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Breaking Into Software Engineering Panel
Curious about how to land your first role as a software engineer? In this panel, join top SWE coaches Michelle B., Logan N., and Carter M. as they share how they broke into the industry and how you can, too. You’ll get real-world insights into what hiring managers look for, how to stand out in the application process, and what to expect once you’re on the job. Whether you're preparing for technical interviews or just starting to explore the field, this session will give you clarity, direction, and encouragement to take the next step.
M7 MBA Applications: How to Tell Your Story
Are you applying to an MBA program at a top business school? Then you already know your essays are the most important part of your application. In this session, we’ll break down why essays matter so much to admissions committees, what they reveal about you beyond your resume and transcript, and how to craft a narrative that sets you apart. From writing a compelling “Why MBA” essay to tackling the community essay with authenticity and confidence, this event will give you a clear, structured approach to presenting your best self. I’m Mihir, your guide for this event. As an admit to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth, I bring firsthand experience and insider knowledge to help you stand out in your applications. With a background in Biochemistry, English, Business, and Computer Science, and professional stints at Capital One and Moderna, I offer a well-rounded perspective on crafting compelling applications. I’m thrilled to co-host this session with Claire, a Knight-Hennessy Scholar and Stanford GSB alumna. Claire has mastered the case interview process and earned a full-time role at Bain & Company, later moving into private equity and venture capital, and most recently global brand strategy at Nike. Her story highlights how mentorship, grit, and openness to opportunity can completely transform a career trajectory. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies for structuring your essays, a framework for telling your unique story, and examples that highlight what works—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re drafting your first outline or polishing your final version, this workshop is designed to help you approach every essay with confidence and clarity.
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.
Harvard Masters and McGill PhD: AMA
Thinking about grad school but not sure how to navigate the admissions process? Join us for an open Ask Me Anything session designed to answer your biggest questions about applications, essays, interviews, and more. Led by an experienced grad school coach Haitham S., this session is your chance to get personalized insights on what admissions committees are really looking for. Whether you’re still deciding on programs, polishing your statement of purpose, or preparing for interviews, this AMA will give you clarity and direction.
3 Secrets of the GRE That Will Raise Your Score Today!
Getting ready for the GRE? Small changes in how you prepare and approach the test can make a big difference in your score. In this workshop, expert test prep coach Bruce H. will reveal three insider strategies that top scorers use to gain an edge on exam day. You’ll learn how to tackle tricky questions with confidence, manage your time more effectively, and avoid the common mistakes that hold test-takers back. Whether you’re just starting your prep or looking for a last-minute boost, these actionable tips will help you raise your score right away.
Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.
How to Write the First Draft of Your Master’s Application SoP in 60 Minutes (or less)
Your Statement of Purpose (SoP) is one of the most important parts of your master’s application—but getting started can feel overwhelming. At the end of this session, you'll walk away with the first draft of your SoP in 60 mins or less. You’ll learn a step-by-step framework to draft a strong first version in under an hour. We’ll cover how to identify your key themes, structure your story, and highlight your academic and professional goals in a way that resonates with admissions committees. The session will be led by Kanishka E., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive graduate applications. You’ll leave with a clear process to take the guesswork out of writing, so you can move from blank page to a compelling SoP draft quickly and confidently. Mostly importantly, we'll get you through the hardest part of your Master's application: getting started.
Early Stage Startup Fundraising Panel
Raising capital is one of the biggest challenges early-stage founders face—and one of the most misunderstood. In this panel, you'll hear about the experience of Louis S., Jimmy M., and Garrett W., all founders who have gained wisdom and insight through their own entrepreneurial endeavors. We’ll cover what makes a compelling pitch, how to build relationships with investors before you need funding, what terms to watch out for, and how to decide whether fundraising is the right path for your startup. Whether you're preparing for your first round or just curious about how the process works, this session will give you real-world insight and actionable advice to navigate the fundraising journey with more clarity and confidence.
From Self-Funded Searcher to Owner-Operator: The Search Fund Playbook That Actually Works
Embarking on the search fund journey is equal parts exciting and daunting. From raising capital and sourcing deals to navigating diligence and ultimately stepping into the owner-operator seat, there are countless decisions that shape your path. In this session, hear directly from expert coach Jim T. who will cover what differentiates successful searches from those that stall, the frameworks that actually work in practice, and more. You’ll also get a candid look at the realities of operating a business after acquisition—the challenges, trade-offs, and rewards that don’t always make it into the playbooks. Whether you’re considering launching your own search, supporting one, or just curious about the model, this session will give you insider perspective and practical takeaways on what it really takes to succeed.
Unlock Your Story: Writing a Powerful BYU Essay #4
Essay #4 is one of the most important—and most personal—parts of the BYU application. In this session, you’ll learn how to transform your experiences, values, and aspirations into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. We’ll cover what BYU is really looking for in this essay, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies to make your writing authentic, memorable, and powerful. The session will be led by Darla T., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive admissions processes. She’ll share frameworks and actionable tips to help you unlock your story and approach Essay #4 with confidence.
