Leland+ Content Library

HBS 2+2 Career Essay Sample: Product Management & Edtech Vision

See an example of a successful HBS 2+2 career essay, detailing plans to work as a product manager during deferment, gain retail industry knowledge, and build a long-term vision in edtech.

Why is the Extracurricular Section Important?

An overview of why the extracurricular section is a vital part of your application, with a focus on how it showcases your passions, time management skills, and potential contributions to the campus community.

Product Case Interview Prep: “What’s Your Favorite Product?”

“What’s Your Favorite Product?” Description: “Tell me about your favorite product” sounds simple, but in PM interviews it’s often a test of how clearly you think about users, tradeoffs, and product decisions. This session is for candidates preparing for product management interviews who want a stronger, more structured way to approach this common question. You’ll learn how to break down a product through a PM lens, communicate user insight and product judgment, and structure an answer that shows how you think rather than just what you like.

Roadmap to R1: A Step-by-Step Plan to Apply Without Losing Your Mind

Applying to MBA programs isn't just about checking boxes, it's about telling your story, managing MANY moving parts, and doing it all while keeping your head above water! In this 40-minute presentation, admissions coach and former CBS Admissions Officer Kelsey Kephart will walk through the essential phases of the MBA application journey; what to tackle when, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to build momentum without burning out. The second part will be an Ask Me Anything (AMA) style session where you can ask questions!

Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel

The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. ​Whether you’re just getting started or putting finishing touches on your application, this panel will help you avoid common pitfalls, craft a standout narrative, and submit with confidence. ​Meet Your Panelists ​Amanda W. – Former Director of Admissions and Regional Enrollment Director, with 5+ years of coaching experience helping students gain admission to top universities including UCLA, Cornell, UPenn, Duke, and BYU. ​Alex L. – Stanford MBA and Northwestern alum, former Stanford admissions interviewer, and marketing executive with 20+ years of experience helping candidates differentiate themselves and gain admission to competitive programs. ​Skyler A. – Former Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Booth and Assistant Director at Northwestern, with 10+ years of experience reading applications and helping hundreds of students gain admission to Yale, MIT, Berkeley, USC, Northwestern, and more.​​​

Stanford GSB Letter of Recommendation - Intellectual, Committed Learner

This letter of recommendation emphasizes the applicant's intellectual maturity, commitment to continuous learning, and strong desire to contribute positively to various communities, citing her experiences in Rwanda and her proactive involvement in team-building and educational activities.

Mock PM Interview with a Tech Exec at Atlassian

​In this session, you’ll watch a realistic mock product management interview with a tech exec at Atlassian designed to mirror the product sense and execution rounds you’ll face at top tech companies. The interview and debrief are facilitated by Leland coaches Jeremy H. (Tech Exec & Hiring Manager at Atlassian; previously Microsoft, Slack, Ramp) and Mike M. (Product Manager at Leland; former Atlassian APM intern) to ground the experience in how real hiring decisions are made. ​You’ll see how strong answers are structured, how interviewers weigh trade-offs and metrics, and where candidates commonly stumble. Expect a transparent scoring rubric and take-home frameworks for product sense, prioritization, and analytics so you can walk into your next PM interview with clarity, confidence, and a game plan.

Trends in VC Hiring: What Firms are Looking For

Breaking into venture capital is notoriously challenging—often less about chasing the biggest brand names and more about finding the right fit. In this session, expert coach Natalie L. unpack the latest trends in VC recruiting and share what firms actually value when evaluating candidates. ​You’ll learn how the hiring landscape is evolving, what skills and experiences stand out today, and how candidates from non-traditional backgrounds can successfully position themselves for roles in venture. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for networking, building credibility, and navigating a process that’s often informal and relationship-driven. ​Whether you’re actively recruiting or just exploring a career in VC, this session will give you insider insights and actionable advice to sharpen your approach and increase your chances of breaking in.

Where Should You Apply? Finding Your Fit in the IB Landscape

​Not all investment banks—or banking roles—are created equal. From bulge brackets and elite boutiques to middle-market firms, each has its own recruiting process, culture, and career trajectory. In this session, you’ll learn how to evaluate your options and identify the firms and groups that best align with your goals, background, and interests. ​In this panel, Jonathan S., Yudhajit D., and Jared B. will break down the different types of investment banks, what each looks for in candidates, and how to strategically target your networking and applications for the best chance of success. Whether you’re just starting to explore investment banking or narrowing down your list for recruiting season, this event will help you confidently map your path into the right firm for you.

How to Secure Top Graduate Fellowships: Rhodes, Truman, Knight-Hennessy & More!

