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.
Pivoting from Academia to Industry
Pivoting from Academia to Industry Transitioning from academia into an industry role requires more than strong technical skills—it demands the ability to clearly communicate your value, reframe your academic experience, and navigate a hiring landscape that looks very different from university admissions. In this workshop, Stefan E. will share the strategies he used to execute his own successful pivot, earning interviews at 10 of the 12 universities he applied to and early admits to four top programs. Drawing on his experience as a lecturer, instructor, and former international student, Stefan will teach you how to translate research and teaching into industry-ready impact, present your skills with clarity, and approach your career transition with confidence.
Quantitative Comparison for the GRE
Quantitative Comparison questions can be tricky, but with the right approach they become one of the most efficient ways to earn points on the GRE. In this session, Audra Z., an experienced GRE tutor with eight years of teaching and a 99th-percentile GRE score (335), will break down how to recognize common patterns, avoid traps, and decide quickly and confidently between answer choices. Drawing on her experience tutoring hundreds of students admitted to top graduate programs, Audra will focus on practical strategies that improve accuracy and speed without overcomplicating the math. Whether Quantitative Comparison is a weakness or an opportunity for easy gains, this workshop will help you approach these questions with clarity and control.
Implementing AI in Your Daily Work
Mastering Logical Reasoning: Recognizing Flaws
Flaw questions are one of the most common types of logical reasoning questions, and they test a critical skill used in law school and your legal career. Get a jump start on preparing for the LSAT by joining this presentation to become a master at identifying flaws. Megan works for Portland State University and designed an innovative LSAT Prep course that focuses on the real-world applications of the skills tested on the LSAT. Instead of sharing "tips and tricks," Megan teaches her students the "why" behind what the LSAT is testing using examples from legal practice, law school class discussions, and every day life. This approach helps students relate to the material and integrate LSAT skills into everyday practice. Law school teaches you how to think, and with Megan's help you can get a head start!
ClearAdmit x Leland: Nail Your MBA Interviews
The MBA interview is one of the most important steps in the admissions process—your chance to move beyond the application and show schools who you really are. In this session, expert coaches Faisal K. (Admissions @ Chicago Booth), Charlotte W. (Stanford GSB), and Abdi S. (Harvard Business School) explain what top programs are evaluating, how to approach common interview formats, and strategies to highlight your unique story with confidence and clarity. We’ll also cover proven techniques to structure your answers, demonstrate leadership and impact, and avoid the common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re preparing for your very first interview or fine-tuning your final rounds, this session will give you the insights and preparation tools you need to stand out.
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.
Supplemental Essays and Law School Admissions: Which Ones Should You Write?
When it comes to law school admissions, supplemental essays can make or break your application—but how do you know which ones are worth writing? In this workshop, Liz C.—a law school admissions expert with nearly a decade of experience, including eight years at the University of Houston Law Center—will break down the most common supplemental essays and how to approach them strategically. Drawing on her experience reading thousands of applications, Liz will share insider advice on optional essays, diversity statements, and addenda—helping you decide when to write, what to include, and how to make each piece count. Whether you’re applying to T-14 programs or regional schools, you’ll leave this session knowing how to tailor your essays to stand out authentically.
Military to MBA
Transitioning from the military to business school can feel like stepping into a completely new world—but with the right strategy, your service can become your strongest differentiator. In this workshop, Wyatt F.—a Wharton MBA, U.S. Army veteran, private equity operator, and cofounder of the 7-figure company Sitreps2Steercos—will walk you through how to turn your military experience into a compelling MBA application story. Having helped hundreds of veterans gain admission to top programs like Wharton, Chicago Booth, Duke, McCombs, and Yale SOM, Wyatt will share tactical advice on essay strategy, resume translation, and interview prep. Whether you’re just beginning your transition or finalizing your applications, this session will help you craft your narrative, highlight your leadership, and approach the MBA process with confidence.
Leveraging AI for MBA Applications (while also not cheating)
How can you make the most of GenAI tools to leave no stone unturned in your MBA process? What are the right and wrong ways to be leveraging AI as you build out your applications? I'll help you lower your anxiety around this topic, and help you use AI to complement your thinking on other critical questions like: - "How do I know what programs are the best fit for me?" - "How do I even go about researching my target programs?" - "How can I use it to level up my writing? What pitfalls do I need to avoid?” - "How can I map out my timeline for applying to MBAs?" - "How can I use AI to complement my live interview prep? - "How can I be sure my AI-based research is accurate?" The idea behind this session is twofold: 1) lending you tactical tips to raise the quality of your MBA applications in a world of limited time. (2) helping you think in ways that go beyond the specific questions we cover, so that you can generate plenty questions of your own. As someone who advises people on everyday-life-AI and has also worked with a handful of startup CEOs and investors on layered, complex research requiring heavy AI use, I'll help you make the most of our latest tech without compromising the integrity of your applications. I hope you leave feeling this whole MBA project is something doable, with a few AI-powered arrows in your quiver that can simplify your life as you get there. If you’re interested in 1:1 coaching, you can always drop me a line through my Leland profile. See you soon.
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.
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.
