Leland+ Content Library

The IB Playbook for Non-Traditional Backgrounds: From Networking to Interviews

​Breaking into investment banking without a traditional finance background can feel daunting—but it’s absolutely possible with the right strategy. In this workshop, expert Leland coach and former Wells Fargo banker Sereena T. will walk you through how to position your unique experience, build meaningful connections, and succeed in interviews. ​You’ll learn how to translate your skills into the language of finance, craft a networking approach that actually leads to interviews, and prepare effectively for both technical and behavioral questions. The session will wrap up with a Q&A, giving you the chance to get personalized insights from a coach who has helped countless candidates land top IB offers.

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. ​

How to Create a Standout Deferred MBA Application

Deferred MBA programs look for future leaders with clarity of purpose, strong trajectory, and long-term potential, not just impressive internships or grades. This session breaks down what top programs actually evaluate in deferred candidates and how to position yourself early in your career. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling narrative, articulate credible goals, choose recommenders strategically, and avoid common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re just starting to explore deferred programs or actively preparing to apply, this workshop will help you build a focused, competitive application strategy.

Law Week Kickoff 2026

Join us for the kickoff to Law School Week, a comprehensive introduction to the law school admissions process. This session will set the stage for the week by walking through the full application journey, from school selection and timelines to personal statements, LSAT strategy, and interviews. You’ll learn where to focus your time, what mistakes to avoid, and how the sessions throughout the week fit together to help you build a strong, competitive application. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approach, this kickoff will give you a clear roadmap for the week ahead.

6 or 7 Weeks to a 705

Yes, you read that right! You can achieve a top score in just six or seven weeks! Crushing the GMAT isn’t about memorizing facts. It’s about sharpening logic, mastering time pressure, and building test-day readiness. In this free workshop, we’ll walk through how to practice effectively, which prep resources to trust, and how to simulate the real exam environment. We will craft a six or seven week study plan that builds stamina, precision, and strategy. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to cross the 705 threshold with confidence.

PM Recruiting - Top 5 Tips to Stand Out in the Process

Product management has become a highly sought after but competitive field to break into over the last several years. Karthik R. has been in Product for 15+ years now in Director+ roles across multiple Silicon valley companies. His current role is as Director of Product at Linkedin. He has interviewed, mentored and coached 100s of PMs as well as those aspiring to break into the field. Join him in understanding what it takes to break into Product, and walk away with a tangible strategy and roadmap to make it happen.

Exit Paths from Investment Banking: How to Navigate Your Next Move in Finance

​After landing a role in investment banking, the next big question is—what comes after? In this panel, Max M. (IB-> PE), Garret W. (IB -> Growth Equity), and Max S. (IB -> Startups) will break down the most common and competitive exit opportunities from investment banking, including private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and corporate strategy. You’ll learn how to evaluate different paths, what recruiters and hiring managers look for, and how to position yourself for a smooth and successful transition. ​Whether you’re in your first year as an analyst or preparing for your next career move, this session will help you strategically plan your trajectory in finance and make your next step your best one yet.

Template for Writing a Cover Letter for Any Career

A top coach shares the exact cover letter template you need to get interviews. Learn how to highlight your experience and stand out.

How to Land Your Dream Job: Essential Career Strategies

Unlock key strategies to advance your career and secure your dream role. Perfect for ambitious professionals and students!

Frameworking Mindset Shifts: How to Solve Any Case Prompt

After this session, you will have a repeatable mental framework for approaching any case prompt, regardless of industry or format. We will cover how to identify the core question beneath a prompt, how to structure your thinking before you speak, and how to shift your mindset from solving to synthesizing the way strong candidates consistently do.