​Curious about how to earn prestigious fellowships like Rhodes, Marshall, Schwarzman, Knight-Hennessy, and others? In this session, coaches Machmud M. and Claire R.—both Knight-Hennessy Scholars themselves—will share what it takes to stand out in highly competitive selection processes. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling personal narrative, choose and prepare strong recommenders, approach essay prompts, and succeed in interviews, all while highlighting leadership, impact, and academic excellence. ​Whether you’re exploring opportunities for graduate study abroad, pursuing a master’s in the U.S., or looking to expand your academic and professional horizons, this session will give you clear strategies and practical tools to strengthen your application. With proven frameworks and insights from past awardees, you’ll walk away ready to approach fellowship applications with confidence.

Understanding Your Burnout: When Ambition Outpaces Alignment

​This workshop is designed to support ambitious professionals in understanding burnout beyond just feeling tired—it’s frequently a sign of mismatch between personal values, work, and environment. Executive and leadership coaching expert Debonné N. (Current Sr. Director of Comms @ Blue Shield) led the TIS program for the city and county of San Francisco which diagnosed and proactively addressed burnout in essential workers. ​Debonné N. will look into how burnout manifests in high-achievers, paying attention to the emotional and physical signals that might go unnoticed. Plus, we'll share practical strategies to help you regain clarity, boost creativity, and find balance. Combining insights, stories, and strategies, this session will help you build self-awareness to confidently reimagine your next career chapter with renewed energy and purpose.

How to Ace Consulting Interviews

Breaking into consulting requires mastering both the case interview and the behavioral “fit” portion—and knowing exactly what MBB and top firms are really looking for. In this session, you’ll learn proven strategies from coaches who’ve been on the other side of the table as interviewers, recruiters, and consultants at firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. We’ll cover how to structure cases with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, tell compelling stories, and build the mindset that top candidates share. Whether you're early in your prep or gearing up for final rounds, this workshop will give you the clarity and direction you need to stand out.

How to Tackle Technical Interview Questions Panel

Technical interviews often feel like the most unpredictable part of the product hiring process, but there are clear ways to prepare and stand out. In this panel, Leland coaches Zen L. (PM at AWS, former SWE at Amazon and Microsoft) and John K. (AI Product Leader at Microsoft, ex-BCG and Bank of America) will break down how to approach technical questions with structure, confidence, and clarity. ​You’ll hear firsthand how candidates are evaluated, what strong answers actually sound like, and how to stay calm under pressure when faced with unfamiliar problems. If you want to sharpen your thinking and improve your technical communication, this session is a must.

Cracking College Admissions: Insights from Experts

​College admissions is more competitive and complex than ever. Between building a strong academic profile, highlighting extracurricular impact, and telling your story authentically, students often wonder what really matters most to admissions officers. ​In this session, you’ll hear from experienced coaches Annabella G. (Columbia), Alex T. (Caltech), Lucy G. (Harvard) who will break down the college application process and share what top schools are actually looking for. We’ll cover how to approach essays and supplements, strategies for building a balanced school list, and ways to stand out beyond test scores and GPA.

How to Ace PM Interviews

Product management interviews can feel daunting—but with the right frameworks and preparation, you can walk into every conversation confident and ready. This session breaks down the core components of PM interviewing, from product sense and analytical thinking to execution, communication, and behavioral storytelling. You’ll learn how to structure clear, compelling answers, showcase your problem-solving skills, and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up candidates. Whether you're targeting Big Tech, high-growth startups, or rotational PM programs, this workshop will give you the tools to stand out and make a lasting impression.

Nailing the Chief of Staff interview

​Landing a Chief of Staff role starts with acing the interview—and that can be one of the biggest hurdles for top candidates. In this session, you’ll hear from Julianne Z., a two-time Chief of Staff with experience across private equity and VC-backed companies. ​Julianne will walk you through what CoS interviewers are evaluating at each stage, how to frame your thought process under pressure, and how to draw on your past experiences to position yourself as an indispensable partner to leadership. You’ll also learn how to handle tough questions, structure your responses, and avoid missteps that derail many CoS candidates. ​Whether you’re interviewing for your first Chief of Staff position or trying to level up your candidacy, this session will give you clearer insight and tangible prep strategies.

Template: A Winning Resume for a Product Manager Role

A simple and professional resume template designed for a Product Manager role, with a focus on highlighting key experience and skills.

Fitness Tracker Practice Case Interview: U.S. Market Sizing

Estimate annual unit sales and market value using population data, penetration rates, and product lifecycle—great practice for consumer tech cases.

Guide to the BCG Evaluation Criteria

Understand what BCG looks for in resumes, behavioral interviews, and case interviews to stand out from the competition and get hired.