4 Finance Skills Top Execs Look for in New Hires
What do top finance executives really look for when hiring? In Episode 19 of The Coffee Chat Podcast, Adventis's Ben Dowell sat down with Andy John of Calvert Street Investment Partners to explore that very question. With over two decades of private equity experience and a front-row seat to what sets candidates apart, Andy shared four key skills he believes are essential for new hires in finance — especially in private equity, commercial banking, and investment banking.
Whether you're eyeing your first role or preparing to pivot within finance, here's what you need to know.
1. Intellectual Curiosity: Ask "Why," Not Just "What"
According to Andy, intellectual curiosity is a top trait that distinguishes standout hires. "You want to understand the why," he explained. "Not just the project you're doing, but why it matters, how it fits into the bigger picture." This kind of thinking leads to deeper learning and, ultimately, better decisions — something critical in private equity, where understanding the full business story matters.
He encourages students to ask thoughtful questions, connect with professors, and explore areas outside their immediate coursework. "Just go talk to someone in your school's development office and ask what they're working on. That's intellectual curiosity."
2. Organization and Time Management: Be Early, Be Prepared
Andy referenced a famous line from former Giants coach Tom Coughlin: "If you're not five minutes early, you're late." He stresses that the ability to manage time and prioritize tasks is crucial, both in finance and beyond.
When asked what good time management looks like in the real world, Andy gave a simple but powerful tip: back-plan from deadlines and build in extra time. "Start early, check in often, and work backward from your deadline," he said.
He also applauded the "rule of threes" mentioned during the episode — assume a task will take three times longer than your best estimate. This rule helps young professionals avoid last-minute scrambles and deliver polished work on time.
3. Ownership and Responsibility: Do What You Say You'll Do
If there's one phrase Andy repeated throughout the episode, it is: "Do what you say you'll do." This simple value reflects a much deeper principle — personal accountability.
"In our firm, we ask the person at the front desk how you treated them when you walked in," Andy noted. "If you're rude or arrogant, you're not going to work for us — even if you aced your modeling exam."
He emphasized that accountability includes owning your mistakes, following through on commitments, and showing respect to everyone — from executives to janitors. These values are within every candidate's control and can set you apart, no matter your technical background.
4. Personal Connections: Get Out from Behind the Screen
Many students worry that they don't "have connections" — but Andy challenges that mindset. "Personal connections aren't about who your parents know," he said. "They're about who you take the time to talk to."
His advice? Step away from your screen. Attend events. Ask questions after presentations. Send a follow-up note. "If you're genuinely curious and respectful, people will remember you," Andy shared. He gave the example of a student who approached him after a university presentation to ask a thoughtful follow-up question — someone who stood out from a group of fifty.
For Andy, personal connections are a reflection of effort. And in a business like private equity, where relationships drive deals, they're more than nice to have — they're essential.
Adventis as a Launchpad: A Six-Year Fellowship in Action
For Calvert Street Investment Partners, the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program is more than a training tool — it's a vital part of their mission to discover and nurture talent through their fellowship program. For the past six years, Calvert Street has partnered with Adventis to identify high-potential students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds with ties to Baltimore, who may not have had exposure to finance or access to traditional career pipelines.
Each fellow begins their journey by completing the FMC® Program — a step Andy John calls "foundational" to discovering whether finance is the right fit for them. "We've had students come through and realize financial modeling just isn't for them — and that's okay," Andy shared. "That insight is incredibly valuable. It's just as important to identify what you don't want to do as it is to find something you're passionate about."
Some fellows go on to thrive in finance roles; others pivot into marketing, education, or other fields — all with greater clarity about their strengths and interests. For Calvert Street, this use of the FMC® Program has become a powerful way to assess student fit, build meaningful professional development opportunities, and give back to the broader community.
"Our partnership with Adventis helps us support students early in their journey," Andy explained. "It equips them with technical skills and reveals whether finance truly energizes them. That kind of self-knowledge sets the stage for long-term success — in any career."
Learn more about Calvert Street's Fellowship Program for Undergraduates
Final Takeaway: There's No One Path — Just the One That's Right for You
Throughout the episode, Andy reminded students that career success isn't about perfect planning — it's about taking smart steps, being open to change, and learning from every experience. "Your first job out of college won't be your last," he said. "Find something interesting, do your best, and see where it leads."
That perspective — grounded in decades of experience and shaped by mentoring hundreds of students — reflects the ethos of Adventis. The FMC® Program isn't just about financial modeling. It's about helping you discover if finance is truly where you want to be — and equipping you with the tools to thrive if it is.
Ready to start building the skills top firms are looking for? Explore the FMC® Program today.
