Leland+ Content Library

Why Duke Law? An Essay on Entrepreneurship

This essay connects past entrepreneurial ventures and a passion for interdisciplinary studies to make a powerful case for joining Duke Law's unique program.

How to Write an MBA Goals Essay

A complete framework for writing the goals essay that nearly every MBA program requires. Learn the winning formula, then use fillable tables to map your goals, select supporting past experiences, and connect to opportunities at up to four target schools. At the end, you'll have everything you need to draft a focused goals essay.

Want an edge? Network where others don’t

Go beyond the obvious networking paths. Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively, reach unexpected contacts, and get noticed by senior consultants.

Audit an AI Use Case for Risk

Practice identifying potential risks and safeguards for a specific AI use case.

Grad Student Loan Paydown Schedule

Stop Guessing. Start Seeing Exactly When Your Loans End. Most people with student debt make their monthly payment and hope for the best. This template lets you run the actual math so you can see, month by month, exactly what happens when you pay more. Built in Excel. No subscriptions, no logins, no apps. Just a clean, professional model you'll actually use. What's inside: Three side-by-side paydown scenarios run simultaneously your base schedule, a flat monthly extra payment, and a fully flexible column where you can plug in one-time lump sums for any month. Salary bonus coming in March? Tax refund in April? Type it in and watch your payoff date move in real time. Built for people who just finished an expensive degree and are serious about what comes next. Whether you're in consulting, finance, tech, or any high-growth field, this tool helps you layer your paydown strategy around how you actually earn, raises, bonuses, tuition reimbursements, and surplus months, not just a flat monthly payment. What you'll know in five minutes: > Your exact payoff date under any scenario > How much interest you'll save with different payment levels > The true cost of waiting vs. paying aggressively now Fully editable. Works with any loan amount, rate, or term. One-time purchase, yours to keep.

Ultra Practical Playbook for Job Searching in 2026 [7/22/2026] (Recording)

I'll share the step by step framework that I used to secure 5 different job offers over the last 3 years. Job searching is tough, but when you go about it in a strategic way you can see results. This workshop is all about how to get a good job fast. It's for people who don't have months and need to get a lot done in a little amount of time.

What’s Next? Your MBA Journey, Powered by Leland

​Whether you're planning to apply to business school this cycle or considering a future application, this final MBA Week session will help you get clear on your timeline, required materials, and next steps. ​We’ll break down the two key types of applicants—those targeting Round 1 deadlines this fall, and those planning ahead for next year—and what each group should be doing now to stay on track. From building your school list to prepping for the GMAT/GRE, writing your essays, or securing letters of recommendation, we’ll map out your path to success. ​You’ll also hear from the Leland team about the best resources available to support you, whether you’re ready to dive in or just starting to explore. We’ll share how our 1:1 coaching, bootcamps, essay reviews, and course content libraries align with where you are in your journey. ​Let’s wrap up MBA Week by setting you up for what’s next with confidence and a clear plan.

What HBS Doesn’t Tell You About the Interview: An Adcom Reveals All [10/7/2026] (Recording)

Getting an HBS interview means your application has already made it through a highly selective process, but the interview is where you have the chance to bring your story to life. Knowing what HBS interviewers are evaluating, what they’re really trying to learn about you, and how to prepare can make a major difference in how you show up. This workshop is for MBA applicants preparing for an HBS interview who want to go beyond generic interview advice and understand the process from the inside. You’ll learn how to approach common questions, communicate your experiences and goals effectively, and prepare for the moments that can shape your interview. Join live for a workshop led by two MBA experts with firsthand experience on both sides of the application process, including admissions committee experience. They’ll share insider perspectives on what HBS looks for, practical preparation strategies, and how to make your interview feel authentic rather than rehearsed. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer strategy for making the most of your HBS interview.

