Leland+ for Private Equity

How to Nail “Why This Fund?”

Learn how to research a fund beyond their website - including their strategy, culture, and recent deals - and turn that insight into a response that shows deep alignment.

Behavioural interviews: Overview

Behavioural interviews often make or break candidates - especially when everyone has similar technical backgrounds. In this module, you’ll learn how to craft compelling, authentic stories that show maturity, motivation, and fit for Private Equity. We'll cover all the most common questions, along with frameworks to deliver standout answers.

Strengths & Weaknesses: What to Say (and Avoid)

Break down high-impact strength answers and how to position weaknesses honestly without hurting your candidacy. Includes a list of examples that work in high-stakes settings.

The Funnel Framework: A Tool for Any Technical Question

Use this simple but powerful 3-step thinking structure to break down any investment or business analysis question (e.g., "Would you invest in XYZ?", “How would you evaluate a company?”).

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.

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.

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!

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.

Your PE Recruiting Plan: What You Need to Know to Ace Recruiting

Get a clear, no-nonsense roadmap for navigating the intense Private Equity recruiting process. In this session, you'll learn what top firms actually look for, how to prepare for the fast-moving timeline, and the technical and networking strategies that separate successful candidates from the rest. You'll walk away with a focused, actionable PE recruiting plan you can start executing immediately.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ask Me Anything: Excelling in PE Interviews

​​​Join us for an interactive AMA with a John C., a seasoned private equity professional who has successfully navigated the industry’s most competitive recruiting processes. In this session, you’ll get insider insights on how to stand out in both technical and behavioral interviews, master case studies and modeling tests, and convey your fit for a PE role with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or looking to refine your approach, this is your chance to get your most pressing questions answered directly by an expert.

Private Equity Week (August 18-21) Kickoff

Join us for Leland's Private Equity Week (August 18–21) Kickoff! Come hear from Arielle F., Kenny J., and Julia M. - expert private equity coaches with years of experience in the field. ​​You’re invited to a week of actionable support designed to help you break into the world of private equity with clarity and confidence. ​Throughout the week, we’ll host a series of virtual sessions led by top Leland coaches and industry professionals, covering everything from building relevant experience and networking effectively to acing interviews and crafting a standout PE resume.

Cracking the Private Equity Associate Interview: Inside Tips from the Other Side of the Table

​In this free session, Derek O., incoming Private Equity Investor at Vista Equity Partners (Ex-Audax PE, Ex-Goldman IB) and current MBA Candidate, will break down the skills and strategies needed to stand out in the Associate interview process. Drawing on experience across investment banking, middle-market buyouts, and large-cap software investing, Derek will share both the obvious and less obvious elements that top firms are screening for. ​We’ll aim to cover (i) the major “buckets” of PE interview evaluation, (ii) common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and (iii) real interview questions from real interview processes. ​This session will be tailored to the Private Equity Associate role; however, we welcome anyone interested in PE interviews to join (Summer Analyst, Analyst, MBA Associate, etc.).

Crushing PE Behavioural Interviews

The most commonly asked questions and model answers for them.