The Best Advice to Get Jobs at Big Firms
Episode 18 | May 12, 2025
Breaking into top firms is not easy. The competition is fierce, the timeline is accelerating, and expectations are higher than ever. In Episode 18 of the Coffee Chat podcast, host Ben sits down with Ryan Sigman, a sophomore at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, to discuss his journey into accounting and finance, the lessons he’s learned through internships and networking, and his best advice for students who want to stand out in recruiting.
Building a Strong Foundation Early
Ryan’s path to finance began in high school, where he developed an interest in accounting. At Kelley, he quickly immersed himself in finance clubs and competitive workshops, including the school’s investment banking and private equity initiatives. These programs, he explained, were critical in showing him how far early preparation can take you.
As Ryan put it, “Recruiting starts earlier and earlier every single year. I really started my freshman year—joining clubs, learning the lingo, and figuring out what goes on in corporate finance.”
His commitment to getting involved early gave him not only technical training but also the language and confidence to navigate competitive recruiting environments.
Why Technical Mastery Matters
One of Ryan’s most impactful steps was enrolling in the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program from Adventis. For him, the value was twofold:
Hands-on training. “It’s not just conceptual—you get your hands on the keyboard, running through DCF, LBO, and operating models. You really learn what you’d be doing day-to-day on the desk.”
Higher-level thinking. Ryan emphasized that employers aren’t looking for someone who can just “plug away at formulas.” Instead, they want analysts who understand the why behind the numbers.
In fact, he completed the FMC® Program twice to deepen his understanding. That repetition, he says, helped him move beyond mechanics to see the bigger picture.
Ben agreed, highlighting that “one of the most important things you’ll learn in investment banking is how to tell stories through numbers.” For students, this means mastering both the technical details and the narratives financial statements reveal.
The Power of Doing the Work When No One’s Watching
When asked for his best advice to peers aiming for jobs at big firms, Ryan didn’t hesitate:
“Make sure you do the work when no one’s looking. Take 15, 20, 30 minutes out of your day—not watching Netflix, not on YouTube—and just learn. That’s what will set you apart.”
This mindset—treating time outside of class as an opportunity to build skills—helped Ryan multiply the impact of his freshman year. Whether it was reviewing keystrokes, studying market updates, or diving into Adventis’s financial modeling tools, his consistency added up.
Ben connected this point to the broader theme of integrity: “That’s what we call doing the right thing when nobody’s watching. It’s about choosing the harder path now so you’re prepared for the long term.”
Making the Most of Internships
Ryan is heading to New York City to intern with PwC in their Audit Start program, where he’ll gain experience in professional services while continuing to build his accounting and finance skills.
Ben offered practical advice for interns eager to impress:
In big meetings: Take detailed notes and stay focused, even if you don’t fully understand every topic.
In smaller meetings: Use those notes to ask smart questions, and look for ways to volunteer for tasks.
As Ben explained, “Your goal as an intern is to find a homework assignment. That’s how you demonstrate initiative, and that’s what builds your reputation.”
Learning from Networking
Ryan has also prioritized networking, speaking with professionals from junior analysts to managing directors. One MD reminded him of the importance of passion and perseverance: “Put in 110–115%. You have to outwork everybody else.”
For Ryan, this reinforced the reality of long hours and high expectations in top firms, but also the rewards of doing meaningful work.
Key Takeaways for Students
Ryan’s journey offers a clear roadmap for students aspiring to land jobs at leading firms:
Start early by joining clubs, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Master technical skills through programs like the FMC® Program to build confidence and credibility.
Do the unseen work. Use your free time to sharpen skills and stay ahead.
Make internships count by listening carefully, asking questions, and volunteering to help.
Stay resilient in the face of setbacks, and always give your best effort.
As Ben summarized, “Give it everything you’ve got during your internship. Don’t leave anything on the table. That’s how you set yourself up for a full-time offer.”
For students hoping to stand out in recruiting, Ryan’s story proves that discipline, technical training, and integrity can make all the difference.
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