Leland+ Content Library

Start Write Now: MBA Essay Panel

MBA essays are where you move beyond stats and show who you are, what you want, and why a program should bet on you. In this panel, experienced coaches will break down what actually differentiates strong essays, common mistakes they see every cycle, and how to get started without overthinking. Whether you’re staring at a blank page or revising drafts, you’ll leave with practical insights to write with more clarity and direction.

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.

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.

What Deferred MBA Admissions Committees Really Look For: How to Strengthen Your [8/26/2026] (Recording)

Deferred MBA admissions are about much more than a high GPA, strong test scores, or a prestigious internship. Admissions committees are evaluating your potential: the choices you’ve made, the impact you’re already creating, and the trajectory you’re building. In this session, I’ll break down what top deferred MBA programs are actually looking for and how to assess your profile from an admissions committee perspective. We’ll cover academics, internships, leadership, extracurricular involvement, career direction, and personal positioning—and, most importantly, what you can still do before the next application deadlines to become a stronger candidate. Whether you’re just starting to consider deferred MBA programs or already planning to apply, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of where you stand and what to prioritize next.

Writing Standout DMBA Essays

Your Deferred MBA essays are your chance to show top programs who you are — but with limited experience, it can be hard to know what stories to tell and how to make them stand out. In this session, Leland Coaches Ben L., Melanie E., and Olivia P. — who have helped dozens of early-career applicants get into programs like HBS, GSB, and Wharton — will break down what makes a winning essay. They’ll share proven strategies for identifying your strongest themes, crafting a clear and authentic narrative, and avoiding the common pitfalls that hold candidates back. You’ll leave with a sharper sense of how to approach each prompt, connect your story to your goals, and position yourself as a must-admit candidate in this year’s Deferred MBA cycle.

APM Success Stories

​Associate Product Manager (APM) programs have become one of the most sought-after pathways into tech, offering early-career professionals a structured way to break into product management. But what does it really take to land one of these coveted roles—and succeed once you’re in? ​In this panel, you’ll hear directly from Alec S. and Jess C., coaches who have navigated the competitive APM recruiting process and built impactful careers in product management. Panelists will share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and strategies that helped them stand out in applications and interviews. ​Whether you’re just starting to explore PM careers or actively applying to APM programs this year, this session will give you practical insights and inspiration to chart your own path to success.

The PhD Edge: How to Craft a Compelling Application

Applying to PhD programs is about more than strong grades and test scores—it’s about demonstrating your potential as a researcher and future scholar. In this session, top admissions expert coach Loubna B. will share insider strategies for building a standout application that highlights both your academic strengths and your research vision. ​You’ll learn how to craft a compelling statement of purpose, showcase your research experiences, and position your long-term goals in a way that resonates with faculty reviewers. We’ll also cover how to secure strong recommendations, avoid common mistakes, and tailor your application to specific programs. Whether you’re early in the process or polishing your materials, this event will give you the tools and confidence to approach PhD admissions with clarity and purpose.

Deferred MBA Panel: Getting Started Early

​In this panel, expert MBA coaches Geri T. (Harvard Business School), Timothy F. (Chicago Booth), and Claire R. (Stanford Graduate School of Business) will break down what you need to know about applying to deferred MBA programs and how to set yourself up for success early. From understanding what top schools look for to planning your academics, internships, and extracurriculars, you’ll get insider guidance on how to build a competitive profile while you’re still in school. ​You’ll also hear strategies for writing compelling essays, securing strong recommendations, and avoiding the common mistakes that applicants make. Whether you’re a college junior, senior, or early-career professional exploring deferred programs, this session will give you the tools and confidence to start your MBA journey on the right foot.

