Leland+ Content Library

Networking Strategy for Startups and Tech: Forwardable Emails

Learn how to write the perfect email that gets forwarded to key decision-makers and lands you the job at top startups and tech companies.

Grad School and Fellowships Applications--Steps to Success!

This high level overview of the grad school and fellowships application process helps potential applicants understand how to get started, differences between graduate program and fellowships applications, how to organize the process, what to know about personal statements and essays, how to identify recommenders, and financial considerations.

MBA Resume – Wealth Management, DEI Leadership, and Community Impact

A polished resume submitted to top MBA programs, highlighting strategic client growth in private banking, national recognition for mentorship and DEI efforts, and deep engagement in financial literacy and nonprofit leadership.

Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Vanderbilt, and Emory

​In Part 3 of this series, admissions directors from Kellogg, Vanderbilt, and Emory will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Steve Thompson (Senior Director of MBA Admissions @ Kellogg), Katherine Farrar (Associate Director of Admissions @ MIT Sloan), Bailey McChesney (Director of MBA Admissions @ Vanderbilt), and Melissa Rapp (Associate Dean of MBA Admissions @ Emory). ​​You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.

Waitlist Update Letter Builder

• Section 1: Greeting and opening tone • Section 2: New accomplishments or progress since submission • Section 3: Refined clarity on short- and long-term goals • Section 4: Reaffirmed school fit (specific to program culture and resources) • Section 5: Closing statement (gratitude + enthusiasm without pressure) • Example language snippets for each section

Checklist: PhD School List Development and Prospective Faculty Search

Stop wasting time: Use this actionable framework to build your PhD school list and find the right faculty mentors. Learn how to target programs that match your research and maximize your admissions odds.

Wharton MBA Essay – From Military Service to Public Policy Impact

A clear and purpose-driven response to Wharton’s “What do you hope to gain” prompt, outlining a path from consulting to elected office, supported by Wharton’s academic flexibility, leadership programs, and veteran-friendly community.

Why Wharton Essay – FinTech, Product Innovation, and Wealth Equity

A future-focused career goals essay outlining plans to lead a mission-driven FinTech firm, with specific ways Wharton’s curriculum, programs, and network will build the skills needed to simplify investing for underserved communities.

How to Read Food Labels with Confidence

Are you ready to take control of your health by understanding food labels with confidence? Join me, Rachel, a Board Certified Health Coach and Behavioral Sciences Researcher, for an enlightening session on how to navigate food labels effectively. With a Master's in Public Health from NYU and extensive experience in holistic nutrition, I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their wellness goals through personalized strategies. In this event, we'll explore how reading food labels can be a powerful tool for personal growth, mindfulness, stress management, and anxiety reduction. My background includes creating holistic health programs for medical students and leading health education initiatives at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve your health, or develop a sustainable wellness routine, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Spaces are limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and start your journey towards a healthier, more informed lifestyle!

Wharton Deferred Essay – Giving Back Through Mentorship and Leadership

A personal essay rooted in a lifelong commitment to service, showing how early exposure to nonprofit work inspired ongoing contributions to student organizations and internship programs—and how that mindset will carry forward at Wharton.

Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Yale, NYU, and Duke

What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 1 of this session, admissions directors from Yale SOM, NYU Stern, and Duke Fuqua will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Bruce DelMonico (Assistant Dean for Admissions @ Yale), Matthew Moll (Director of MBA Admissions @ Stern), and Allison Jamison (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ Duke). ​​You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.

International Applicants & the MBA Admissions Process: Keys to Success

This session is designed to support international candidates applying to top MBA programs in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond. It will also provide valuable insights for Americans targeting programs overseas. Jesse, a leading MBA admissions coach with deep experience guiding international applicants, will cover the unique challenges global candidates face, share strategies for differentiation, debunk common myths, and offer practical advice to strengthen your candidacy. ​Jesse has 8+ years of experience running a boutique MBA consultancy with his wife, specializing in coaching international applicants and guiding 100+ admits to Global Top 20 programs, such as all M7, London Business School, INSEAD, IESE, IE Business School, and HEC Paris. His insights are also shaped by 15+ years of living and working abroad in 12 countries and his strong track record of success with candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Tips for Success: Navigating MBA Letters of Recommendation

MBA letters of recommendation! Who do I ask for a letter of recommendation? How do I make a successful recommender packet? When is the right time to ask recommenders? How do I ask? How do I ensure my recommender writes a winning recommendation? ​If any of these questions have crossed your mind and you're applying to top MBA programs like Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, and Wharton, join this event to learn what it takes to obtain the best letters from your recommenders. Your host for this session is Angela C.! With extensive experience coaching applicants into top MBA and dual-degree MBA/MPP programs (including Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, Wharton, and MIT Sloan), Angela understands what it takes to stand out. Her clients have successfully pivoted careers, secured scholarships, and been admitted to highly competitive programs.

