Leland+ Content Library

The Fit Formula: How to Choose Your Target Schools

Are you an MBA applicant wondering how to choose the right schools for your unique profile and aspirations? Join me, Ellin L., for this session, where we'll dive into the art of school selection and application strategy. Choosing where to apply isn’t just about rankings. It’s about finding the right match for you. In this session, we’ll walk through a simple, diagnostic framework (The Fit Formula) that helps you evaluate programs based on what actually matters: alignment with your goals, competitiveness of your profile, and long-term career potential. With over a decade of experience and a 98.9% success rate, I've guided hundreds of applicants to top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. As the founder of Ellin Lolis Consulting, I specialize in helping you stand out by crafting a powerful personal brand and connecting your story to each program. In this session, I'll share my proven methodology to simplify the process and maximize your results. Whether you're considering a traditional full-time MBA, deferred, executive, part-time, or online MBA, this event is designed to help you make informed decisions and build a compelling application.

How to get a Search Fund internship with no PE background

Most candidates aiming for a search fund internship are not underqualified. They’re mis-targeted. They chase prestige instead of fit, spend weeks reaching out to the wrong searchers, and then wonder why nothing moves. I’m Reuben, founder of Parceros Capital. I’ve raised money, built operating plans, and run internship cohorts where I review work, coach output, and decide who’s ready to be trusted with real responsibility. I’ve also helped people land internships at other search funds when it was clear the fit was better elsewhere. That’s part of how I think about this ecosystem: reputation matters, and you never know where one strong reference can take you. This webinar is for undergrads and MBAs who want a real shot or professionals desiring a career switch without a private equity background. I’ll walk you through how search fund internship hiring actually works, what “fit” really means (stage, thesis, geography, working style), and how to position yourself as valuable on day one. The mindset shift is simple: stop leading with what you want to get out of it and start leading with what you can contribute. We’ll also get clear on what interns should do that doesn’t replace paid contractors. Contractors handle specialized execution. Interns create leverage and trust. If you understand that difference, your outreach lands differently. I’ll share a Fit Scorecard you can use to build a smarter target list, plus a practical outreach structure that earns replies. I’ll also do a quick teardown of a common outreach message and show you what I’d change to make it credible. At the end, I’ll share an optional next step for anyone who wants hands-on help: a short 1:1 sprint where we build your best-fit target list, tighten your narrative, and leave you with outreach copy and a proof-of-work plan you can run immediately. If you want to move fast, RSVP and come ready to work.

Craft Winning Cover Letters & Resumes for PE: How to Tell a Deal Story

​In private equity recruiting, your deal experience is your story—and how you tell it can make or break your candidacy. In this workshop, James W.—a Wharton MBA with experience as an M&A attorney at Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss, an investment banker at Guggenheim Securities, and a private equity operator at GenNx360—will walk you through how to craft resumes and cover letters that showcase your deal experience with clarity and impact. ​Having sat on every side of the table, James will share what recruiters and hiring managers actually look for, how to structure your deal descriptions, and how to highlight the strategic thinking behind your work. Whether you’re recruiting for your first on-cycle role or positioning yourself for a post-MBA move, this session will give you the insider perspective and tools to stand out in the competitive PE hiring process.

MBA Recommender Outreach Template

Take the guesswork out of managing your MBA recommendations. This plug-and-play template gives you a ready-to-send communication package to share with your recommender. It covers everything from timeline management to content guidance, so they can write the strongest possible letter on your behalf. What's included: - A professional email template to send to your recommender, with built-in instructions on the recommendation process and submission timelines - School-specific question breakdowns for Stanford GSB, Harvard HBS, and Wharton, with coaching notes on how to guide your recommender's responses - A strengths framework to help your recommender highlight your leadership, strategic thinking, and growth mindset with concrete examples - A structured section for the constructive feedback question, one of the trickiest parts of any recommendation, with a fill-in format for situation, reaction, and results

What US Recruiters Look for in Early-Career Product Managers

​In this session, Leland coach Dessy K., who brings deep expertise from leadership in product roles at Amazon, Bukalapak, and TikTok, will guide you on what US recruiters are seeking in early-career product manager candidates. You’ll start with a clear primer on how the role of an early-career PM differs from seasoned PMs, and what makes newer professionals stand out during the hiring process. ​From there, Dessy will break down the top qualities that recruiters are watching for—traits like strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to execute with impact. We’ll dig into how to signal these in your resume and interviews, walk through examples of the strongest applicant profile, and share tailored advice on how to sharpen your story and shine—no matter where you're starting from.

Decoding Cultural Friction Before It Hits the Slack Channel

Are you ready to master the art of cross-cultural communication and prevent misunderstandings before they escalate? Join me, Caolan, for an insightful session on "Decoding Cultural Friction Before It Hits the Slack Channel." With extensive experience leading international teams and guiding executives to communicate with precision and authority, I will share practical techniques to enhance your conflict-resolution, negotiation, and active listening skills. I specialize in helping leaders thrive across cultures through strategic communication and storytelling. My background includes delivering talks at top universities and transforming brand narratives across continents. Whether you're working in a multicultural environment or communicating in a second language, this session will equip you with the tools to speak with presence and influence. Spaces are limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and turn everyday interactions into opportunities for impact!

