Ben speaks with Jimmy, a rising junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, about how he landed two highly competitive finance internships before junior year. Jimmy discusses his experience with Prime M&A, recruiting for investment banking in Chicago, preparing for technical interviews, becoming an Adventis trainer, and securing offers from Morningstar and J.P. Morgan. This episode is packed with practical advice for students interested in investment banking recruiting.

Episode 52 | July 6, 2026

Cornell Hotel School student and Banking at Cornell club president Darren shares how he leveraged networking, differentiated his background, and landed a Wells Fargo investment banking internship. Learn his best recruiting strategies, networking tips, and lessons for aspiring finance professionals.

Episode 51 | June 22, 2026

In Episode 50 of the Coffee Chat Podcast, University of Illinois student Yash shares how he chose wealth management over investment banking, the networking conversations that shaped his career path, and the recruiting strategies that helped him secure a Summer 2027 role with J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

Episode 50 | June 8, 2026

Amherst student Magnus shares how a pre-med background, healthcare passion, and authentic networking helped him transition into investment banking and land a 2027 Junior Summer Internship with TripleTree.

Episode 49 | May 25, 2026

How do you land a junior-year investment banking offer as a sophomore? Hadley shares the mindset, preparation strategy, and networking approach that helped her stand out, and why “just going for it” made all the difference.

Episode 48 | May 11, 2026

Eric shares how sending 25 personalized cold emails a day, traveling to meet bankers in person, and mastering interview prep helped him break into investment banking. And why persistence is the ultimate edge.

Episode 46 | April 13, 2026

Ike, a University of Michigan senior who earned a full-time offer at TD Cowen, shares how early preparation, including the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification® Program, helped him succeed in recruiting, and he breaks down what his internship was really like inside a leveraged finance and private credit group.

Episode 44 | March 16, 2026

In this episode of the Coffee Chat podcast, host Ben interviews Bentley student Sante about securing a highly competitive sophomore-year investment banking internship at Bank of America, plus how he earned a return offer. Sante shares actionable advice on preparation, technical skills, and taking ownership of your career development.

Episode 43 | March 2, 2026

A psychology major and college football player, Braedan shares how networking, repetition, and earning the Financial Modeling Certification® Program helped him land a junior-year investment banking internship from a liberal arts background.

Episode 42 | February 16, 2026

Recruiting from a non-target school isn’t about standing out on paper; it’s about building focus, earning advocacy, and showing banks you’re worth the investment. In Episode 41 of The Coffee Chat, we break down what actually works.

Episode 41 | February 2, 2026

In Episode 40 of the Coffee Chat podcast, Ben chats with Christian to unpack real stories from investment banking, lessons learned in private equity, and how the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification® Program helped Christian launch his career. Christian shares actionable insights for undergraduates navigating early recruiting and building the mindset needed to thrive on Wall Street.

Episode 40 | January 19, 2026

Learn how Jay broke into investment banking from a non-target school, transitioned into private equity, and now leads M&A in corporate development, all through early technical preparation, strategic networking, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Episode 39 | January 5, 2025

In Episode 36 of The Coffee Chat Podcast, host Ben and guest Stephanie Hockman, a former investment banker and executive coach, discuss the mindset, tactics, and pitfalls every student should know about networking. From building authentic relationships to asking the right questions, this episode is your guide to mastering one of the most important skills in finance recruiting.

Episode 36 | December 8, 2025

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

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