a clear strategy, proven tactics, and actionable steps to make yourself a compelling PE candidate.

Your Path to PE: Non-IB Strategies, Skills, and Opportunities – AMA

Breaking into private equity without an investment banking background is challenging—but far from impossible. In this AMA-style session, expert Leland coach and former consultant turned PE Connor P. will answer your questions about the alternative paths into PE, the skills that matter most, and how to position a non-IB background competitively.

Private Equity Networking & Firm Outreach Strategy

Breaking into private equity requires more than strong technical skills—it demands targeted networking, strategic outreach, and a clear understanding of how firms make hiring decisions. In this session, Brian L., a Chicago Booth MBA and former portfolio operations professional at Vista Equity Partners, will share how he built relationships across the PE ecosystem while working with B2B software companies on sales strategy, revenue operations, and customer success. Drawing on his experience navigating both the PE and MBA recruiting landscapes, Brian will walk you through how to structure outreach, build meaningful connections, and position yourself effectively for on- and off-cycle opportunities.

PE 101 for Interviewees and Professionals: Deal Dynamics, Diligence, & Value Creation

Private equity can feel complex from the outside, but understanding deal flow, diligence, and value creation is essential—whether you're preparing for interviews or entering the industry. In this session, Saleem H., an early graduate from a non-target school who has built a career in private equity after consulting, will break down the fundamentals in a way that’s approachable and practical. Having mentored dozens of candidates into top MBA programs, MBB and Tier-2 consultancies, boutique firms, and competitive PE roles, Saleem brings hands-on experience and a passion for supporting nontraditional, first-gen, and early-career professionals. He’ll walk you through how firms evaluate deals, where analysts and associates drive the most impact, and what interviewers expect you to know about value creation from day one.

Personal Brand Cribsheet: 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

Real case study presentation that was successful in gaining job offer at a credit hedge fund.

Private Equity Full LBO Model Test

60-minute model test to prepare you for Private Equity interviews

Resume Example: Macquarie & Flexstone Partners Offers

Check out this resume from a Leland customer who got offers in Private Equity.