Leland+ Content Library

MBA Goals & Purpose Guide: Define Your Short- and Long-Term Goals

Most MBA applicants know they need goals. Few know how to make them specific, grounded, and genuinely their own. This guide gives you a clear framework for defining your short-term and long-term post-MBA goals, along with the purpose behind them. Inside you will find what strong goals include, what weak ones look like, worked examples you can learn from, and the reflection questions that help you get there. Everything is in one place and structured so you can work through it in order or go straight to what you need. Whether you are just starting to think about direction or refining goals you have already begun to develop, this guide will help you arrive at goals you can defend confidently in essays, interviews, and school conversations.

How to Nail Your Stock Pitch [5/8/2026] (Recording)

A strong stock pitch can be the difference between breaking into hedge funds and getting passed over, but many candidates struggle to make their ideas both clear and convincing. This session is for those preparing for hedge fund interviews who want to refine how they present an investment thesis. You’ll learn how to structure a compelling long or short pitch, communicate your edge and assumptions, and handle the kinds of pushback investors use to test your thinking. Join live to ask questions about your own pitch ideas and see how experienced investors evaluate them in real time. The speaker brings deep hedge fund experience and regularly coaches candidates on pitching and interview prep. They’ll share the patterns they see across successful pitches and the kinds of feedback typically given in 1:1 coaching sessions.

Breaking Into Equity Research: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Equity research is one of the most sought-after yet misunderstood paths in finance. In this session, you’ll gain a clear picture of what the role actually entails, from the skills analysts use day-to-day to the expectations recruiters bring into the interview process. We’ll cover everything from building models and writing reports to staying on top of market-moving news, so you know exactly what to expect. ​Leading the session is Leland coach William L., a former U.S. Equity Associate Analyst at T. Rowe Price who specialized in enterprise and cybersecurity software research. Drawing from his first-hand experience, William will share actionable strategies to prepare for interviews, showcase your passion for the markets, and set yourself apart as a candidate—so you can break into equity research and thrive once you’re there.

AI Tool Glossary

Glossary of leading AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, DeepL, Writer, Canva, Notion, Copilot) with best-fit use cases.

Authentic Storytelling for PEI Behavioral Interviews

​McKinsey’s Personal Experience Interview (PEI) and other behavioral interviews can make or break your consulting application. Success isn’t just about rehearsing answers—it’s about telling authentic, memorable stories that highlight your leadership, impact, and problem-solving skills. Join expert coach Maria T. (Former recruiting lead at McKinsey) and learn how to refine your own stories and get personalized feedback to make sure they land. ​By the end, you’ll know how to craft and deliver stories that resonate—and feel confident showcasing your unique strengths in high-stakes behavioral interviews.

How to Create a Competitive PhD Application

Applying to PhD programs is about more than strong grades and test scores—it’s about demonstrating research potential, academic fit, and a clear vision for your scholarly path. In this session, Leland coach and former AdComs Director at Princeton and Penn, Melissa A. will break down exactly what makes an applicant stand out in a highly selective process. ​Whether you’re applying this cycle or planning ahead, you’ll leave with a clear strategy for building a strong, cohesive, and competitive PhD application.

MBA Interview Series: Columbia

​The Columbia Business School interview is your chance to move beyond the application and show who you are as a candidate. In this event, Melanie E. (a former CBS Adcomm and interviewer) will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and strategies to stand out in the CBS interview process. You’ll gain insight into the types of questions asked, how to tell your story with confidence, and what Columbia admissions committees value most in applicants. ​Whether you’re applying this round or preparing for the future, this session will give you the tools to approach your interview with clarity, poise, and authenticity.

Bullet Proof Inc: Grow and Diversify

An walkthrough of the Bullet Proof Inc: Grow and Diversify case for management consulting.

Where Should You Apply? Finding Your Fit in the IB Landscape

​Not all investment banks—or banking roles—are created equal. From bulge brackets and elite boutiques to middle-market firms, each has its own recruiting process, culture, and career trajectory. In this session, you’ll learn how to evaluate your options and identify the firms and groups that best align with your goals, background, and interests. ​In this panel, Jonathan S., Yudhajit D., and Jared B. will break down the different types of investment banks, what each looks for in candidates, and how to strategically target your networking and applications for the best chance of success. Whether you’re just starting to explore investment banking or narrowing down your list for recruiting season, this event will help you confidently map your path into the right firm for you.

PM Recruiting - Top 5 Tips to Stand Out in the Process

Product management has become a highly sought after but competitive field to break into over the last several years. Karthik R. has been in Product for 15+ years now in Director+ roles across multiple Silicon valley companies. His current role is as Director of Product at Linkedin. He has interviewed, mentored and coached 100s of PMs as well as those aspiring to break into the field. Join him in understanding what it takes to break into Product, and walk away with a tangible strategy and roadmap to make it happen.

AI at Work: 5 Ways to Save an Hour a Day

Feeling overwhelmed by AI but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop shows you exactly how to use AI for real work—today. This session is for professionals who want to work smarter, not harder, using free AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude. Outcomes: You’ll leave with a clear framework for prompting AI effectively, five ready-to-use examples for real work, and customized prompts to fit your own role. Learning Objectives: *Understand how AI fits into everyday workflows *Identify 3+ tasks AI can do faster and better *Practice a repeatable method for effective prompting

CV that Worked for Stanford GSB

CV I submitted as part of my application for Stanford GSB MSx Program

Bad questions kill your networking efforts

Learn how to ask questions that start real conversations. Make your outreach feel genuine and memorable, not robotic.

How am I Unique? Brainstorming Topics

This aid will help you identify topics for your statement based on unique perspectives you would bring to a law school community

Strategies for Your Med School Application

​Applying to medical school is a competitive and complex process—but the right strategy can make all the difference. In this panel, seasoned experts Nathan M. (UNC), Xavier G. (Cornell), and Floriane K. (Stanford) will break down the key elements of a standout application, from framing your personal story and highlighting clinical experiences, to securing strong letters of recommendation and excelling in interviews. ​You’ll hear practical insights on how to approach each part of the process, avoid common mistakes, and position yourself as a compelling candidate. Whether you’re early in the journey or finalizing applications, this session will give you concrete tools and strategies to maximize your chances of admission.

Crushing PE Behavioural Interviews

The most commonly asked questions and model answers for them.

BCG Casey Chatbot 6 – Air Cargo Merger (Shipping Merger)

Practice test 6

Using Al to Job Search - Deck

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

Stay Calm, Solve On: How to Manage Stress and Master GRE Quant

​Struggling to stay calm under pressure while tackling GRE Quant? You're not alone—many test-takers feel the stress building as they approach those high-stakes math questions. ​In this session, Avi L., a 15-year veteran GRE/GRE-Quant coach on Leland who scored a 339 on the GRE and has coached over 500 people, will show you how to manage stress, sharpen your mindset, and master key Quant topics efficiently. ​You’ll learn how to build a clear prep plan, recognize your mental bottlenecks during test day, and apply proven strategies to elevate your score while staying composed. Whether you’re aiming for a big Quant jump or simply seeking clarity and confidence, this session will equip you to perform at your best.

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. Reference the slides from a past event that draws from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world.