Breaking into finance isn’t always a straight path. In this episode, Ben sits down with Brian, a Miami of Ohio graduate, to reflect on what he wishes he had known before starting his career in private credit. From the power of networking to the importance of hard work and flexibility, Brian shares candid insights and lessons that every aspiring finance professional should hear.

Episode 28 | September 29, 2025

Landing a finance role takes more than technical skills; it requires persistence, networking savvy, and the discipline to excel in every detail. In this Coffee Chat episode, Ben and Indiana University student Kaushal discuss what it really takes to stand out in competitive recruiting.

Episode 27 | September 15, 2025

Ben interviews Wayllon Lu, a University of Illinois graduate who began his career in investment banking at Moelis before making the unconventional decision to exit the industry. Wayllon shares why he ultimately chose to pivot into corporate finance and operations with a client.

Episode 26 | September 1, 2025

Miami of Ohio student Michael Rose reflects on his decision to leave accounting for investment banking. Guided by mentors, club experiences, and Adventis’s Financial Modeling Certification® Program, Michael shares valuable lessons on finding the right career fit, building technical skills, and approaching internships with professionalism.

Episode 25 | August 18, 2025

Breaking into investment banking without a target school name on your résumé is possible. In this episode, Miami University student Nik shares how he leveraged the FMC® Program, strategic networking, and a focus on regional markets to carve his own path into investment banking.

Episode 24 | August 4, 2025

In this Adventis Coffee Chat, Columbia University student Prim joins Ben to discuss her path from Bangkok to New York City, the realities of sponsorship, and strategies that international students can use to maximize their chances of landing competitive internships.

Episode 23 | July 21, 2025

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of recruiting success. From narrowing down firms and cities to crafting a consistent narrative, to balancing technical prep with networking, this episode breaks down the step-by-step approach students can take to position themselves for multiple offers.

Episode 22 | July 7, 2025

Ben sits down with Chun from the University of Illinois to discuss the art of cold emailing, networking, and preparing for investment banking interviews. With real-world examples and actionable frameworks, this episode equips aspiring bankers with the confidence to connect effectively and stand out in the recruiting process.

Episode 21 | June 23, 2025

Heading into your summer internship? In Episode 20 of the Coffee Chat Podcast, Ben and guest Will (UCLA ’26) break down how to prepare: covering technical prep, building professional habits, and navigating the soft skills that help secure a return offer.

Episode 20 | June 9, 2025

What do top finance executives really look for when hiring? 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.

Episode 19 | May 28, 2025

Landing a job at a top firm requires early preparation, technical mastery, and the discipline to “do the work when no one’s watching.” In this episode, Indiana University’s Ryan shares his path into finance and his best advice for students aiming to break into big firms.

Episode 18 | May 12, 2025

Investment banking opens doors to countless career opportunities, but how do you decide which path is right for you? In this Coffee Chat episode, host Ben speaks with Colin about common exit strategies, building meaningful connections, and how Adventis’s Financial Modeling Certification® Program (FMC® Program) helped him stand out early in his career.

Episode 17 | April 28, 2025

In Episode 16, Ben and Libby, a finance student at Auburn, dive into the differences between private wealth management and investment banking. They discuss recruiting, skill-building, and how to evaluate which path might be the right fit for your career goals.

Episode 16 | April 15, 2025

In this episode, Ben Dowell chats with Rylan, a sophomore at the University of Miami Herbert Business School, offering expert coaching on improving response rates, mastering cold emails, preparing for interviews, and converting networking calls into real opportunities.

Episode 14 | March 10, 2025

A successful career in finance doesn't start with your first job offer, it begins with your actions as a freshman or sophomore. The competition for top investment banking and private equity roles is fierce, and the most successful candidates start preparing early. So, what can you do right now to set yourself apart?

Episode 13 | February 24, 2025

Breaking into finance isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you set yourself apart. Ben chats with Sebastian, a finance student at Texas Christian University, to discuss his journey from Lima, Peru, to securing a double major and an internship in private equity.

Episode 12 | February 10, 2025

Breaking into investment banking from Canada presents unique challenges, but with the right strategy, it's possible to land a role in the U.S. In Episode 11 of The Coffee Chat podcast, Ben speaks with Jake, a finance student at Simon Fraser University, about key tactics for standing out.

Episode 11 | January 27, 2025

In this episode, Amherst College’s Stephanie Hawkman shares how early preparation, structured training, and the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification® Program help liberal arts students succeed in today’s competitive investment banking recruitment process.

Episode 10 | January 10, 2025

This episode covers everything from identifying the right finance career path to mastering essential skills through the Financial Modeling Certification® Program. Learn how to build a strong network and stay resilient in the competitive world of finance. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance, this podcast episode offers key takeaways to help you achieve your goals.

Episode 9 | January 6, 2025

Transitioning from mechanical engineering to finance may seem daunting, but it is entirely achievable with the right mindset and resources. This episode reveals how leveraging transferable skills, gaining financial expertise, and embracing continuous learning can lead to success in a new industry.

Episode 8 | December 23