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

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, Ben Dowell chats with Rylan, a sophomore at the University of Miami Herbert Business School, offering expert coaching on improving response rates, mastering cold emails, preparing for interviews, and converting networking calls into real opportunities.

Episode 14 | March 10, 2025

Breaking into finance isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you set yourself apart. Ben chats with Sebastian, a finance student at Texas Christian University, to discuss his journey from Lima, Peru, to securing a double major and an internship in private equity.

Episode 12 | February 10, 2025

Breaking into investment banking from Canada presents unique challenges, but with the right strategy, it's possible to land a role in the U.S. In Episode 11 of The Coffee Chat podcast, Ben speaks with Jake, a finance student at Simon Fraser University, about key tactics for standing out.

Episode 11 | January 27, 2025

Attending a non-target school can feel like an insurmountable obstacle for many aspiring finance professionals. Limited access to alum networks, fewer on-campus recruiting opportunities, and the perception of being at a disadvantage often deter students from pursuing careers in finance. However, as Episode 7 proves, these challenges are not insurmountable.

Episode 7 | December 9, 2024

Networking in finance is more than collecting LinkedIn connections; it’s about building genuine relationships that reflect hard work, preparation, and authenticity. In Episode 6 of The Coffee Chat Podcast, host Ben sits down with Jackson, a sophomore at American University, to uncover the strategies that can make or break a student’s path to investment banking.

Episode 6 | November 25, 2024

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

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