Big 10 to MBB + Big Tech: Positioning Yourself to Get Offers

This guide was written by a former Bain & Company Associate Consultant, now in a Strategy and Operations role at LinkedIn, who went through the full MBB recruiting process out of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. It covers everything that actually matters when you are trying to break into a top consulting firm or land a Big Tech strategy role from a non-target school. Inside you will find a no-nonsense breakdown of how MBB firms actually differ, what a competitive application looks like, how to build a resume that passes the ten-second scan, and the networking approach that moves the needle versus the one that wastes your time. The guide goes deep on case interview preparation, including the pyramid framework approach and what interviewers are genuinely evaluating in the room, and covers the behavioral and fit interview with the same level of honesty. The final chapter covers what transfers from consulting to Big Tech, how that recruiting process works, and how to negotiate an offer once you have one. This is not generic advice. It is based on having gone through the process recently, having sat on the other side of the table at Bain, and having made the transition to Big Tech firsthand.

Claude in PowerPoint Prompt Library - Build Beautiful Presentations

A curated library of Claude prompts for designing beautiful PowerPoint decks—from outlining and slide structure to copy, image curation, layout, and polish. Built for anyone using Claude to build pitch decks, board decks, and event presentations faster, at much higher quality (and without burning through all your usage).

How to Put AI to Work For Your Business

​The AI revolution is here, but how can we make it add value for us? Join Arjun B. to look at at least 3 use cases and some general tips to be more impactful in the daily operation of your organization, so normal work becomes faster, easier and better.

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.

The International Applicant’s MBA Blueprint [7/21/2026] (Recording)

Applying to a U.S. MBA program as an international candidate presents both unique opportunities and unique challenges. While international applicants bring valuable global perspectives, cross-cultural experiences, and diverse professional backgrounds, they also face a highly competitive admissions environment and must effectively translate their experiences to a U.S.-based audience. The most successful international applicants do more than present impressive credentials. They demonstrate leadership, articulate a compelling career vision, and clearly communicate how their experiences, goals, and perspectives will contribute to the MBA community. This workshop explores how international candidates can navigate the admissions process strategically, build a compelling application narrative, and identify programs that align with their professional ambitions. By the end of this session, you will be able to: * Understand how U.S. MBA admissions committees evaluate international candidates. * Identify the key factors that distinguish successful international applicants. * Translate your professional accomplishments into language and examples that resonate with U.S. admissions readers. * Craft a career vision that connects your pre-MBA experience, MBA goals, and long-term aspirations. * Understand how academic performance, test scores, and professional experience are evaluated in an international context. * Avoid common mistakes international applicants make in essays, resumes, interviews, and recommendations. * Leave with a practical roadmap for strengthening your candidacy and maximizing your chances of admission.

MBA School Selection Exercise

A structured exercise for choosing MBA programs that actually fit your goals, not just the rankings. Read the guidance on what to evaluate (brand, academic focus, network, etc.), then use the fillable research table to compare your shortlist across all eight factors side by side. Ideal before you commit to a final school list.

How to Land a Consulting Offer from your MBA

Breaking into consulting from business school is one of the most competitive recruiting paths—but with the right preparation, it’s completely achievable. In this session, expert Leland coach who received offers from both McKinsey and BCG Rifat M. will walk you through the full MBA consulting recruiting process, from networking and resume prep to case and behavioral interview mastery. You’ll learn how to position your background, build relationships with firms, and stand out in a crowded field to land your consulting offer with confidence.

Breaking Through: How International Students Can Shine in U.S. College Admissions

Are you an international student dreaming of studying at a U.S. university? Join Kevin P. for an interactive session where he will demystify the American college application process and share tips on how you can stand out from the crowd. ​With over a decade of experience supporting students students across the world, he will guide you through the essentials—from highlighting your unique strengths to navigating key application steps and understanding what matters most to U.S. colleges. ​Topics include: - ​Application essentials - ​Standing out ​- Scholarships & visas

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Booth's top-flight MBA program.

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays (Deck)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Booth's top-flight MBA program.

Breaking Into Top Hedge Funds - Top 5 Tips

Breaking into top hedge funds isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about strategy, relationships, and a resume that gets noticed. In this session, Fiona T., former Director of Career Development for UC Berkeley’s MFE program who has coached 200+ people into roles in hedge funds and other quantitative finance firms, will share her top five insider tips. You’ll learn how to position your quantitative experience, stand out during networking, and tailor your story for hedge fund recruiters.