Frameworking Mindset Shifts: How to Solve Any Case Prompt [7/14/2026] (Recording)

Many candidates treat case interviews as a memorization exercise, but the strongest performers know how to adapt their thinking to any problem they face. This session is for aspiring consultants who want to develop the mindset and frameworking skills needed to tackle unfamiliar case prompts with confidence. You’ll learn how to structure ambiguous problems, think more strategically under pressure, and build flexible frameworks that work across a wide range of case types. Join live to ask questions about your own case prep and hear directly from a consulting expert who has helped more than 1,000 candidates improve their performance. The speaker will share the patterns they see across top candidates, the mindset shifts that lead to stronger case performance, and practical techniques you can use immediately in interviews. Expect actionable insights similar to what’s covered in high-impact 1:1 case coaching sessions.

Deferred MBA Application Overview Session [8/12/2026] (Recording)

Are you considering applying for a Deferred MBA program and unsure where to start? Join me, Noah, for an insightful session on navigating the Deferred MBA application process. With extensive experience in admissions at top institutions like the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, I have a deep understanding of what it takes to stand out in the competitive landscape of deferred MBA applications. During this session, we'll cover timelines, target schools, as well as tips & tricks for strengthening your application! Deferred MBA programs are competitive - put your application on the right track before applications open. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or are ready to dive into the application process, this session will provide valuable insights to guide your journey. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. I look forward to helping you take the next step toward your MBA goals!

Resumes 101: Mastering the ATS

​Are you ready to take your resume to the next level and make it stand out in today's competitive job market? Join Bryan S. for "Resumes 101," where we'll dive into the essentials of crafting a resume that not only captures your unique personal brand but also passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) with ease. ​With extensive experience mentoring and coaching hundreds of transitioning military service members, spouses, and executives, Bryan has completed over 7,000 professional resume reviews. His background spans career development, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and more. As the CEO and Founder of multiple successful ventures, he brings a wealth of knowledge from international markets and organizations. ​In this session, we'll cover career planning, resume review, interview prep, networking strategy, job search strategies, and personal branding. Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking to make a transition, this event is designed to equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

GMAT Quant Short-Cuts Used by Top-Scorers [5/26/2026] (Recording)

In this session, you will learn how top GMAT scorers approach quantitative problems faster and more accurately by recognizing pattern types before choosing a method. The focus will be on number properties shortcuts that eliminate answer choices early, strategic back-solving for algebra-heavy problems, and how to identify when estimation beats exact calculation on data sufficiency questions. The coach works with GMAT candidates regularly and will be sharing the reasoning process they actually teach, the kind of situational thinking that is hard to absorb from a recording alone.

Quantitative Reasoning Workshop: Probability + Permutations & Combinat

Key takeaways: - Master key quantitative reasoning skills essential for GMAT success - Learn strategic approaches to tackle complex GMAT quant questions efficiently - Gain insights from a seasoned GMAT coach with a proven track record of boosting student scores - Access expert frameworks and methodologies to enhance your problem-solving abilities Methodology: We will go over exercises and solutions regarding Quantitative Reasoning topics: - Probability - Permutations & Combinations You will be given 4 to 5 minutes to do each exercise and then I will explain how to do the exercise step-by-step

Breaking Into Management Consulting: What It Actually Takes This Year [9/9/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into management consulting is competitive, and knowing what firms are looking for can make it easier to focus your time on the right parts of the recruiting process. This panel is designed for aspiring consultants and career switchers who want to understand what it actually takes to stand out in this year's recruiting market. You'll hear experts discuss how to approach recruiting, build relevant experience, prepare for interviews, and position your background effectively with top consulting firms. Attending live gives you the opportunity to hear different perspectives from professionals who have helped candidates navigate consulting recruiting and ask questions about your own path in real time. Our panelists will share practical best practices, common mistakes to avoid, and what they see successful candidates doing differently in today's market. If you want a clearer strategy for breaking into management consulting this year, it's worth joining live.

From the Experts: What Wins in M7 MBA Applications [7/15/2026] (Recording)

Applying to M7 MBA programs can feel overwhelming when you're trying to understand what separates admitted candidates from the many other highly qualified applicants in the pool. This session is designed for prospective MBA applicants who want a clearer understanding of what top programs value and how to position their candidacy effectively. You’ll learn how admissions committees evaluate applicants, the common traits that appear across successful applications, and how to strengthen your story across essays, recommendations, and interviews. Attending live gives you the opportunity to hear directly from experts who have spent years helping candidates navigate the MBA admissions process and ask questions about your own application strategy. The speakers will share the patterns they see across successful applicants, along with what they look for when evaluating overall candidacy and fit. If you want a better understanding of what wins in M7 MBA admissions, it’s worth joining live.

