Leland+ Content Library

MBA Interview Series: Columbia

​The Columbia Business School interview is your chance to move beyond the application and show who you are as a candidate. In this event, Melanie E. (a former CBS Adcomm and interviewer) will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and strategies to stand out in the CBS interview process. You’ll gain insight into the types of questions asked, how to tell your story with confidence, and what Columbia admissions committees value most in applicants. ​Whether you’re applying this round or preparing for the future, this session will give you the tools to approach your interview with clarity, poise, and authenticity.

Navigating MBA Admissions Panel

The MBA admissions process can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make your application truly shine. Join top MBA coaches Faisal K. (Chicago Booth), Bill C. (Paul Merage) and Sue C. (Harvard Business School) as they break down key components of the process—from crafting compelling essays and securing strong recommendations to preparing for interviews. ​Gain practical advice and insider perspectives to help you tell your story effectively and stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your application, this session will equip you with the tools to navigate admissions with confidence.

From Idea to MVP: The Early Stage Startup Journey

Turning a great idea into a viable product is no small feat. In this panel, hear from Audrey C. (Moringa School, LendHer Capital) and Brice D. (Zaymo) - founders and startup veterans who’ve successfully navigated the early-stage journey—from validating an idea and building a first version to gathering feedback and iterating fast. ​Our speakers will share hard-earned lessons, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice for moving from concept to launch. Whether you’re a first-time founder or just curious about the process, you’ll walk away with a clearer roadmap for bringing your vision to life.

Crafting the Perfect MBA Resume

​Join Leland coach Betsy M. (Former Resume Coach for Stanford GSB Career Management Center) for a hands-on workshop on Crafting the Perfect MBA Resume—a crucial step in standing out during the business school admissions process. In this session, Betsy will break down exactly what top MBA programs are looking for, how to translate your work experience into impact-driven bullet points, and how to tailor your resume specifically for admissions (not just job hunting). ​Whether you're starting from scratch or revising a draft, you'll leave with clear takeaways and expert guidance to elevate your MBA resume to the next level.

Cold Emails That Land Warm

Most cold partnership emails fail before the second sentence and it's not because the sender lacks a good product, but because they lead with themselves instead of the person they're writing to. This guide is built from real outreach across nearly two decades of building companies in food, wellness, experiential events, and matchmaking. It covers six partnership types: brand-to-brand, venue and experiential, distribution and retail, media and press, investor introductions, and sponsors and collaborators with two copy-paste templates per section and a bonus section of real emails from actual deals, with breakdowns of exactly why each one landed. Built for early-stage founders sending their first partnership emails. No theory. No generic advice. Just the structure that works.

Ask Me Anything: IB Recruiting Insights from a Former Lazard Banker

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—especially if you're targeting elite boutiques or specialized coverage groups. In this AMA-style workshop, Akaash P.—a former Lazard banker with hands-on experience across Media & Telecom, Restructuring (RX), FIG, Energy, and Software—will give you an inside look at what it takes to stand out in IB recruiting. Drawing on cross-sector banking and investing experience, as well as coaching candidates into top groups at elite firms, Akaash will answer your questions on technical prep, industry-specific expectations, crafting a differentiated story, and navigating competitive recruiting processes. Whether you're aiming for M&T, RX, FIG, Energy, or Software roles, or simply want to understand the landscape better, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights to elevate your recruiting strategy.

Beyond Buzzwords: Leverage Your LinkedIn - Webinar

If you're looking for low key ways to use social media for your job search and career change, you'll want to attend this workshop. Whether you're pivoting careers or breaking into quant finance, I'll make it easy and walk you step-by-step how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, find roles quickly, and build your network in a new field. For over a decade, I've taught LinkedIn strategies for the job search - showing 5000+ career changers and students how to use it to get noticed in a new field - ranging from finance, tech, engineering, and consulting to marketing, education, and healthcare. This isn't a lecture. This is a walkthrough. You’ll leave with concrete tips, examples, and action steps you can implement right away.

Crafting a Winning Narrative: Harvard and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions

Elite college admissions are driven by how clearly and authentically you tell your story, not just by grades and test scores. In this session, graduates of Harvard and Stanford will explain how top schools evaluate applications and what makes a narrative resonate with admissions committees. You’ll learn how to connect your experiences, values, and goals into a cohesive story across essays, activities, and recommendations, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong profiles.

