In Episode 37 of The Coffee Chat Podcast, Ben and Stephanie break down how to craft a memorable and strategic response to “Tell me about yourself.” Drawing from 35 years of industry experience, Stephanie shares practical tactics (reflection exercises, structural frameworks, and key pitfalls) to help candidates differentiate themselves in competitive finance interviews.

Episode 37 | December 15, 2025

Former Amherst College Program Director Stephanie Hockman joins us for an in-depth conversation on how universities can elevate students’ technical preparation for finance recruiting. From program design to the power of hands-on learning, Stephanie shares insights on what truly helps students stand out, and why Adventis’s Financial Modeling Certification® Program has become a cornerstone of Amherst’s success.

Episode 35 | December 1, 2025

AI is reshaping the investment banking recruiting process. In this episode, Ben and expert guest Stephanie Hockman explore how tools like HireVue have changed the game, and what students can do to stand out in a world where interviews are evaluated by algorithms.

Episode 34 | November 24, 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

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

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