Leland+ Content Library

Back-to-School IB Networking

Kick off the recruiting season with Max A. (Former Senior Associate @ Vector Capital Management) in this interactive networking-focused session for students interested in private equity and investment banking. Whether you're preparing for fall interviews or just getting started in the process, this workshop will help you build key relationships, ask the right questions, and make a strong impression. Max will share tactical tips on how to connect with professionals and stand out in coffee chats and info sessions—just in time for the start of the school year.

Max A.

Building Your Recommender Packets for Grad School

Crafting strong recommendation letters starts long before your recommender begins writing—and a well-built recommender packet can make all the difference. In this session, a top Leland coach and dual HBS / HKS admit Reagan C. will walk you through exactly what to include, how to organize it, and how to make your recommenders' jobs easier while ensuring they highlight your strongest qualities. You'll learn what admissions committees look for, how to frame your achievements effectively, and how to set your recommenders up to write letters that truly elevate your application.

Reagan C.

Nuts n' Bolts of the GRE

Join Andrew C., a TikTok famous GRE instructor, for a comprehensive breakdown of the GRE! In this session, Andrew will walk you through the core content areas of the exam, the format you can expect on test day, and the underlying logic that drives each section. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how the GRE is structured, what types of questions you’ll face, and how to approach them efficiently. Along the way, Andrew will share a few clever tips and insider tricks to help you save time, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your score.

Andrew C.

Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel

The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Join this session with Isamar V., former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford University, and Raina M., a Cornell University student. We’ll break down key parts of the application, offer guidance on how to approach each section strategically, and share insights to help your application stand out. From personal statements to activity lists and supplemental essays, this panel will offer practical tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and advice to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you are in the process.

2 contributors

Back-to-School PE + IB Networking

Max A.

Free

SWE Recruiting Quick Start

A practical companion to “How Engineers Avoid Burnout During Recruiting Cycles,” this quick start guide helps you turn insights into action—structuring your search, preparing impactful examples, and managing your time and energy throughout the recruiting process.

Lisa L.

Blank Page to Clear Outline: Get Unstuck on Your Personal Essay

Feeling stuck on your personal essay? You're not alone. Trust, you are not the only senior who keeps putting off writing their application essay. You're sure you'll be able to finish once you start. You just need to put something - anything - on the page, but going from 0 to 1 feels harder than going from 1 to 100. And advice like "just start!", "show who you are," "brainstorm some ideas," isn't working, right? Join Isamar V., a former Stanford admissions officer and college application coach, in this workshop where she will guide you as you complete 3 exercises to go from a blank page to a clear essay outline in 1 hour. Get your pen and paper (or laptop) ready because this isn't just a lecture. You are going to put in the work in this workshop. If you have no idea what you want to write about --> You'll leave with several ideas, topics, and stories to choose from If you have an idea or story but don't know if it's good --> You'll leave with personal reflections to make it good If you have a story that you're excited about, but just haven't sat down to write --> You'll leave with an outline If you already have an outline, but just no written draft --> You'll have a dedicated hour to write You'll also get some tips for how to go from outline to a first written draft. Whether you're just starting or need a fresh perspective, the goal for you is to feel unstuck and excited to write your story.

Isamar V.

(Jun. 2025) GMAT Verbal: Expert Strategies for Success

Verbal expert Nick V. is excited to walk you through the GMAT Focus Verbal section and share expert strategies to help you improve your score. As an expert coach on the platform, Nick specializes in Verbal Reasoning & Analytical Writing - he also scored a 790 on the old GMAT.

Nick V.

(Jul. 2025) GMAT Verbal: Expert Strategies for Success

Nick V.

From Freshman to Senior: Extracurricular Roadmap

A clear, year-by-year guide to help students build a stand out extracurricular profile. Learn what to focus on at each stage of high school -- from exploration to meaningful impact -- so you can make confident decisions and build an extracurricular profile that demonstrates what makes you unique.

Kadie J.

Starting Strong Without Burning Out: Thriving in Your New Role

Starting a new role can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. This session explores how to build momentum, navigate expectations, and establish a strong foundation for long-term success, without falling into patterns that lead to burnout. Audience Fit: • Professionals starting new roles, or plan to start a new role in the future • Early career talent, lateral hires, and leaders transitioning into new positions

Michelle W.

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.

Akaash P.

PM Interviews in 2026 - Key Trends + Ask Me Anything

After this session, you'll have a clear picture of how PM interview expectations are shifting in 2026, including what interviewers are now prioritizing in product sense rounds, how AI-adjacent experience is being evaluated, and where candidates are losing points in execution and metrics questions. These are patterns that show up repeatedly across the candidates I work with, and knowing them changes how you prepare.

Jay L.

PE 101: Technical Interview Essentials

Private equity technical interviews are demanding, and many candidates struggle to know which skills actually matter most. This session is for candidates looking to strengthen their PE interview performance with a clear, focused approach. You’ll learn how to navigate core technical topics like LBOs and deal mechanics, structure your thinking under pressure, and avoid the common mistakes that can cost you credibility in interviews.

Kenny J.

Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15-18) Kickoff

Join us for Leland's Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15–18) Kickoff! Come hear from top admissions experts coaches Tom N., Krysta F., and Amy G. who have helped candidates gain acceptance to their dream master's programs. You’re invited to a week of actionable insights and preparation strategies designed to help you craft a standout application and position yourself for success in the admissions process.

3 contributors

Develop Your Plan of Attack: Breaking 705 on the GMAT

Crushing the GMAT isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about sharpening logic, mastering time pressure, and building test-day readiness. In this session, we’ll walk through how to practice effectively, which prep resources to trust, how to simulate the real exam environment, and how to craft a weekly study plan that builds stamina and precision. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to cross the 705 threshold with confidence.

Mihir G.

What is Customer Discovery?

Learn the core principles of customer discovery, why it's the foundation of successful startups, and how it differs from market research or user testing. Understand why founders must lead discovery themselves and common myths that lead entrepreneurs astray.

Angela C.

Understanding AI Compensation Data 2025

Provides updated, accurate AI salary ranges across roles such as AI researcher, MLE, and FDE, based on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and recent industry reports including the NYT's superstar compensation story. Includes assignment to benchmark target roles against market pay.