Leland+ Content Library

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.

Build Your First Custom GPT (No Code Required)

Imagine having an AI assistant that already knows your workflow, your writing style, and how you like things done. That’s what Custom GPTs can do: write content, answer client questions, summarize reports, train new team members, and organize project plans. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to build one from scratch (no coding required). We’ll walk step-by-step through defining your GPT’s purpose, adding your own examples or instructions, and refining how it responds—so by the end, you’ll have a personalized AI assistant that works the way you do. (Note: You’ll need ChatGPT Plus to create a GPT, but anyone with the free version can attend, follow along, and learn the process.) Outcomes: You’ll walk away with your first working Custom GPT, a clear understanding of how to teach AI your preferences, and ideas for expanding your assistant’s capabilities for different roles or teams. Learning Objectives: *Understand what Custom GPTs are and how they extend AI beyond one-time chats *Learn the step-by-step setup process (no coding required) *Build and test your first GPT for your own use case or workflow

Deferred MBA Admissions Event Sprint Kickoff

Kick off Deferred MBA Week with an overview of everything you need to know to build a winning application strategy from start to finish. In this session, we’ll break down what makes deferred programs unique, what top schools are really looking for in early-career candidates, and how to use the rest of the sprint—panels, workshops, and AMAs—to your advantage. You’ll walk away with a clear game plan for essays, recommendations, testing, and timelines, plus guidance on how to prioritize your time based on where you are in the process.

School Agnostic Recommender Guide

Non-program specific recommender guide with templates.

The 5 Toughest Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Some interview questions trip up even the strongest candidates—not because they’re impossible, but because they’re designed to test judgment, self-awareness, and communication under pressure. In this session, you’ll break down the five hardest interview questions candidates consistently struggle with and learn proven frameworks to answer them clearly, confidently, and authentically. We’ll cover what interviewers are actually listening for, how to structure strong responses, and how to avoid common pitfalls that weaken otherwise solid answers. Whether you’re interviewing for consulting, finance, tech, or grad school, this workshop will give you practical tools to handle high-stakes questions with ease.

AI Product Manager Resumes: Best Practices, Myths, and Realities

Writing a strong resume for AI product roles requires more than listing tools or buzzwords. In this session, we’ll break down what actually matters on an AI PM resume, what common advice gets wrong, and how hiring managers really evaluate candidates for AI-focused product roles. You’ll learn how to highlight impact, frame technical and cross-functional experience, and position your background effectively whether you’re transitioning into AI or deepening your specialization. By the end, you’ll have clear, practical guidance to build a resume that reflects real product thinking and stands out in a competitive AI hiring landscape.

Making Your “Why This School” Essays Impossible to Ignore

“Why this school?” is one of the most common—and most poorly executed—application essays. In this session, expert Leland coach and former AdComs at Chicago Booth Tim F. will break down what admissions committees actually look for and why generic answers fall flat. You’ll learn how to research programs deeply, connect your goals to specific resources, and write essays that feel personal, credible, and impossible to ignore.

Private Equity Networking & Firm Outreach Strategy

Supporting slides from free event on best practices & strategies for private equity recruiting

Stanford Undergraduate Interview Questions

Comprehensive set of interviewer questions the school requires interviewers to ask.

Developing a Differentiated Personal Narrative

Standing out in the deferred MBA pool requires more than strong credentials. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a clear, differentiated personal narrative that ties your experiences, goals, and values into a cohesive story that resonates with HSW and M7 admissions committees. Led by Leland coach Angela C., a storytelling expert with a 100% package success rate who specializes in HSW and M7 deferred admissions, this session will break down how top applicants define their core themes, position early-career impact, and avoid the generic narratives that hold many candidates back. You’ll leave with practical frameworks and concrete next steps to start shaping a compelling, authentic story for your deferred MBA applications.

Other Careers in Finance - Venture Capital, Equity Research, Capital Markets & Trading

Discover the range of career opportunities within and beyond investment banking in this insightful panel discussion. Hear from Fiona T.(Capital Markets and Trading), Greg H. (Equity Analyst), and Nicoletta N. (Search Fund) as they share their career paths, daily responsibilities, and strategies for success. You’ll learn how to position yourself for these roles, the skills that firms value most, and how to navigate your career in the broader private equity ecosystem.