International Careers Office Hours - Ask Me Anything
Curious about launching an international career but don't know where to start? Wondering whether European, Asian, or other multinational companies offer better opportunities than traditional US corporations? Join me for bi-weekly office hours where no question is off limits. As someone who navigated from engineering graduate to CEO across three countries and 25 years of international business, I'm here to provide honest, practical guidance on everything from selecting your first international employer to preparing for overseas assignments to building the cultural intelligence that sets global leaders apart.
How Two M7 Admits Nailed Deferred MBA Apps
Are you a college senior aiming for a Deferred MBA program at a top business school? Join us for an insightful session on how two M7 admits successfully navigated the deferred MBA application process. I'm Mihir, your guide for this event. As an admit to both Columbia Business School and Chicago Booth Scholars, I bring firsthand experience and insider knowledge to help you stand out in your applications. With a background in Biochemistry, English, Business, and Computer Science, and professional stints at Capital One and Moderna, I offer a well-rounded perspective on crafting compelling applications. I'm thrilled to co-host this session with Kristen, an outstanding admit to both Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB through their deferred MBA programs. Kristen studied Business Administration and Management and has worked as an Associate Consultant Intern at Bain & Company, a Strategy & Operations Coach at Leland, and is the Co-Founder of Ignite Digital Wellness. She brings deep insight into building a powerful application from a non-traditional background and balancing startup, nonprofit, and consulting experiences. During this session, we'll cover everything from school selection and application strategy to essays and testing. Whether you're just starting or refining your final application, this event is designed to help you present your most authentic self.
5 Tips to Get into Bain
Come hear from a Bain & Company interviewer (and HBS alum) on his 5 tips to land a job in management consulting! Meet your host, Spencer A.! Over his 6+ year long career at Bain & Company, as an Interviewer and Senior Manager, Spencer has coached over a hundred people on how to navigate the management consulting interview process. He has interviewed for the Texas and Colorado offices and has helped dozens of people (both undergrad and MBA) in their process to get into MBB.
Top Leland Coach Reviews MBA Coaching Process with New Oxford Admit
In this session, Leland coach Ben L. sits down with his former client, Greg R., to unpack how Greg built a standout MBA application and navigated the admissions process with confidence. You’ll hear firsthand what worked, what didn’t, and how strategic coaching helped transform his story into an acceptance at a top program. Through their conversation, you’ll gain actionable insights on crafting a compelling narrative, approaching essays and interviews, and avoiding the common mistakes that trip up even the strongest candidates. Whether you’re just starting your MBA journey or putting finishing touches on your applications, this event will give you the tools and inspiration to nail the process yourself.
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.
Beyond the GRE: Building a Winning Grad School Application
In this session, Leland coach Loubna B. will walk you through how to build a compelling graduate school application that goes far beyond just test scores. Drawing on her experience mentoring students into competitive master’s and PhD programs, she’ll share what admissions committees really want to see in your essays, recommendations, and overall narrative. You’ll gain actionable strategies for highlighting your unique strengths, showcasing research or professional experience, and weaving your story into a cohesive, stand-out application. Whether you’re early in the process or putting on the finishing touches, this workshop will equip you with the tools to craft an application that sets you apart.
Landing Your Dream Product Management Role
In this panel, Becca O., James F., and Jerusalem D. will share what it really takes to land your dream role in product management. From breaking in without prior experience to standing out in competitive interviews, you’ll hear insider strategies from experts who have helped candidates succeed at leading tech companies. You’ll walk away with actionable tips on crafting a compelling story, mastering product sense questions, and avoiding the most common mistakes applicants make. Whether you’re just starting to explore PM or actively preparing for interviews, this session will equip you with the clarity and confidence to take the next step in your career.
MBA Admissions Panel: How to Get into your Dream School
Breaking into a top MBA program takes more than strong grades and work experience — it requires a compelling application strategy that sets you apart. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from Kelsey K. (Admissions at Columbia), Ben L. (Stanford MBA), and Allie K. (Wharton MBA) who have successfully navigated the admissions process at leading business schools. Our panelists will share their best advice on crafting standout essays, building a competitive profile, securing strong recommendations, and preparing for interviews. They’ll also dive into common mistakes to avoid and the strategies that helped them get admitted to their dream schools. Whether you’re just starting to think about an MBA or are in the thick of applications, this session will give you the insider guidance you need to stand out.
Investment Banking Week (September 8-11) Kickoff
Join us for Leland's Investment Banking Week (September 8–11) Kickoff! Come hear from top IB experts Katharine J, Jonathan H, and Isha A. who have helped candidates break into leading Wall Street firms and excel in their roles.
Navigating International IB Recruiting: US & Beyond
Breaking into Investment Banking as an international MBA isn’t just about technical prep—it’s about strategy. Visa hurdles, shifting timelines, and uncertainty in the US market often force candidates to explore global options. This session is designed for international MBAs who want a structured roadmap to maximize their odds in the US—and build a contingency plan across London, Paris, Zurich, Singapore, and other major hubs. Drawing from firsthand experience and lessons from clients who’ve successfully made the jump, join Yudhajit D. as he covers what works, what doesn’t, and how to de-risk your recruiting journey.
