Leland+ for Private Equity
Popular on Leland+
10 Common Mistakes Applicants Make in Private Equity Recruiting - And How to Avoid Them
Private Equity (PE) recruiting is one of the most competitive processes in finance. Whether you're an investment banking analyst, a management consultant, or coming from corporate development, breaking into PE takes more than just technical know-how. It’s about strategy, preparation, and self-awareness.
Real Estate Private Equity: What it is and How to Break In
Real estate private equity (REPE) is one of the most dynamic and lucrative areas of finance—but breaking in can feel like a black box. In this session, Leland coach Ayo K., a former Blackstone associate now working in REPE at a leading global firm, will walk you through what the field actually looks like and how to position yourself for success. You’ll gain an inside look at the types of deals REPE firms pursue, the skills and backgrounds that stand out in recruiting, and what day-to-day work really entails. Whether you’re currently in investment banking, exploring a pivot from another field, or just starting your career planning, this session will give you actionable strategies to understand the industry and take the right steps toward landing a role in real estate private equity.
Back-to-School PE + 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.
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!
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.
How to Structure a Deal Walkthrough for PE Interviews
Deal walkthroughs in Private Equity interviews are among the toughest hurdles candidates face—interviewers expect you to walk through the logic, assumptions, and risks of an entire investment, often on the spot. To excel, you need a repeatable structure, sharp instincts, and clarity under pressure. Join Max M., a former tech investor turned Wharton MBA and one of Leland’s Top 50 Coaches, who has worked on deals at Thomas H. Lee Partners and Goldman Sachs. Max has coached hundreds of candidates across PE, IB, and hedge funds, helping them land offers at top firms. In this session, Max will break down a clear framework you can apply during deal walkthroughs: how to decompose the investment thesis, model growth and margins, identify key value levers, and address deal risks. He’ll also walk through common “curve ball” questions and teach you how to think on your feet.
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.
Situational Questions: Handling “Tell Me About a Time...”
Master the STAR+ framework for behavioural stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result + Reflection). Tackle common questions around leadership, failure, teamwork, and ethical dilemmas.
How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
Craft a concise, confident pitch that walks through your background, your "why PE" story, and what makes you different - using the 3-part Narrative Arc framework.
Answering “Why Private Equity?”
Avoid vague or recycled answers. Use a tested framework to build a compelling, specific answer that ties together your skillset, interest in investing, and long-term goals.
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.
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.
Technical interviews: Overview
This module is all about mastering the finance concepts and frameworks tested in PE interviews - but without wasting time memorizing every textbook definition. You’ll learn how to approach technical questions like an investor, communicate with clarity, and avoid over-complication.
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?”).
Deal Walk-Throughs: How to Present Your Experience
Learn how to structure a walk-through of your deal or project experience - even if you had limited exposure - by focusing on key drivers, your contribution, and commercial impact.
Verbal Case Studies: Structure & Strategy
How to structure your thinking under pressure - what questions to ask, what assumptions to make, and how to adapt frameworks.
How to crush your HireVue
Common questions and approaches for HireVue
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.
IB/Private Equity Networking Tracker
Networking Tracker for IB/PE
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.
