Leland+ Content Library

Human + AI Collaboration: Learn How to Think With AI

In this reflective and practical workshop, you’ll learn how to use AI as a true thought partner--one that helps you reason through ideas, uncover blind spots, and make better decisions. Through live examples, you’ll see how to move beyond surface-level use (like writing or summarizing) and instead use AI to challenge assumptions, explore alternatives, and clarify strategy. You’ll practice “collaborative prompting,” a method that turns AI into a sparring partner that helps you think deeper, faster, and more creatively. Outcomes: You’ll leave with a set of conversational prompts for strategic thinking, a clearer understanding of what humans do best in an AI-powered world, and confidence using AI as an extension of your judgment and creativity. Learning Objectives: *Recognize when to rely on human intuition vs. AI reasoning *Practice “collaborative prompting” for deeper insight and reflection *Use AI strategically to analyze, debate, and refine complex ideas

Duke MBA Essay 1 Example: 25 Things About Yourself

This is an example of the Duke MBA Fuqua Essay #1, which has the following essay prompt: "The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer."

How to Network Like a Pro to Land IB Interviews

Breaking into investment banking isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about building relationships that get you in the door. In this session, you’ll learn proven networking strategies that help candidates turn cold outreach into meaningful conversations, develop strong connections with bankers, and convert touchpoints into interview opportunities. Led by Jonathan S., a former Wells Fargo investment banker and experienced coach who has helped candidates land roles at top firms, this workshop will teach you how to craft effective outreach messages, manage informational interviews, and confidently position your story. Whether you’re early in recruiting or trying to level up your current approach, you’ll leave with actionable tactics you can start using immediately to stand out in a crowded pipeline.

Application Timeline Tracker Template

I created this template to help you use your time effectively while applying to college! Check out a video I made explaining how to use it here: https://www.joinleland.com/content/item/urn:contentEntry:6946127756b5b2f63a8db7f6?fromName=College

r/AMA: Building products people love from Slack to Discord to Reddit

What does it take to build products that millions of people use every day—and genuinely love? In this AMA, Sri V., a product manager at Reddit who has also worked on community and communication products at Discord, Slack, and Microsoft, will share candid insights from years spent shaping how people connect online. With a background in computer science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a career built on solving meaningful problems rather than just writing code, Sri brings a uniquely human-centered perspective to product development. Come with questions about breaking into PM, building social and community products, navigating big tech careers, or even national parks—Sri has nomaded through nearly all of them.

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.

Navigating the Big Load of Big Law Recruiting

Big Law recruiting moves fast, feels intense, and can overwhelm even the strongest candidates if they’re not prepared. In this session, top Leland coach and lawyer Shayna R. will break down how the process really works, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage. By the end, you’ll have a clearer, calmer path through one of the most demanding recruiting cycles in professional careers.

The Top 10 Things That Matter in a Deferred Application

Applying to deferred MBA programs requires a unique strategy—strong academics and internships aren’t enough unless you know how to package them into a compelling story. In this session, Tim F., a Chicago Booth MBA graduate with high distinction and former admissions fellow who interviewed and evaluated nearly 100 applicants, will break down the ten elements that most influence AdCom decisions. Drawing on his experience helping candidates gain admission to top U.S. and European MBA programs, along with his professional background at Goldman Sachs and as a project leader at Boston Consulting Group, Tim will share how to communicate impact, craft a standout narrative, and position yourself competitively as an early-career applicant.

Mastering the Hedge Fund Interview

Breaking into hedge funds requires sharp investing instincts, a compelling stock pitch, and the ability to think clearly under pressure. In this session, Diyang Y.—a former investment banker turned Long/Short equity analyst at Point72—will break down what top funds really look for in candidates. Drawing on years of evaluating investments, mentoring aspiring analysts, and preparing candidates for competitive buy-side interviews, Diyang will walk you through how to build a strong investment framework, articulate conviction, defend your ideas, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're crafting your first stock pitch or preparing for final-round interviews, you’ll gain practical, results-focused strategies to stand out in the hedge fund recruiting process.

Duke MBA Essay 2 Example: The Fuqua Community and You

This is an example of the Duke Fuqua MBA Essay #2 which has the following essay prompt: "Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum)."

PM Analytical Take-Home: Regal (B2B SaaS Startup)

This project is a take-home project that will help us evaluate your skill set for the Product Manager Role. You should not spend more than 5 hours on this over the course of a couple days and should package your responses into a Google doc or presentation.

Paid Media Strategy Example Template

This is an example media strategy template--it would need to be fleshed out a lot more to add significant value, but this is a great way to start as it covers aspects such as competitive analysis, channels, testing, risk and contingency planning, etc.

Customizable Cover Letter Template for Consulting Jobs

This is a generic cover letter template that can be customized to fit any consulting job opportunity you are exploring.

Sample Answer to a Leadership Question (LinkedIn Example)

This is an example response to a leadership question based on an experience with a team at LinkedIn.

Leadership Question Responses Debrief

This video debrief covers the Sample Answers to Leadership Questions, including both the college club and LinkedIn team examples.

Demo: Mastering the Technical Interview

This demonstration shows how in-depth we get with research for technical interviews. This specific example looks at product management as an example, but the skills displayed can be used for any industry.

How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"

"Tell me about yourself" is a common interview question, but there are specific signals that employers are looking for. In this video I will break down how you should approach these questions.

How to Answer "Why this Company"

One of the most common interview questions is "Why do you want to work here?" In this video we will discuss what your approach and strategy should be as you answer this question in your behavioral interviews.

Wrap Up Your MBA Prep Before R2 Deadlines

Get ready to submit your strongest Round 2 MBA application with guidance from top Leland coaches. This session will cover final essay tweaks, resume polish, recommendation strategies, and interview prep to ensure every component of your application is aligned and compelling. You’ll leave with a clear plan and actionable next steps to approach Round 2 deadlines with confidence.

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.