Breaking Into PE: What It Takes — From Any Background

Private equity recruiting is highly competitive, but there’s no single “right” path to breaking in. In this session, we’ll break down what PE firms actually look for in candidates, how recruiting works at different stages, and how people from non-traditional backgrounds successfully make the jump. You’ll learn how to position your experience, build the right technical and investment skill set, and avoid common mistakes that hold candidates back. Whether you’re coming from banking, consulting, corporate finance, or an unconventional path, this session will give you a clear roadmap for breaking into private equity with confidence.

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.

Beyond the Basics: AI Resume Strategies That Land Interviews

This 45-minute session will show you how to use AI to transform your resume from a basic document into one that gets noticed, going far beyond keyword swaps or generic AI tools. We’ll work through examples, with guided opportunities for you to apply each technique to your own resume. We’ll cover: *The difference between generic prompts and role-specific, detailed prompts — and how to craft your own live in the session *Turning a career history or messy notes into a polished, professional draft you can use immediately *Rewriting bullet points to emphasize impact, metrics, and action verbs recruiters can’t miss *Condensing overly long sections without losing substance so your most important wins stand out

Anatomy of an Investment Pitch

Crafting a compelling investment pitch is one of the most important skills for breaking into hedge funds and succeeding once you’re there. In this session, we’ll break down the structure of a strong pitch—how to identify the right idea, frame the thesis, assess business value drivers, and anticipate investor questions. You’ll leave with a clearer framework for building your own pitches and standing out in interviews. ​This session will be led by Diyang Y., a Leland coach with years of experience in hedge funds and banking, where he has evaluated investments across industries and geographies. He’ll share insights from the buy-side, common mistakes candidates make, and what interviewers really look for when you present a stock idea.

Ask Me Anything About Round 3 MBA Applications

Are you considering applying for an MBA in Round 3 and have questions about how to make your application stand out? Join me, Joy, for an "Ask Me Anything" session where I'll provide insights and answer your burning questions about the MBA application process. With over 20 years of experience as an MBA Admissions Consultant, I've helped over 500 clients gain admission to top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. My background in marketing and creative writing allows me to help you craft compelling narratives that highlight your unique qualities. Whether you're applying to a full-time, executive, or any other MBA program, this session is your chance to get expert advice on editing, recommendations, interviews, networking strategy, school selection, and more. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take a step closer to achieving your MBA dreams!

The Top 10 Things That Matter in a Deferred Application

Applying to deferred MBA programs requires a unique strategy—strong academics and internships aren’t enough unless you know how to package them into a compelling story. In this session, Tim F., a Chicago Booth MBA graduate with high distinction and former admissions fellow who interviewed and evaluated nearly 100 applicants, will break down the ten elements that most influence AdCom decisions. Drawing on his experience helping candidates gain admission to top U.S. and European MBA programs, along with his professional background at Goldman Sachs and as a project leader at Boston Consulting Group, Tim will share how to communicate impact, craft a standout narrative, and position yourself competitively as an early-career applicant.

How to Ace Private Equity Recruiting [5/5/2026] (Recording)

Private equity recruiting moves quickly, and candidates who aren’t prepared often fall behind early. This session is for those looking to approach PE recruiting with a clearer, more effective strategy. You’ll learn how to navigate timelines, prepare for technical and behavioral interviews, and position your experience in a way that resonates with firms. Join live to hear from a panel of private equity professionals and ask your questions about the recruiting process. The panelists regularly work with candidates and will share the patterns they see across successful applicants and what stands out from the hiring side. Expect practical guidance and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 coaching conversations.

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.

Strategies for Your Med School Application

​Applying to medical school is a competitive and complex process—but the right strategy can make all the difference. In this panel, seasoned experts Nathan M. (UNC), Xavier G. (Cornell), and Floriane K. (Stanford) will break down the key elements of a standout application, from framing your personal story and highlighting clinical experiences, to securing strong letters of recommendation and excelling in interviews. ​You’ll hear practical insights on how to approach each part of the process, avoid common mistakes, and position yourself as a compelling candidate. Whether you’re early in the journey or finalizing applications, this session will give you concrete tools and strategies to maximize your chances of admission.