Leaving Accounting for Investment Banking
Episode 25 | August 18, 2025
When Michael Rose entered Miami University of Ohio’s Farmer School of Business, he expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue accounting. “My dad is a CPA and when he got a CPA that really propelled his career,” Michael explained. With Miami’s strong ties to the Big Four firms, accounting seemed like the obvious choice.
But by the end of his first semester, Michael realized something was missing. “I started going to events and I just wasn’t really clicking with a lot of the people,” he said. At the same time, members of Miami’s banking club introduced him to the world of finance. Their energy and structure drew him in, and soon Michael was practicing financial modeling and exploring capital structure concepts with new mentors.
“I found myself just looking up videos online, learning how to do different parts of financial models. I actually enjoyed it.” – Michael Rose
Michael’s turning point came after completing the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program. The program’s introductory finance module provided a structured overview of different career paths, from work-life balance to exit opportunities. “It helped me get a grasp on the whole finance industry,” Michael noted. After weighing his options, he committed to pursuing investment banking.
From Accounting Comfort Zone to Banking Challenges
One of Michael’s most striking observations was the difference in career paths. Accounting opportunities at Miami were plentiful and straightforward. Investment banking, by contrast, demanded extensive networking, technical preparation, and resilience.
“I like to challenge myself,” Michael said. “I realized I was going to need to push myself a lot harder and really expand my network if I wanted to get banking opportunities.”
This desire for challenge became central to his pivot. Michael embraced financial modeling, stock pitches, and networking calls—even when conversations didn’t always go as planned. With guidance from Adventis resources and mentors, he learned to make each interaction a step forward.
Lessons on Networking and Professional Growth
During the conversation, host Ben emphasized the importance of building relationships through consistent touchpoints. Instead of expecting bankers to remember him after one call, Michael learned to keep detailed notes, follow up with updates, and provide value before asking for more time.
“It’s your job to remember them,” Ben explained. “And over time, those multiple touchpoints create hidden advocates who may vouch for you when it matters most.”
Michael also shared practical takeaways from his commercial banking internship. By proactively taking work off his team’s plate, saying yes to opportunities, and conducting “20% check-ins” on projects, he ensured he was learning quickly while delivering value.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Michael’s journey highlights a critical lesson for students: career paths aren’t always linear. By questioning his initial choice, seeking mentorship, and leaning into curiosity, he discovered a more rewarding direction in investment banking.
“At first, I thought accounting was the right path. But once I started learning about investment banking, I knew I’d found something I was genuinely excited about.” – Michael Rose
For aspiring finance professionals, Michael’s story is a reminder that finding the right career fit often requires exploration, self-awareness, and the willingness to take on challenges.
