From Electrician’s Apprentice to Investment Banking Intern

Episode 55 | October 5, 2026

For Iowa State junior Anthony Ellis, the path to investment banking did not begin with a perfectly mapped-out college plan. It started with a gap year, an electrician’s apprenticeship, and a willingness to slow down and figure out what he actually wanted.

In Episode 55 of the Coffee Chat podcast, host Ben speaks with Anthony about his unconventional path to earning a 2027 investment banking internship at Lincoln International in Chicago.

After high school, Anthony spent about 10 months working as an electrician’s apprentice. While he ultimately realized that the trades were not the right fit, he says the experience was valuable because it helped him understand what he did not want to do. “I was able to kind of have that experience and then switch gears and pivot in a different direction.”

That clarity became particularly valuable once Anthony began pursuing investment banking, where recruiting timelines can begin surprisingly early. Entering Iowa State with a clearer sense of direction gave him confidence as he began preparing for a career in finance.

Anthony also took a highly focused approach to investment banking networking. After visiting Lincoln International during an Iowa State networking trip to New York and Chicago, he immediately connected with the firm’s people and culture. He followed up consistently, returned to Chicago for additional in-person coffee chats, and built relationships that eventually helped him reach his Super Day.

By the time he interviewed, three of the eight people he met during his six Super Day interviews were already familiar connections. Anthony credits that networking with helping him feel prepared rather than overwhelmed.

Technical preparation was another important part of his journey. Through Iowa State’s Investment Banking Initiative, Anthony practiced financial modeling and completed the Financial Modeling Certification® Program. He found that actually building DCF and LBO models was far more valuable than simply understanding the steps.

His experience offers a useful lesson for aspiring investment banking analysts: recruiting success is not just about having strong grades. It is about building genuine relationships, developing technical skills, and finding the direction that motivates you to put in the work.

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