MBA Interviews Series: MIT Sloan
Get ready to shine in your MIT Sloan MBA interview with insider insights from current Sloan MBA and former BCG consultant Justin K. Join Justin for a deep dive into what makes Sloan’s behavioral interview unique—and how to stand out with confidence and authenticity. You’ll learn about the Sloan interview format, what qualities interviewers are looking for, and how to strategically prepare your stories using proven frameworks. Justin will share real-world advice drawn from his own experience at BCG, his acceptance into both MIT and Darden’s deferred MBA programs, and his success coaching candidates into MBB and top business schools. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear game plan for your interviews—from structuring your answers to demonstrating leadership, curiosity, and analytical rigor—the qualities Sloan values most.
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.
PE 101 for Interviewees and Professionals: Deal Dynamics, Diligence, & Value Creation
Private equity can feel complex from the outside, but understanding deal flow, diligence, and value creation is essential—whether you're preparing for interviews or entering the industry. In this session, Saleem H., an early graduate from a non-target school who has built a career in private equity after consulting, will break down the fundamentals in a way that’s approachable and practical. Having mentored dozens of candidates into top MBA programs, MBB and Tier-2 consultancies, boutique firms, and competitive PE roles, Saleem brings hands-on experience and a passion for supporting nontraditional, first-gen, and early-career professionals. He’ll walk you through how firms evaluate deals, where analysts and associates drive the most impact, and what interviewers expect you to know about value creation from day one.
How to Prepare and Standout for PE Interviews
Breaking into private equity is competitive, and strong technical skills alone won’t separate you from the pack. This session is for candidates preparing for PE interviews who want to understand what actually stands out in the room—and the subtle mistakes that can quietly weaken your candidacy. You’ll learn how to position your deal experience with clarity, master the nuances of case studies and LBO discussions, and communicate investor judgment in a way that reflects how firms truly evaluate talent. Join live to ask your specific questions about headhunters, modeling tests, or navigating on-cycle and off-cycle processes, and get real-time feedback grounded in 20+ years as a principal and investor. The speaker works 1:1 with candidates and will share the patterns they see across successful applicants and what they personally look for when evaluating hires. If you’re serious about breaking into PE, this is a conversation worth being in live.
Free
LinkedIn Launchpad: Profile to Profit
Is your LinkedIn profile a forgotten resume or a powerful asset? In today's competitive job market, your professional brand is more crucial than ever. Join us for this free, dynamic workshop to learn the insider strategies for maximizing your visibility. We'll reveal the secrets to transforming your profile from overlooked to outstanding by focusing on the three pillars of success: 1. Discoverability: Master the strategic keywords recruiters search for to ensure your profile ranks high. 2. Impact: Learn how to craft a magnetic headline and an "About" section that turns profile views into opportunities. 3. Networking: Acquire techniques for building a genuine professional network that expands your career reach. Whether you're job searching, looking to advance, or aiming to establish yourself as an industry expert, this workshop will give you the practical, actionable steps you need to leverage LinkedIn to its fullest potential. Elevate your professional presence and open doors to new opportunities!
MBA Application Fundamentals for Non-Traditional Candidates
Are you applying to business school with a non-traditional or non-business background? Are you intimidated by the application process, unsure on where to start, or just a little stuck on ways to communicate your experience? If so, this session is for you! During this event, we'll discuss some of the commonly-held assumptions among MBA class profiles, cover the ways non-traditional candidates can manage the expectations of admissions committees, and describe how differentiated experience can help your application shine! This course is taught by Laura N., a former MBA admissions committee member, pro admissions coach, and accredited member of AIGAC (Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants). Laura has been an MBA admissions consultant for 16 years and has guided more than 500 clients towards admission to elite MBA programs, including HBS, Stanford, Wharton, and more.
Military-to-MBA Panel
Thinking about transitioning from the military to business school? Join us for the Military-to-MBA Panel, where both MBA experts and veterans who have successfully made the leap will share their journeys, advice, and lessons learned. You’ll hear how they navigated the admissions process, translated their military experience into strong applications, and chose the right programs for their goals. This session is a great opportunity to get tactical tips on everything from selecting schools and writing your essays to building your MBA network as a veteran. Come with questions—our panelists are here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence. Meet our panelists: Matt K. - Nuclear Submarine Officer for U.S. Navy, MIT MBA Angela C. - Expert MBA Coach, 8,545 Minutes Spent Coaching Austin W. - Aviation Officer for U.S. Army, Stanford GSB MBA
Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel
The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Whether you’re just getting started or putting finishing touches on your application, this panel will help you avoid common pitfalls, craft a standout narrative, and submit with confidence. Meet Your Panelists Amanda W. – Former Director of Admissions and Regional Enrollment Director, with 5+ years of coaching experience helping students gain admission to top universities including UCLA, Cornell, UPenn, Duke, and BYU. Alex L. – Stanford MBA and Northwestern alum, former Stanford admissions interviewer, and marketing executive with 20+ years of experience helping candidates differentiate themselves and gain admission to competitive programs. Skyler A. – Former Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Booth and Assistant Director at Northwestern, with 10+ years of experience reading applications and helping hundreds of students gain admission to Yale, MIT, Berkeley, USC, Northwestern, and more.
