Leland+ Content Library

Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?

​Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. ​Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.

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.

How to Prepare for MBA Interviews with Former M7 Admissions Officers

​In this session, former M7 admissions officers Kelsey K. (Columbia), Mike H. (Stanford), and Christine B. (Booth) will share insider strategies on how to prepare for one of the most critical parts of the MBA application process: the interview. From traditional behavioral questions to school-specific formats, you’ll learn what top programs are really evaluating and how to showcase your strengths with confidence. ​You’ll also gain practical tips on structuring your answers, communicating your story clearly, and avoiding the common mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or gearing up for final rounds, this session will equip you with the tools and insights you need to stand out in MBA interviews.

Introduction to Careers and Recruiting in Capital Markets and Sales & Trading

​Curious about careers in Capital Markets and Sales & Trading? In this session, you’ll get a clear overview of what these roles actually involve, how they differ, and what it takes to succeed in each. We’ll also break down the recruiting process, including the skills and qualities firms are looking for, and how you can start preparing now to stand out in interviews. ​The session will be led by Ryan T., a Leland coach with first-hand experience in investment banking and capital markets, as well as extensive involvement in training and recruiting. He’ll share practical insights on navigating these competitive paths and help you build a roadmap to land your first role in the industry.

Master's Applications: School Selection Strategy

An overview of which schools to apply to for Master's programs.

The ACT Has Changed—Here’s How to Get Ready

With recent updates to the ACT, it’s more important than ever to understand what’s new—and how to prepare strategically. In this workshop, Rebekah R.—a perfect scorer with over a decade of test prep experience, including as a former SAT/ACT tutor at The Princeton Review—will break down the changes and share how students can adapt their study approach for success. ​Rebekah has guided countless students to their target scores by combining proven strategies with personalized support. She’ll walk you through what’s different on the test, what remains the same, and the most effective ways to prepare with confidence. Whether you’re testing soon or planning ahead, this session will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Columbia Business School: Brand and Culture

An overview of Columbia Business School's brand and culture.

Trends in VC Hiring: What Firms are Looking For

Breaking into venture capital is notoriously challenging—often less about chasing the biggest brand names and more about finding the right fit. In this session, expert coach Natalie L. unpack the latest trends in VC recruiting and share what firms actually value when evaluating candidates. ​You’ll learn how the hiring landscape is evolving, what skills and experiences stand out today, and how candidates from non-traditional backgrounds can successfully position themselves for roles in venture. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for networking, building credibility, and navigating a process that’s often informal and relationship-driven. ​Whether you’re actively recruiting or just exploring a career in VC, this session will give you insider insights and actionable advice to sharpen your approach and increase your chances of breaking in.

School List Development Guide

A step-by-step guide to developing a balanced and compelling school list for any master’s program. Learn how to categorize, research, and narrow your options strategically.

Writing the STARR Essay

Master the STARR (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) framework to highlight your leadership, impact, and growth.

Tailoring Your Story for Different Schools

Adapt your core story for different MBA programs while maintaining consistency and authenticity.

Superday Technicals for IB and PE

​Get ready to crush your Superdays! This session dives deep into the technical interview prep needed to stand out in final-round IB and PE interviews. ​Hosted by Max A. (Former Senior Associate @ Vector Capital Management) you'll review must-know concepts—from valuation and accounting to LBOs and market questions—and learn how to approach complex technicals under pressure. Max will also share real examples and insights from his own experience helping candidates break into top-tier firms.

Nailing the Chief of Staff interview

​Landing a Chief of Staff role starts with acing the interview—and that can be one of the biggest hurdles for top candidates. In this session, you’ll hear from Julianne Z., a two-time Chief of Staff with experience across private equity and VC-backed companies. ​Julianne will walk you through what CoS interviewers are evaluating at each stage, how to frame your thought process under pressure, and how to draw on your past experiences to position yourself as an indispensable partner to leadership. You’ll also learn how to handle tough questions, structure your responses, and avoid missteps that derail many CoS candidates. ​Whether you’re interviewing for your first Chief of Staff position or trying to level up your candidacy, this session will give you clearer insight and tangible prep strategies.

The Application Mindset That Changed Everything: My Path to Stanford

Most school applications sound the same: "I've always dreamed of attending your prestigious program because..." But what if there's a completely different approach that admissions committees actually want to see? In this free session, I'll share the exact mindset shift that transformed my application strategy and led to my Stanford acceptance. You'll discover: - Why traditional application advice often backfires - The critical perspective change that makes you stand out instantly - How to demonstrate value to programs (not just desire to attend) - Real examples from my Stanford application materials Whether you're targeting top-tier programs or finding your best-fit school, this session will fundamentally change how you approach your applications.

Advanced Divisibility: How to Calculate Factorials

In this video a coach discusses how to approach advanced divisibility problems as seen on GMAT quant section. Several methods are explained which will help you quickly break down factorials.

Introduction to MBA Narrative Brainstorming

Learn to uncover and articulate your personal and professional story—clarifying what drives you, what you’ve done, and where you want to go—to form the foundation for your MBA applications.

MBA to Consulting Panel

Still planning to break into consulting before graduation? You're not alone, and it's not too late. This panel is designed for MBA students who are exploring full-time roles in consulting, whether you’re re-recruiting, pivoting, or looking to refine your strategy. ​Hear from Taylor R., Andrew H., and Rifat M., all of whom successfully landed consulting offers later in the MBA journey as they share practical advice on networking, storytelling, case prep, and how to stand out in a competitive recruiting cycle. If you're hoping to make the jump into MBB or other top firms, this session will help you make the most of the months ahead.

Breaking Down Economic Consulting: What It Exactly Is

Ever wondered what economic consultants actually do—and how the role differs from management consulting or finance? In this session, expert Leland coach and economic consultant Nicolas S. will demystify the field and share what it’s really like to work in economic consulting. ​Whether you’re exploring your career options or preparing to apply, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the industry, its day-to-day work, and the paths it can open.

AMA with Former AI Product at Amazon and RBC

Curious about what it takes to break into AI product management—or how to grow your career in the rapidly evolving world of AI? In this AMA session, you’ll have the chance to hear directly from Avinash M., a Leland coach and former AI Product Lead at the Royal Bank of Canada. ​Avinash will share his journey leading AI initiatives at scale, what companies are really looking for in AI PMs, and how you can build the skills and experiences that set you apart. He’ll also take your questions on everything from landing interviews to navigating technical conversations as a PM. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to pivot into AI, this is your chance to learn from someone who’s been at the forefront of the field.

From Draft to Done: Finalizing Your PhD Applications

​Applying to PhD programs is a long process—and the final stretch can make all the difference. In this session, Madeleine L., Diane K., and Kenneth T., will teach you how to refine and polish your application materials so that every component works together to present a cohesive, compelling story. ​We’ll cover strategies for tightening your statement of purpose, ensuring your research interests are clear, aligning your recommenders, and avoiding last-minute mistakes. Whether you’re weeks away from submitting or just want a stronger review process, this event will give you practical tools to finalize your PhD applications with confidence.