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Finance to MBA: Showing Impact and Proving Passion
Breaking into an MBA program from a finance background takes more than strong credentials—it’s about showing real impact and authentic passion. In this session, Leland coaches John N. (Kellogg MBA), Faisal K. (Booth adcom), and Kelsey K. (CBS adcom) will share how to differentiate yourself, connect your experience to your goals, and stand out in essays and interviews. Perfect for finance professionals aiming to make a powerful impression in Round 2.
School Research Strategy
Culture matching, curriculum, recruiting strengths
Essay Strategy
“Why MBA,” goals essays, school vision essays
Targeted School Essays
Harvard, Wharton, MIT Sloan, examples
MIT Sloan: Application Breakdown
A deep dive into the MIT Sloan MBA application.
Nailing the Schwarzman Scholars Finalist Interview
Have you been selected as a Finalist for the Schwarzman Scholars program? If you've made it this far, a huge congratulations is in order, as you already overcame substantial odds - invitations to the in-person interview are extended to just 5-6% of the total applicant pool. However, the hardest part is yet to come! I'm here to offer advice and tips to help you navigate what will most definitely be one of the most unforgettable days of your life. This free event will cover what to expect in the Finalist round, alongside strategies to prepare for both the behavioral/application-based portion of the interview and the notoriously challenging 'Global Affairs' question.
AI Use Cases for Knowledge Workers
Quick reference guide to high-impact AI applications in writing, research, planning, and communication.
Prompts for Market & Competitive Research
Pre-built prompt templates for AI-assisted analysis, comparison, and insight generation.
Real Estate Private Equity: What it is and How to Break In
Real estate private equity (REPE) is one of the most dynamic and lucrative areas of finance—but breaking in can feel like a black box. In this session, Leland coach Ayo K., a former Blackstone associate now working in REPE at a leading global firm, will walk you through what the field actually looks like and how to position yourself for success. You’ll gain an inside look at the types of deals REPE firms pursue, the skills and backgrounds that stand out in recruiting, and what day-to-day work really entails. Whether you’re currently in investment banking, exploring a pivot from another field, or just starting your career planning, this session will give you actionable strategies to understand the industry and take the right steps toward landing a role in real estate private equity.
Introduction to Careers and Recruiting in Capital Markets and Sales & Trading
Curious about careers in Capital Markets and Sales & Trading? In this session, you’ll get a clear overview of what these roles actually involve, how they differ, and what it takes to succeed in each. We’ll also break down the recruiting process, including the skills and qualities firms are looking for, and how you can start preparing now to stand out in interviews. The session will be led by Ryan T., a Leland coach with first-hand experience in investment banking and capital markets, as well as extensive involvement in training and recruiting. He’ll share practical insights on navigating these competitive paths and help you build a roadmap to land your first role in the industry.
How to Prepare for MBA Interviews with Former M7 Admissions Officers
In this session, former M7 admissions officers Kelsey K. (Columbia), Mike H. (Stanford), and Christine B. (Booth) will share insider strategies on how to prepare for one of the most critical parts of the MBA application process: the interview. From traditional behavioral questions to school-specific formats, you’ll learn what top programs are really evaluating and how to showcase your strengths with confidence. You’ll also gain practical tips on structuring your answers, communicating your story clearly, and avoiding the common mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or gearing up for final rounds, this session will equip you with the tools and insights you need to stand out in MBA interviews.
Network Your Way
Join this session to learn practical, authentic approaches to networking. You’ll gain tools for preparation, reflection, and activating your network—leaving with ideas and strategies to build stronger, more genuine connections.
Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application
A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.
How to Launch your SWE Career: Tips and Tricks for Landing Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
Breaking into software engineering can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re competing for internships and entry-level roles at top tech companies. In this session, Leland coach Abhi V.—a software engineer at Amazon with experience mentoring aspiring developers—will share practical strategies to help you stand out in the recruiting process. You’ll learn how to strengthen your resume, build projects that showcase your skills, and prepare for technical interviews with confidence. Abhi will also cover tips for networking effectively, leveraging career fairs, and avoiding common mistakes that hold candidates back. Whether you’re a student applying to your first internships or a new grad targeting full-time SWE roles, this session will give you the insights and tools to kickstart your career in tech.
Applied to 1000 Tech Jobs with No Luck? Stand Out with Personal Projects
“Applied to 1000 tech jobs with no luck.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—many candidates flood the market with generic resumes that don’t stand out. The truth is, recruiters and hiring managers are looking for more than just a list of responsibilities: they want to see initiative, impact, and skills in action. In this session, Annie F., a Leland coach with extensive experience in tech recruiting and product roles, will break down how personal projects can transform your application from forgettable to compelling. You’ll learn what types of projects make the strongest signals, how to showcase them effectively on your resume and in interviews, and why they often matter more than another line on your work experience. Whether you’re transitioning into tech or struggling to land interviews, this event will give you practical strategies to highlight your unique value and finally stand out from the crowd.
Becoming an AI Product Manager without a technical AI background
Building a career as an AI Product Manager doesn’t require a formal background in AI—you just need the right mindset, strategic tools, and storytelling prowess. In this session, you’ll learn how product leaders transition into AI-focused roles by understanding what separates successful AI PMs from generalists: how to build cross-functional credibility, spot high-impact AI use cases, and weave strategy into technical conversations—even without a machine learning degree. Leading the session is Jiahong X., a Wharton MBA and current Meta product leader steering generative AI in advertising, with prior product roles at Google. Drawing from experience interviewing over 300 candidates and helping 50+ land roles at FAANG and beyond, Jiahong brings real-world frameworks, clarity on how to shift into AI PM roles, and actionable next steps—so you can strategically plan your path and begin making an impact in the AI space.
Landing FAANG PM Roles in 2025: Lessons from My Own Journey
Breaking into product management at FAANG companies is one of the most competitive career moves out there—and the path isn’t always straightforward. In this session, you’ll hear directly from expert coach Jay L., who will share candid lessons from their own journey—what worked, what didn’t, and how they positioned themselves to stand out in a crowded applicant pool. Whether you’re just starting to explore product management or actively preparing for FAANG interviews, this session will give you a realistic look at the process and concrete steps to set yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond.
Translation & Accessibility (Using DeepL + ChatGPT)
See how AI improves clarity and inclusivity through translation, tone adjustments, and plain-language rewriting.
Research & Information Gathering (Using Perplexity)
Discover how to efficiently find reliable, structured information using AI-powered research tools.
Networking Log
Keep track of all your coffee chats in one place! This tool allows you to record conversation notes, follow-ups, and next steps so you can maintain organized and professional outreach.
