Leland+ Content Library

Checklist: PhD School List Development and Prospective Faculty Search

Stop wasting time: Use this actionable framework to build your PhD school list and find the right faculty mentors. Learn how to target programs that match your research and maximize your admissions odds.

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.

AI Marketing: Introduction

Introduction to the AI in Marketing course.

Columbia Business School: Brand and Culture

An overview of Columbia Business School's brand and culture.

Identify Your Missing Piece

• Walk through a real or hypothetical example of identifying gaps • How to differentiate between “substance gaps” and “communication gaps” • Example of turning a weakness (e.g., low quant score) into an update plan • Framework recap: Story – Strength – Fit • Call to action: complete your self-audit and select 1–2 improvement priorities

Top 10 Ways to Strengthen Your Profile While Waitlisted

• Examples of high-impact updates: promotions, certifications, quant coursework, new leadership roles • How to frame achievements for the admissions committee • How to show ongoing engagement with the school (events, conversations, visits) • Building credibility through thoughtful updates, not volume • Quick-reference chart: “Update ideas by category (Academic / Professional / Personal / Fit)"

AI Marketing: Conversion

Using AI for the conversion stage of the marketing funnel.

Consulting Sprint (October 14-16) Kickoff

​Join us for Leland’s Consulting Sprint Kickoff! Come hear from top consulting experts Erik Z. (Bain), Yash G. (BCG), and Emily H. (McKinsey) who have helped candidates land offers at firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain—and thrive once they’re in the role. ​You’re invited to several days of focused career and recruiting prep designed to help you break into consulting with confidence. Throughout the sprint, we’ll host a series of virtual sessions led by Leland coaches and experienced consultants. You’ll gain tactical guidance on networking, case interview prep, resume building, and strategies for standing out in a competitive recruiting process—all condensed into a power-packed sprint to get you ready.

MIT Sloan: School Overview and Brand

An overview of MIT Sloan and its unique brand.

Statement of Purpose Essay Checklist

Don’t hit submit until you’ve checked every box on this list. Following these steps will help you ensure your essay is flawless and focused.

Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect

Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.

Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect

Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.

Boston Consulting Group: Application Overview

A practical guide to every component of the BCG recruiting process. Learners will gain actionable strategies for crafting strong resumes and cover letters, networking effectively with consultants and alumni, and mastering both case and behavioral interviews.

Columbia Business School: The NYC Advantage

A deep dive into how Columbia Business School's geographic positioning puts it at a unique advantage.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Why use an elevator pitch? What are the key elements to introducing yourself and making a good first impression? How do you use an elevator pitch? Career Coach Connie Ma will guide you through creating a self-introduction or elevator pitch which you can use in any social or professional situation to leave a good first impression. We will discuss how to talk about yourself, how to talk about tricky parts of your past employment history, and how to adjust your self-introduction to suit any situation you may find yourself in. Come work with us on your self-introduction, practice with others, and become more confident in representing yourself!

Intro to MBA Essay Writing

Translate your narrative into compelling MBA essays that demonstrate clarity of purpose, authenticity, and school fit.

Tailoring Your Story for Different Schools

Adapt your core story for different MBA programs while maintaining consistency and authenticity.

Columbia Business School: General Overview

Holistic information about Columbia Business School's admission statistics and program.

Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay

Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.

Waitlist Action Planner Template

• Weekly layout (Weeks 1–6) • Sections for: school engagement, updates, achievements, outreach, mindset goals • Columns for tracking actions, deadlines, and communications sent • Example of a completed plan for inspiration • Summary section for final reflection