Secrets of the Admissions Office: A Former Admissions Officer and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions

Elite college admissions hinge on how applications are read behind closed doors, not just on grades and test scores. In this session, a former admissions officer and Stanford graduate will reveal how files are evaluated, what makes an applicant memorable, and how admissions committees interpret essays, activities, recommendations, and context together. You’ll learn how to avoid common missteps, highlight authentic impact, and build a cohesive narrative that resonates with highly selective schools.

Beyond the Checklist – Shadowing, Volunteering & Experiences That Actually Matter

Dental schools look for far more than hours logged on a checklist. In this session, expert Leland coach and former Dean at Columbia Ellen W. will break down which shadowing, volunteering, and hands-on experiences actually move the needle in admissions—and how to approach them with intention. You’ll learn how to choose opportunities that align with your story, reflect on them effectively, and avoid common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications.

Non-US Elite MBA Pathways: IMD, SDA Bocconi & HEC Paris

This session moves beyond school rankings to give you the strategic framework for building a powerful European career. Join cross-cultural career coach Caolan Hunter (ex-On, Ogilvy) to learn how to integrate your career, education, and long-term life goals into a coherent international strategy. We will explore the specific pathways offered by three of Europe's most influential business schools: IMD, SDA Bocconi, and HEC Paris. By the end of this session, you will understand the unique strengths of these European powerhouses and leave with a strategic shortlist of MBA targets aligned with visa reality, your career goals, and your personal leadership style. Learning Objectives: What You Will Learn 1. The European MBA Power Centers: Discover how IMD, SDA Bocconi, and HEC Paris function as distinct hubs of influence and talent, each with a unique philosophy and network. 2. Decoding European Work & Visa Realities: Get a clear-eyed view of the post-MBA landscape in Switzerland, Italy, and France. We'll analyze post-study work rights, the practicalities of corporate hiring for non-EU nationals, and pathways to long-term residency in each country. 3. Strategic Career Positioning for Europe: Understand how hiring logic for top roles in Europe differs from the US. We'll explore how IMD's focus on executive leadership, Bocconi's dominance in luxury and finance, and HEC's pipeline into continental consulting and strategy can shape your career. Key Outcomes: What You Will Walk Away With 1. A New European Map: You'll see IMD, SDA Bocconi, and HEC Paris not just as top schools, but as distinct platforms for launching specific and ambitious European career trajectories. 2. Visa & Employability Clarity: You'll be able to confidently navigate the nuances of the Swiss, Italian, and French post-MBA work environments, aligning your choice with your passport and life goals. 3. A Personal Viable Pathway Map: You will leave with the tools to build a personal map connecting your background and ambitions to the right program, industry, and country. 4. Unmatched Access Insights: You'll understand why the intimate, senior cohort at IMD, the industry-specific ecosystem at Bocconi, and the elite Grande École network of HEC can provide unparalleled access that larger programs cannot replicate.

Developing Your Best MBA Stories

Build the foundation every strong MBA application stands on: a library of your best stories. This worksheet guides you through the STAR structure across twelve categories, including the three required for any competitive application. Develop them once, then adapt to every school's essays, short answers, and interview questions.

Crafting Your Story: Personal Statement Workshop

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your grad school application—it’s your chance to go beyond test scores and transcripts to show admissions committees who you really are. In this workshop, expert coach Debby C. will walk you through how to turn your experiences, goals, and passions into a compelling story that stands out. ​From brainstorming ideas to structuring your narrative and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll gain practical strategies to make your statement authentic, memorable, and impactful. Whether you’re starting with a blank page or revising a draft, this session will give you the tools and confidence to craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

Crushing Your Deferred MBA Applications

Applying to deferred MBA programs or curious about the process? Leland is excited to provide this FREE event to cover tips to help you get accepted into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and more. ​​This workshop is hosted by John K, CEO and Founder of Leland. He was accepted to Stanford GSB and HBS though their deferred enrollment programs and will share key tips and tactical strategies to help you submit an application you are proud of. ​​​If you are interested in applying to a top 10 MBA program, have questions about the process, or just want to receive valuable insight, join us. It's completely free!