Before You Hit Submit: Tips to Make Your College App Shine

As deadlines approach, this workshop will walk you through the final steps that take a college application from good to unforgettable. Our expert panel will cover how to polish your essays, strengthen your storytelling, and make strategic last-minute tweaks that help you stand out in competitive pools. Meet Your Coaches: Jessica F. — Harvard alum with 30 years of experience helping students get into top schools through expert essay and application guidance. Liz C. — Duke MBA and storytelling specialist with an almost 100% BYU admit rate, known for elevating nontraditional and healthcare-focused applicants. Luzy G. — Harvard graduate with 4+ years of consulting experience whose students have been admitted to top universities—and who earned full-ride scholarships herself.

The Comprehensive Guide to PE Secondaries Recruiting

Interested in recruiting for private equity secondaries? This PDF is a 25-page guide to private equity secondaries written by a former Blackstone Strategic Partners Associate who spent 4 years executing GP-led continuation funds and co-investments. Covers everything you need to land a secondaries role: what secondaries are and why the market exists, a deep dive into LP-led vs. GP-led transactions with walkthrough examples, the J-curve and how secondaries mitigate it, a ranked table of the top 25 secondaries firms by AUM, which major PE firms are launching secondaries practices (and why), 2024–2025 market data and trends ($226B+ in volume, the rise of single-asset CVs, credit and VC secondaries), 15+ technical interview questions with detailed answers, 10 behavioral questions with full sample answers, and a 'Why Secondaries' framework you can adapt to any firm. Updated March 2026.

Recruiting into PE Straight from College: How to Do the Impossible [9/22/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into private equity straight from college is difficult, but it isn't impossible with the right strategy. Without years of banking or investing experience, you need to find ways to demonstrate strong investing ability, build relevant experience, and position yourself as someone a PE firm should take seriously. This session is for college students who want to pursue private equity early and understand how to stand out without following the traditional path. You'll learn how to approach recruiting, build the right skills and experience, and differentiate yourself from candidates with more conventional backgrounds. Join live to hear from a PE expert, former CVC and MUFG Director, who has worked as a hiring manager and understands what firms look for when evaluating candidates. The speaker will share firsthand insights into breaking into PE, including how to position your background, build credibility, and approach the recruiting process strategically. You'll leave with a clearer sense of what it takes to turn an unconventional path into a real opportunity in private equity.

Last Minute Office Hours Before R1 Deadlines [9/1/2026] (Recording)

With Round 1 MBA deadlines approaching, it’s easy to wonder whether your application is truly ready or if there are still important details you should address before submitting. These office hours are designed for MBA applicants who want a final opportunity to ask questions, troubleshoot specific parts of their application, and make thoughtful last-minute decisions before the deadline. Bring questions about your essays, recommendations, school selection, application strategy, or anything else you’re still working through. Attending live means you can get direct answers to your specific questions and hear how an experienced MBA admissions coach would approach your situation in real time. Rather than covering a set topic, this session gives you the flexibility to focus on the areas where you need the most guidance before submitting. If you have questions you want answered before R1, it’s worth joining live.

Nailing the Med School Interview: What Interviewers Actually Look For [9/30/2026] (Recording)

A strong med school interview can bring your application to life, but knowing what interviewers actually want to hear is key to making a lasting impression. This session is for medical school applicants preparing for interviews who want to communicate their experiences, motivations, and strengths in a way that feels authentic and compelling. You’ll learn how to approach common interview questions, position your stories effectively and strategically, and communicate your experiences in a way that strengthens your overall candidacy. Join live to hear from a med school admissions expert who has coached 100+ applicants into medical school, consistently helping students earn acceptances to competitive programs even when their MCAT scores or GPAs fall below institutional averages. The speaker will share practical strategies for positioning your stories effectively, answering difficult questions, and making your experiences resonate with interviewers. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer strategy for making your med school interview count.