Leland+ for MBA

Tuition, Cost of Living, and ROI

Real budgets, affordability planning, Deferred Tuition education

Behavioral Interview

STAR strategy + international context examples

Leadership in Global Contexts

Influence vs title, cross-cultural teamwork, initiative

Do Your Deferred MBA in Spain: Interview with IESE Admissions Director

Join Jesse L., a Leland Top 10 MBA coach for international applicants, for a live interview with Patrik Wallén, MBA Admissions Director at IESE Business School (ranked #3 in the world by the Financial Times), followed by an open audience Q&A. This will be the first interview focused primarily on IESE’s Young Talent Path (YTP), IESE’s early-career, deferred-style pathway that ultimately leads into the full-time MBA. While the main focus is on YTP, this session will also be highly valuable for any applicant considering IESE, as it offers direct insight into IESE’s admissions philosophy, values, career development, and case-method-based MBA program. ✨ What makes IESE’s YTP unique Unlike most U.S.-based deferred MBA (DMBA) programs that require candidates to apply during their final undergraduate year or while completing a graduate degree, IESE allows applicants to apply both during their senior year and after graduation, with up to two years of full-time work experience. This makes YTP accessible to a broader group of early-career professionals who may not have been ready to apply as seniors. In this conversation, Jesse will interview Patrik on how YTP works in practice, how candidates are evaluated, and how YTP admits transition into the regular IESE MBA. We will also cover the support IESE provides to YTP admits during the deferral period, including engagement with the school, career guidance, and preparation for joining the MBA cohort. 📌 Topics will include: • What the Young Talent Path (YTP) is and how it compares to other deferred MBA-style programs • Who YTP is designed for and how candidates are assessed • Applying to YTP after graduation with less than two years of experience • What admission through YTP means in practice • How IESE supports YTP admits during the deferral period • How and when YTP participants join the full-time IESE MBA • What the IESE MBA experience looks like • Live audience Q&A 🎯 Who should attend This session is designed to give applicants real clarity on YTP and the IESE MBA, directly from the source.

Master the Interview

Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid

Build a Cohesive Narrative

Understanding The Importance of Each Element In Your Application

School Research Strategy

Culture matching, curriculum, recruiting strengths

Essay Strategy

“Why MBA,” goals essays, school vision essays

Finance to MBA: Showing Impact and Proving Passion

Breaking into an MBA program from a finance background takes more than strong credentials—it’s about showing real impact and authentic passion. In this session, Leland coaches John N. (Kellogg MBA), Faisal K. (Booth adcom), and Kelsey K. (CBS adcom) will share how to differentiate yourself, connect your experience to your goals, and stand out in essays and interviews. Perfect for finance professionals aiming to make a powerful impression in Round 2.

School-Specific Interviews

HBS, Wharton TBD, MIT behavioral, Kellogg/team-based

LinkedIn & Online Presence

Strengthening credibility and recruiter alignment

AdCom Insider Tip #4

Position Yourself on LinkedIn Like a Future MBA, Not Just Your Current Job Title

Competency Questions

Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics

Pre-Departure Preparation

Visa, housing, networking, CPT prep

Waitlist Strategy

Updates, new achievements, school engagement

Timeline & Project Management

Managing multiple schools

Course Conclusion

What You've Learn and What's Next

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.

LinkedIn Cribsheet

A targeted guide that helps experienced professionals rewrite their LinkedIn profiles to better reflect their value, momentum, and career direction.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Stanford

Get an inside look at what Stanford GSB seeks in Deferred MBA candidates and how to bring your unique story to life. Expert Leland coach and GSB alum Ben L. will break down the qualities Stanford cares about most—impact, curiosity, and personal growth. You’ll leave with concrete strategies to articulate your values, achievements, and ambitions in a way that resonates with the GSB admissions committee.