Before You Blow Your Shot: What to Know About IB Recruiting

​Investment banking recruiting is fast-paced, competitive, and full of nuances that can make or break your chances. In this session, Leland coach Ken I. (IB Career Fellow at the Wharton School) will walk you through what you need to know to navigate the process successfully and avoid common pitfalls. ​You’ll learn how to approach networking, position your experience, and prepare effectively for both technical and behavioral interviews. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to maximize your chances of landing interviews and standing out in the highly competitive IB recruiting process. ​Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot. We’re excited to be on the IB journey with you!

No Ivy, No Problem: How My Startup Got into Y Combinator

​Think you need an Ivy League degree to make it into Y Combinator? Think again. In this workshop, Chanhyung K.—a Georgia Tech graduate, McKinsey alum, and Y Combinator founder—shares how he built and pitched a successful startup without the traditional pedigree. ​Drawing from his experience landing offers at McKinsey, JPMorgan, and FAANG while coming from a non-target school, Chan will reveal how to craft your founder story, stand out in competitive application pools, and navigate the YC process with authenticity and confidence. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or already building your startup, this session will show you how to turn unconventional beginnings into startup success.

Developing Your MBA Story [6/7/2026] (Recording)

Your MBA story is the most important part of your application. The best applications use the story as a foundation that guides everything - the essays, the recommendations, the interview answers, even your resume! However, too many applicants fail to do this and instead submit vague or disjointed applications that leave admissions committees unimpressed. During this session, I will teach you how to develop a cohesive and thoughtful MBA story that will clearly explain: your background, why you need an MBA, and why you deserve to go to the school you are applying to - all in a way that will show admissions committees that you are ready for your MBA!

Inside MBA Admissions Decisions: Roundtable Discussion with M7 Admissions Officers

MBA admissions at top programs are highly selective, and small strategic decisions can make a big difference in how your application is evaluated. In this exclusive roundtable, you’ll get an inside look at how admissions decisions are actually made at M7 business schools—and what separates successful candidates from the rest. This session is designed to help you better understand how your profile is read, discussed, and ultimately decided on behind closed doors. The discussion will feature former admissions officers from multiple M7 programs who have collectively reviewed thousands of MBA applications. Drawing on their firsthand experience, they’ll share how admissions committees evaluate academics, work experience, leadership, and personal narratives, as well as common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. You’ll also gain insight into how schools compare candidates, handle borderline cases, and think about fit across different rounds. Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or preparing to apply in an upcoming cycle, this roundtable will give you rare clarity and a sharper strategic lens for approaching the process.

Your MBA Edge: Turning a Non-Traditional Path into a Winning App

Join this live conversation with a Korean INSEAD admit from a niche industry (gaming) and their admissions coach, Caolan. We’ll unpack how to build an authentic, coherent MBA story without over‑fixating on scores, even as a reapplicant or non‑traditional candidate. You’ll see how they framed transferable skills, targeted schools with different cultures, and prepared for interviews. - Learn how to craft a compelling and authentic application story that stands out, even with diverse career paths or perceived weaknesses like a lower GPA. - Understand why storytelling, strategic discussions, and a holistic approach can be more critical than perfect quantitative metrics (GMAT/GPA) for top MBA admissions. - Discover strategies to reframe your niche industry experience as a competitive advantage, turning perceived disadvantages into strengths. - Gain insights into researching and articulating school-specific fit, moving beyond generic website information to truly customize your application. - Be inspired by a reapplicant's journey to INSEAD, demonstrating that with the right approach and guidance, success is achievable for a wide range of profiles. - Learn what to look for in a consultant, including the importance of genuine care, industry understanding, and time investment. An engaging, interview-style conversation between Caolan Hunter and Gitak Kwak, followed by an open Q&A session, designed to empower aspiring MBA candidates, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds or facing unique application challenges, by offering practical insights and an inspiring success story. Who it’s for: - Korean and international MBA hopefuls - Reapplicants or candidates from niche / non‑traditional industries - Applicants worried about stats (GPA/GMAT) or “imperfect” profiles

Rounding Out Your Activities Section

Dental schools look closely at how your experiences show real commitment to dentistry—not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve grown. In this session, you’ll learn how to choose and describe your shadowing, clinical work, service, and extracurriculars so they tell a clear, cohesive story. We’ll cover common mistakes and simple ways to highlight impact and readiness. Whether you’re polishing your application or still building experiences, you’ll leave with a practical framework to strengthen your activities section with confidence.