GMAT Quant: The Most Important Strategies for a 90th-Percentile Score [9/10/2026] (Recording)

In this livestream, I’ll share my recommended GMAT study schedule and teach some of the most important strategies for improving your performance on GMAT Quant. You’ll learn how to structure your preparation, what to prioritize at different stages, and how to use practice questions and full-length exams effectively. We’ll work through representative GMAT-style problems, focusing not just on getting the right answer, but on developing the decision-making skills that lead to better performance. You’ll learn how to recognize common question types, identify efficient solution methods, avoid common traps, and manage your time on difficult questions. By the end of the livestream, you should be able to: * Build a structured GMAT study plan based on your timeline and goals * Identify the Quant topics and skills you should prioritize * Recognize common GMAT Quant question types * Improve your pacing and time-management strategy * Use practice questions and mock exams more effectively * Understand how high-scoring test takers approach GMAT Quant I’ve been tutoring standardized tests for more than 20 years and earned a 760 on the GMAT. I received my MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and earned a master’s degree in Political Science from Stanford University. This session is appropriate for students at a range of score levels, whether you’re just beginning your GMAT preparation or looking to push an already solid Quant score higher.

Non-Traditional Background? How to Turn Your Background into an MBA Advantage [8/23/2026] (Recording)

If you’re applying to an MBA without a classic finance or consulting background, this session is for you. As a former Director of MBA Admissions, I’ve reviewed thousands of applications from artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, teachers, athletes, and career-switchers — and I know exactly how unconventional profiles can rise to the top of the pile. In “Non-Traditional Background? Here’s How to Make the MBA Adcom Say Yes”, I’ll break down how admissions committees actually evaluate candidates with unique paths, what they value most, and how you can present your story in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and strategically aligned with what top programs are seeking. We’ll cover: What “non-traditional” really means in MBA admissions The strengths and blind spots most unconventional applicants have How to highlight your transferable skills (leadership, analytical ability, impact) How to position pivots, gaps, or non-linear paths The elements of a compelling narrative that stands out Real examples of successful non-traditional admits A live Q&A to answer your specific questions Whether you come from the arts, education, government, startups, healthcare, hospitality, science, military, or any unexpected field, you’ll walk away with clarity and a concrete strategy for making the adcom say yes.

Co-Thinking with AI: Prompts Companion Guide

This companion guide contains the five co-thinking prompts from the Co-Thinking with AI: Beyond the Hype, Into Your Edge session, each one built around a situation you are probably already in. These are not generic prompts pulled from a list. Each one is engineered to force a diagnostic conversation before AI produces any recommendation, which means what you get back reflects your specific situation, your actual experience, and your real context. The five prompts cover: navigating a career crossroads with competing professional identities, responding to job application questions in a way that is authentically yours, running a structured root cause analysis on a recurring business problem, analyzing your own presentation or meeting performance using a transcript, and building a brand voice document that makes everything you create with AI sound like you wrote it. Use one at a time. Give each prompt the context it asks for. Push back on the outputs. That is where the value lives, not in the prompt itself, but in the conversation it opens.

Veterans MBA Admissions Fireside Chat + Panel Discussion

This exclusive event is designed specifically for veterans or those currently in the military interested in pursuing MBA programs. Led by a distinguished panel of veterans who have successfully navigated their own MBA application journeys, this fireside chat offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, learn proven strategies, and gain insider knowledge on how to showcase your military background and skills effectively. ​From translating your military service into a compelling story to leveraging your leadership experience, paying for your MBA, and more, the panelists will share actionable advice to help you stand out amongst fellow applicants. ​​Leland is cohosting this event with Sitreps2Steercos, an incredible organization that was founded to help those in the military transition into top graduate programs and competitive career paths. ​Meet our panelists: ​Wyatt F, United States Military Academy, Warton MBA, US Army, helps clients write their "hero's journey" story for admissions committees, craft their resumes to make sure civilians understand their roles and impact, and nail the GMAT. ​Kelsey K, former M7 Admissions Director, partners with applicants to help them clarify who they are, what they want, and why they belong at the world’s best business schools. ​Alex S., Marine Academy, Ross MBA, US Army, alumni interviewer for Ross, expert MBA admissions coach for veterans and non-traditional backgrounds, has coached and prepped over 100+ people on MBA applications with a high rate of success.

