From golf course conversations to a private equity associate role, Dimitri’s story offers a step-by-step playbook for landing top finance internships. Hear how he leveraged networking, case competitions, and the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification® Program to turn early curiosity into career success.

Episode 30 | October 27, 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

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 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

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

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

On Episode 15 of The Coffee Chat, Samantha shares how serving tables prepared her for the intensity of investment banking. From juggling orders to managing multiple live deals, her story shows why soft skills matter just as much as technical ones, and how Adventis helped her build both.

Episode15 | March 31, 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

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

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

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

This episode covers everything from identifying the right finance career path to mastering essential skills through the Financial Modeling Certification® Program. Learn how to build a strong network and stay resilient in the competitive world of finance. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance, this podcast episode offers key takeaways to help you achieve your goals.

Episode 9 | January 6, 2025

Transitioning from mechanical engineering to finance may seem daunting, but it is entirely achievable with the right mindset and resources. This episode reveals how leveraging transferable skills, gaining financial expertise, and embracing continuous learning can lead to success in a new industry.

Episode 8 | December 23

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

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

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