Leland+ Content Library

MBA to Consulting: How to Nail the Interview

Consulting interviews are some of the toughest in the MBA world—and breaking into a top firm requires mastery of both case and behavioral components. In this workshop, Erik Z. —a former Bain consultant and manager who spent three years on the “other side” of recruiting—will walk you through exactly how to prepare. Having conducted 300+ mock interviews, authored an MBA interview case at Bain, and coached candidates (including many from non-traditional backgrounds) into MBB, Erik brings insider knowledge of what firms truly look for. He’ll cover networking strategy, resume positioning, case frameworks, behavioral excellence, and the nuances that help you stand out during recruiting season. Whether you're prepping for on-campus recruiting or pivoting into consulting post-MBA, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to excel.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Columbia

Applying to Columbia Business School’s deferred MBA program is a unique opportunity—and a uniquely competitive one. In this session, Melanie E.—a multi-disciplinary coach featured in Forbes, NBC, ABC, CBS, Business Insider, and TEDx—will break down exactly what CBS is looking for and how to position yourself as a standout candidate. With deep experience coaching applicants into top MBA programs and a coaching style tailored to each individual’s strengths, Melanie will walk you through how to craft a compelling narrative, highlight leadership potential, and approach Columbia’s essays and recommendations with clarity and strategy. Whether you’re early in your MBA exploration or preparing to hit submit, this session will give you actionable insights to strengthen your CBS deferred application.

Expat Roadmap Workshop: Studying & Working Abroad

Dreaming of studying or building your career abroad? In this workshop, Leland coaches Matthew M., Jorn B., and Jennifer P.D. will break down exactly how to navigate applications, visas, job searches, and cultural transitions as an expat. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap and actionable next steps tailored to your global goals.

Your Path to MBB: How to Stand Out

Learn what it really takes to stand out in the highly competitive MBB recruiting process. In this session, top Leland consulting coaches break down the strategies that consistently help candidates land interviews and offers—from crafting a compelling story to excelling in networking, casing, and problem-solving assessments. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for positioning yourself as a top-tier candidate at McKinsey, Bain, and BCG.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Harvard

Join us for an insider-focused session on the Harvard Future Leaders deferred MBA program. Expert Leland coach and former HBS AdCom Geri T. will break down what makes HBS’s deferred pathway unique, how the admissions committee evaluates early-career candidates, and what “leadership potential” really looks like at this stage. You’ll learn how to position your experiences, craft a compelling narrative, and avoid the strategic mistakes most applicants make. Ideal for undergrads and master’s students aiming to build a standout HBS application from the ground up.

Before You Hit Submit: Tips to Make Your College App Shine

As deadlines approach, this workshop will walk you through the final steps that take a college application from good to unforgettable. Our expert panel will cover how to polish your essays, strengthen your storytelling, and make strategic last-minute tweaks that help you stand out in competitive pools. Meet Your Coaches: Jessica F. — Harvard alum with 30 years of experience helping students get into top schools through expert essay and application guidance. Liz C. — Duke MBA and storytelling specialist with an almost 100% BYU admit rate, known for elevating nontraditional and healthcare-focused applicants. Luzy G. — Harvard graduate with 4+ years of consulting experience whose students have been admitted to top universities—and who earned full-ride scholarships herself.

Deferred MBA M7 Series: Stanford

Get an inside look at what Stanford GSB seeks in Deferred MBA candidates and how to bring your unique story to life. Expert Leland coach and GSB alum Ben L. will break down the qualities Stanford cares about most—impact, curiosity, and personal growth. You’ll leave with concrete strategies to articulate your values, achievements, and ambitions in a way that resonates with the GSB admissions committee.

Ask Me Anything: IB Recruiting Insights from a Former Lazard Banker

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—especially if you're targeting elite boutiques or specialized coverage groups. In this AMA-style workshop, Akaash P.—a former Lazard banker with hands-on experience across Media & Telecom, Restructuring (RX), FIG, Energy, and Software—will give you an inside look at what it takes to stand out in IB recruiting. Drawing on cross-sector banking and investing experience, as well as coaching candidates into top groups at elite firms, Akaash will answer your questions on technical prep, industry-specific expectations, crafting a differentiated story, and navigating competitive recruiting processes. Whether you're aiming for M&T, RX, FIG, Energy, or Software roles, or simply want to understand the landscape better, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights to elevate your recruiting strategy.

Navigating an AI Career: from Google to Microsoft to AI startups

Curious what it’s really like to build a career in AI—and how to stand out in one of tech’s fastest-growing fields? In this session, Michael A., who previously worked at McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft, and who now works with AI startups, will share insights from his own journey across big tech and emerging companies. You’ll learn how to identify the right roles in AI, what skills and experiences matter most to hiring teams, and how to position yourself for long-term success in this evolving space.

Essay Edit: Watch Me Transform an Underwhelming Master Essay Draft

Ever wonder what turns a decent essay into an admit-worthy one? In this live session, expert Leland coach and former AdComs at Harvard Karla M. will walk you through the process of transforming a real, underwhelming master’s essay into a compelling, polished narrative. You’ll see how to refine structure, elevate storytelling, and bring clarity and personality to your writing. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework and practical editing techniques to strengthen your own essays and stand out in the admissions process.

Getting Started with AI Automation Using n8n

Join Leland coach Solomon C, an automation expert who has helped thousands of people globally get started with n8n, AI + Automation and scale output using no-code and low-code tools. This fast-paced 45-minute session is designed to give you everything you need to get started: installing n8n, navigating the platform, understanding core nodes, and building your first functional automation.

Course Conclusion

What You've Learn and What's Next

Prep for Success at PwC & Beyond: Build a Consulting-Ready Brand

Standing out in consulting recruiting takes more than strong grades—it requires a clear personal brand and professional presence. In this session, PwC Consultant and coach Annie W. will share how to position yourself for success at PwC and other top firms. You’ll learn how to communicate your strengths, refine your story, and showcase the skills consulting recruiters value most. Walk away with practical tools to build a consulting-ready brand that sets you apart.

Don’t Blow Your Law Interview: Ask a Stanford JD Anything

Law school interviews can be intimidating—but they don’t have to be. In this interactive session, Machmud M.—a Stanford JD, Rhodes Scholar, and Knight-Hennessy Scholar—will share candid insights on how to prepare for and excel in your law school interviews. From common pitfalls to powerful storytelling techniques, you’ll learn how to communicate your values, experiences, and goals in a way that truly resonates with admissions committees. Drawing on his diverse background across public policy, corporate law, and government—including time at the White House and on the Biden 2020 policy team—Machmud will answer your toughest questions about what law schools are really looking for. Whether you’re prepping for T-14 interviews or your first conversation with an alum, this session will help you approach your interview with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

AdCom Insider Tip #5

What Admitted Applicants All Have in Common

Job Search Reflection Guide

A structured reflection workbook that helps career-transitioning professionals clarify what they want next in their career with guided exercises.

School-Specific Interviews

HBS, Wharton TBD, MIT behavioral, Kellogg/team-based

Competency Questions

Leadership, failure, teamwork, ethics

Finish Strong

What Happens After You Submit?

Your PE Recruiting Plan: What You Need to Know to Ace Recruiting

Get a clear, no-nonsense roadmap for navigating the intense Private Equity recruiting process. In this session, you'll learn what top firms actually look for, how to prepare for the fast-moving timeline, and the technical and networking strategies that separate successful candidates from the rest. You'll walk away with a focused, actionable PE recruiting plan you can start executing immediately.