Leland+ Content Library
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.
Crack the IB Technicals: 10 Questions You Must Be Prepared to Answer
Get ready to master the core technical questions that consistently show up in investment banking interviews. In this session, we’ll walk through the 10 fundamentals—valuation, accounting, enterprise value, DCFs, accretion/dilution, and more—that every strong IB candidate must be able to explain with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn how interviewers evaluate your answers, what separates a solid response from a great one, and how to practice effectively so you can walk into recruiting season fully prepared.
How to Network Effectively for Competitive Finance Roles
Networking is a critical differentiator in competitive finance recruiting, but most candidates approach it inefficiently or inconsistently. This session breaks down how to build genuine relationships, conduct high-impact outreach, and turn conversations into real opportunities across investment banking, private equity, hedge funds, and related roles. You’ll learn how to prepare for networking conversations, follow up strategically, and avoid common mistakes that quietly hurt your chances.
Technical Interviews & Core Finance Concepts
Technical interviews are where candidates rise or fall, and mastering the fundamentals is essential to getting an offer. In this session, you'll learn how to approach the most commonly tested finance concepts—from valuation and accounting, to financial statement analysis and market drivers—in a clear, structured, and interview-ready way. We’ll cover typical technical questions, what interviewers listen for in strong answers, and how to avoid the common mistakes that signal inexperience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or sharpening your edge before first-rounds, you’ll walk away with frameworks, study priorities, and practice tactics to approach technicals with confidence and communicate like a future banker.
Behavioral Interviews & How to Tell Your Story
Landing an investment banking offer starts long before the technical questions—your behavioral responses and personal story often determine whether you even move forward. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your motivations, showcases your strengths, and aligns with what banks actually look for in candidates. We’ll break down common behavioral questions, effective frameworks, and the biggest pitfalls that sink interviews, plus how to tailor your story whether you’re coming from finance, consulting, engineering, or a non-traditional background. You’ll leave with clear strategies, practice prompts, and a structured approach you can use to walk into interviews with confidence and tell a story that sticks.