Deferred MBA Deep Dive: What You Need to Know Now

​In this panel, join admissions experts Justin K., Kelsey K., and Siri G. who will break down everything you need to know about deferred MBA programs so that you have a concrete strategy going into application season. You’ll learn how these programs work, what top schools are looking for in college seniors and early-career applicants, and how to start building a strong application now. ​Check out their profiles here: ​Justin K. - Former BCG consultant and MIT Sloan MBA student with a strong record helping candidates land MBB offers and top MBA admits ​Kelsey K. - Former M7 Admissions Director and Columbia Business School Admissions Committee member with a 93% client acceptance rate and $180K average scholarship awards ​Siri G. - Accepted to deferred MBA programs at Harvard and Wharton from a non-target school through authentic, story-driven applications

How to Land a Place at Oxford or Cambridge Panel

​Securing a Master's offer from Oxford or Cambridge is one of the most competitive admissions challenges in the world. With rigorous academic standards, unique interview formats, and a highly selective admissions process, standing out requires more than just strong grades. ​In this panel, Adam B. and Zuwena V. with Matthew M. as a moderator will share proven strategies for excelling at every stage of the Master's admissions process for these elite schools. You’ll gain insights into building a strong academic profile, writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for subject-specific assessments, and navigating the interview. Whether you’re just beginning your application or fine-tuning your final materials, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to maximize your chances of success at these world-class institutions.

Law School Application Timeline (& Dual Degrees) [6/23/2026] (Recording)

**GIVEAWAY FOR LIVE ATTENDEES: $50 COACHING CREDIT** A strong law school application is rarely built at the last minute. The most successful applicants understand what needs to happen months before they ever hit submit. This session is for aspiring law students who want a clear roadmap for the application process, including key milestones, deadlines, and considerations for dual-degree programs. You’ll learn how to structure your timeline, prioritize the right activities at the right stages, and avoid common mistakes that can create unnecessary stress or weaken an application. Join live to hear from two University of Pennsylvania Law graduates who are now law admissions experts. Drawing from both personal experience and years of advising applicants, they’ll walk through what an effective application timeline actually looks like and how candidates can stay ahead throughout the process. Whether you're applying to a JD program or exploring dual-degree options, you'll leave with a practical plan for moving forward with confidence.

IB Resume Secrets: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't)

​Breaking into investment banking starts with one thing: a resume that grabs attention. But with so many conflicting tips out there, it’s hard to know what really matters to recruiters and deal teams. ​In this session, Ryan T., a former Investment Banker at Wells Fargo Securities with nearly 5 years of experience in healthcare investment banking, will reveal what top firms actually look for in resumes. Ryan has served as Staffer, Recruiting Team Captain, and Manager - interviewing, hiring, and training multiple analyst classes while executing $10B+ in deals across 90+ transactions. He’s also coached 70+ candidates into roles at leading firms, so you won't want to miss his advice! ​You’ll learn how to structure your bullet points for maximum impact, highlight the experiences that truly matter, and avoid the common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re recruiting for summer analyst positions or full-time roles, this session will give you the insight and clarity to stand out in one of the most competitive fields in finance.

How to Write an MBA Goals Essay

A complete framework for writing the goals essay that nearly every MBA program requires. Learn the winning formula, then use fillable tables to map your goals, select supporting past experiences, and connect to opportunities at up to four target schools. At the end, you'll have everything you need to draft a focused goals essay.

Staying Competitive as a Product Manager in the AI Era

AI is reshaping what it means to be a strong product manager. In this session, we’ll explore how PM expectations are changing, which skills are becoming table stakes, and where AI fluency actually matters versus where it’s overhyped. You’ll learn how to position your experience, upskill strategically, and stay competitive for PM roles as AI becomes embedded across product teams and workflows.