Leland+ Content Library

How to Land Your First Role in Product Management

Breaking into product management can feel intimidating—especially if you don’t have “PM” in your current title. In this session, Britton O. (Product Lead @ Uber), Sameer B. (PM @ Whatnot, Former PM @ Flip & Curated) and Robert E. (Director of PM @ Home Depot) will walk you through what it really takes to land your first role, even without prior product experience. ​You’ll learn how to position your transferable skills, build a compelling story for recruiters and hiring managers, and navigate different PM entry paths—from APM programs to startup roles. By the end, you’ll have a clear game plan for breaking into product management with confidence and standing out in a competitive hiring process.

Consulting-to-MBA: Stand out as a "Traditional" Candidate

​Consultants make up one of the largest applicant pools to top MBA programs—which means standing out is more important than ever. In this panel, Leland coaches Andy P. (Top MBA coach for 20 years), Karla M. (150+ M7 Admits, prior consultant, Harvard/Booth dual degree grad), and Ben L. (300+ M7 Admits, prior consultant, GSB grad) will share how to craft an authentic, differentiated story that sets you apart from thousands of other applicants with similar backgrounds. ​You’ll learn how to translate your consulting experience into powerful application essays, recommendations, and interviews that highlight your leadership, impact, and future goals. Whether you’re a current analyst, associate, or engagement manager preparing for a future cycle, this session will give you actionable strategies to turn a “traditional” background into a standout advantage.

Study Smart for GMAT Quant

​Preparing for the GMAT Quant section isn’t just about doing hundreds of problems—it’s about mastering strategy, review, and time management. In this hands-on workshop, expert GMAT coach Sage P. will guide you through a curated set of Quant problems to illustrate how top scorers think, study, and review effectively. ​This isn’t a lecture—it’s an interactive session where you’ll solve, discuss, and refine your approach in real time. Come ready to participate and leave with a clear game plan for boosting your GMAT Quant score.

Demonstrating Cultural Adaptability

Global perspective + U.S. fit

Storytelling vs Reporting

Avoiding resume repetition, writing essays that resonate

Common Communication Mistakes

Over-formality, vague leadership claims, jargon

Interviews for International Candidates

Mock structures + success strategies

Adcom Insider Tip #2

How to Translate Global Impact Into U.S. Impact Language

Financial Aid for International Students

Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, Prodigy/MPower loans, sponsorship options

AdCom Insider Tip #1

Why International Applicants Get Misread in the U.S. MBA Process

Telling Your Story

Build Your Own Personal Brand

The "American Style" Application

Directness, reflection, vulnerability—all without oversharing

GMAT, GRE & English Tests

Test options, typical target scores by school tier, TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo