The Coffee Chat Podcast
Looking for something specific? Explore episodes by category or topic to find insights most relevant to your finance journey.
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What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Career in Finance
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
What It Really Takes to Land a Finance Role
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
Leaving Accounting for Investment Banking
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
Navigating U.S. Internships as an International Student
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
Building a Strategic Recruiting Game Plan: From Freshman Year to Offer
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
Preparing for Your Summer Internship
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 Should I Do as a Freshman or Sophomore to Build a Career in Finance?
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
Characteristics of Successful Wall Street Analysts
What makes a standout Wall Street analyst? In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, host Ben sits down with Abishek, a sophomore at William & Mary and aspiring banker, to explore the core traits that set top analysts apart.
Episode 5 | November 11, 2024
Getting an Internship After Your Freshman Year
Bentley University’s Samuel shares how he landed competitive finance internships starting freshman year, and how persistence, networking, and the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program gave him a critical edge.
Episode 4 | September 23, 2024
Maximizing Your Summer Finance Internship
In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, host Mike sits down with Zach, a Fordham junior and Adventis-certified student, to discuss how to make the most of a summer finance internship. From learning to “be a sponge” to building connections across departments and staying organized during recruiting, Zach shares actionable insights for aspiring analysts looking to stand out in a competitive industry.
Episode 3 | July 2, 2024
Tips for Finding Your First Finance Internship
Finding your first finance internship can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Coffee Chat podcast, UCLA junior and Bruin Investment and Trading Group President, Kiarra Welch, sits down with host Mike to share actionable tips on networking, preparing for interviews, and navigating the recruiting process with confidence.
Episode 2 | May 29, 2024
Join student leaders, faculty, finance professionals, and Adventis-certified students as they share insights on recruiting, interviews, career development, and industry trends. Whether you're a freshman exploring your path or gearing up for summer internships, each episode offers practical advice to help you get ahead.
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