Breaking Into Venture Capital Panel

​Venture capital is one of the most competitive and exciting career paths in finance and startups—but breaking in isn’t easy. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from VCs who have successfully navigated the recruiting process and built careers at top firms. ​Our panelists will share how they landed their first roles in venture, the skills and experiences that helped them stand out, and what they look for in future investors. They’ll also discuss day-to-day responsibilities, industry trends, and advice for anyone looking to break into VC. Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, or pivoting from another field, this session will give you the insights and strategies to launch your own path in venture capital.

Columbia Business School Mock Interview Guide

Mock Interview Guide with Questions and Suggestions

How PMs Influence Without Authority

This resource explains how product managers can influence without authority, using persuasion, relationship-building, and clear communication to align stakeholders and drive product outcomes.

How to Get Into Medical School Panel

​Getting into medical school is one of the most competitive admissions processes out there—and having the right strategy can make all the difference. In this panel, you’ll hear from experts who have successfully navigated the journey and now help aspiring physicians do the same. ​Our panelists Krysta F., Gloria L., and Floriane K. will cover what makes a strong application, how to stand out in your personal statement, ways to approach letters of recommendation, and tips for excelling in interviews. They’ll also share common pitfalls to avoid and insider advice on navigating the process with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore a pre-med path, looking to get ahead on next year's application or are in the middle of interviews, this session will give you practical insights to maximize your chances of acceptance.

Startup Insights: Lessons From Successful Founders

​​​​​​​​Building a company from the ground up comes with both challenges and breakthroughs. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from successful founders who have navigated the early stages of entrepreneurship and scaled their startups into thriving businesses. ​Our panelists will share candid stories about their journeys, the biggest lessons they’ve learned, and what they wish they knew when starting out. From fundraising and product development to hiring and growth, you’ll gain actionable insights into what it really takes to build and lead a successful startup.

Number Properties 2

GMAT Number properties 2 of 10

Breaking Into German Companies: Your Strategic Career Journey

Think BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens, SAP, Adidas, and BASF. These iconic German brands represent just the tip of the iceberg in America's business landscape. Behind these household names are remarkable success stories like Tom, who climbed from financial analyst to CFO at a major German automotive supplier, Amanda who rose to President of a German pharmaceutical subsidiary, and Judith who became SVP at a leading German engineering firm. What unites their journeys? They all grew through the ranks within German companies, embraced strategic expatriate assignments to Germany, and now enjoy entrepreneurial freedoms with seven-figure compensation packages that are rewarding both performance and loyalty. With 80% of German companies planning further US investments and new facilities being built across America, we're witnessing an unprecedented window of opportunity for young professionals. Beyond the famous brands everyone recognizes, there are 5,600 German subsidiaries operating in the US, each offering significant professional opportunities for those who understand how to navigate their unique culture. German companies share one critical characteristic that is setting them apart: they actively seek talented American personnel and they reward loyalty with clear advancement paths and substantial compensation. Their approach combines the German values of thoroughness, reliability, and systematic development with respect for individual achievement. What if this methodical, relationship-based path to leadership is exactly your calling?

The Art of Knowing When to Pivot

A resource designed to spark reflections about when a professional pivot might be appropriate.

Breaking Into Equity Research: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Equity research is one of the most sought-after yet misunderstood paths in finance. In this session, you’ll gain a clear picture of what the role actually entails, from the skills analysts use day-to-day to the expectations recruiters bring into the interview process. We’ll cover everything from building models and writing reports to staying on top of market-moving news, so you know exactly what to expect. ​Leading the session is Leland coach William L., a former U.S. Equity Associate Analyst at T. Rowe Price who specialized in enterprise and cybersecurity software research. Drawing from his first-hand experience, William will share actionable strategies to prepare for interviews, showcase your passion for the markets, and set yourself apart as a candidate—so you can break into equity research and thrive once you’re there.