New Ways to Use Claude Cowork to Land Your Dream Job [5/14/2026] (Recording)

BOOTCAMP SEAT GIVEAWAY FOR LIVE ATTENDEES ($999 VALUE). In this session, you'll learn how to use Claude's cowork features to actively strengthen your job search, from drafting tailored outreach messages to refining your positioning for specific roles. We'll cover how to prompt Claude effectively for marketing and sales applications, how to use it to pressure-test your personal narrative, and how to build a repeatable workflow that saves time without losing your voice. Attending live means you can describe your actual situation and get a response shaped around it, not a general answer. The coach works with job seekers on this daily and will share the patterns that consistently move candidates forward.

The 5 Questions to Ask Before Applying to Any Finance Master's [4/9/2026] (Recording)

Most applicants start with rankings, pick three or four recognisable names, and write the same application for all of them. Then they wonder why the essays feel forced. The problem usually isn't the application. It's that they chose the wrong programme to begin with. Finance vs Financial Economics. Academic vs applied. London vs Paris vs St Gallen. Full-time vs part-time. These choices shape your career in ways a league table won't tell you. I applied to Oxford's MFE and HEC's MSc International Finance, got into both, and chose Oxford, and that decision came down to questions most applicants never think to ask. In 30 minutes I'll walk through five questions you should answer before you apply anywhere: what career this actually leads to, what it really costs, whether your profile fits, and how to tell which programme type matches what you need. I coach applicants through successful admits at Oxford, HEC, and peer programmes across Europe, and this is always where we start. Plenty of time for Q&A. Attendees get priority access to 1:1 coaching at a discounted rate. Best suited for 2026–27 and 2027–28 applicants.

LinkedIn Launchpad: Profile to Profit [9/1/2026] (Recording)

You're invisible to recruiters. Not because of your skills, but because of your discoverability. Recruiters don't browse profiles. They query them, filtering by skill, title, and location. If your profile isn't a high-density match for their search, you don't exist in their results. LinkedIn Launchpad is a live workshop built around 3 pillars that turn a passive profile into an authoritative brand: Discoverability: The LinkedIn Skills Graph - 50 targeted skills across three tiers, your top 3 pinned and endorsed, and the Activity Edge. LinkedIn now ranks active profiles higher than dormant ones with identical credentials. The difference between getting found and staying found. Positioning: Your headline is search real estate, not a brand statement. Every word should be a job title or a keyword a recruiter types. If it's neither, it doesn't belong. Networking: The shift from asking for a favor to leading with value, the difference between cold messages that get ignored and ones that get replies. We close with a live profile audit applying all three pillars in real time, plus your personalized 2026 roadmap. You'll leave with a rewritten headline strategy, a clear Skills Graph action plan, and changes you can implement immediately.

What NOT to Do When Writing an MBA Resume

Don’t let easy mistakes tank your app—avoid weak bullets, poor structure, and vague accomplishments.

How to Answer "Why an MBA?" for Duke Fuqua

A top admissions expert analyzes a successful deferred MBA essay for Duke Fuqua and breaks down how to answer the "Why is pursuing an MBA the right next step for you?" question.

A Cover Letter That Landed an Offer at KPMG

Get an inside look at a successful cover letter for a Consultant Management Intern role at a top firm. We'll break down how to showcase your unique experience and motivations.

Build an ATS-proof resume [7/27/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you'll know how to structure and keyword-optimize your resume so it clears automated screening systems without reading like a keyword dump. We'll cover how ATS parsers actually rank candidates, which formatting choices quietly disqualify strong applicants, and how to align your resume language to job descriptions in a way that holds up to human review. Attending live means you can bring your specific industry, role level, or career gap and hear how those details change the approach, context a recording cannot replicate. The coach works with candidates on this every week and will share the patterns that consistently separate resumes that move forward from those that quietly disappear.

The AI Skillset That Gives PM Candidates an Edge

AI is rapidly becoming part of the product manager’s toolkit, and candidates who understand how to apply it thoughtfully are starting to stand out in hiring processes. This session is for aspiring and current PMs who want to understand which AI skills actually matter and how to incorporate them into their product thinking. You’ll learn how PMs are using AI in real product workflows, which capabilities hiring managers are beginning to value, and how to demonstrate AI fluency in interviews and projects.

Landing an MBB / Consulting Offer - From A to Z

Breaking into top consulting firms requires more than strong academics and case prep - it requires avoiding countless pitfalls, common misconceptions, and time-wasting work. In this session, Leland coach Ian G will walk you through the entire consulting recruiting and interviewing process end-to-end, providing you with the tools and tips to optimize your chances of success and minimize time wasted. As an ex-BCG consultant Ian brings a proven track record, having aced all 8 of his consulting interviews, with a 95% success rate helping candidates land consulting offers over the past 5 years. After this session you’ll leave with a clear, structured playbook for what to focus on at each stage of the journey - from building the right profile and networking effectively to get offers all the way to mastering case and behavioral interviews to convert interviews into offers.

Top 4 Resume Tips from an Ex-Disney Recruiter

When you get overwhelmed, focus on these 4 things when evaluating your resume. Appropriate for all candidate types, undergrad to executive.