Leland+ Content Library

Forward-Deployed Engineers & AI Services-Led Growth

Explores the FDE role in detail: client-facing integration, technical implementation, rapid prototyping, and serving as a bridge between engineering and GTM, supported by insights from a16z and industry examples. Assignment encourages role research and personal reflection.

Inside the Forward-Deployed Engineer Role

Interactive session dissecting the FDE role with real-world examples, skill mapping, and discussion on how FDEs accelerate AI adoption in enterprise environments.

Building Your AI Portfolio & Outside-In Projects

Detailed strategies for engineers, designers, marketers, and data scientists to craft projects showing value aligned with target companies. Includes best practices for packaging and sharing work and an action-oriented assignment.

AI Job Market Noise, Networking Strategies & Referrals

Examines challenges posed by imprecise AI job listings and teaches targeted networking practices, referral system insights, and rapport-building with insiders, plus an assignment to initiate connections and refine messaging.

Here’s what really works in networking

Understand when location matters for referrals and when it doesn't. Learn to stay flexible and build connections across different offices.

Introduction to Roles in AI — How It Differs from Traditional Tech

This reading introduces you to key roles like research engineer, forward deployed engineers, and different GTM jobs at AI companies. It includes an assignment designed to teach you how to better understand these roles.

Negotiating Confidently - Deck

This guide provides a 4-step plan and proven scripts for stating your salary target, receiving an offer, and making a counter-offer.

Introduction to the AI Company Landscape & Assignment

This will introduce the AI jobs landscape and also share reading to help you dive deeper to understand the entire AI market. There is an assignment to research three companies of interest to better understand what companies in this space do.

Not sure who to network with? Start here

Learn who to contact first, how to use your existing connections, and when to reach out for the best results.

Want an edge? Network where others don’t

Go beyond the obvious networking paths. Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively, reach unexpected contacts, and get noticed by senior consultants.

Why does one referral change everything?

See what happens behind the scenes after someone refers you. Learn how to communicate with your referrer to help push your application forward.

Creating A Career Plan - Deck

This guide outlines how to build a career plan around 6 key elements, including target roles, companies, and weekly goals.

Reaching Your Network - Deck

This guide details a 3-step system for effective outreach and explains exactly how and when to request a referral.

Using Al to Job Search - Deck

This guide shows how AI can tailor your resume, generate interview scripts, and draft networking follow-ups.

The Career Accelerator: A Playbook for Your Job Search

This playbook is for job seekers looking to replace scattered applications with a structured, step-by-step system to find their next role. Students will learn to define their career direction, create a strategic search plan, organize their applications, and negotiate a higher salary to secure the offer they deserve.

Don’t ask "Can you refer me?" - Ask this instead

Earn referrals naturally by building trust first. Learn what questions to ask and how to make consultants actually want to help you.

Finding Career Clarity - Deck

This guide provides a framework to identify what drives you, determine what makes you unique, and articulate what you do best.

Crafting Your Brand - Deck

This guide details a 6-part framework for your professional story, including your background, strengths, and vision.

Managing A Job Search - Deck

This guide shows you how to organize your search with targeted lists and track the status of every application, contact, and task.

No one owes you a referral. Earn it

Learn the biggest networking mistakes and how to build trust with MBB consultants without seeming fake or desperate.