Why Being a Server Makes You a Better Banker
Episode 15 | March 31, 2025
On Episode 15 of the Coffee Chat podcast, host Ben sat down with Samantha, a senior at the University of South Carolina, to discuss her unique path into investment banking and why her experience as a restaurant server gave her an edge in high finance.
Samantha, originally from Cincinnati, knew she wanted a big state school experience and quickly immersed herself in finance at South Carolina. As she explained, her curiosity about the industry deepened when she discovered Adventis’s Financial Modeling Certification® Program.
Completing the FMC® Program not only gave her a strong technical foundation, but also inspired her to pursue investment banking with confidence.
Yet before internships at both a private equity firm in San Francisco and a bulge bracket bank in New York, Samantha gained formative experience waiting tables.
“As a server, you always have a million things on your mind at once. I loved that intensity—it was like a game,” she said. “That fast-paced environment translates directly into investment banking, where you’re juggling multiple deals and deadlines.”
She also highlighted another skill honed while serving: connecting with people. “I realized I loved talking with people, not just networking, but truly engaging in conversations. That’s invaluable in finance,” she explained. Ben agreed, sharing his own story of learning similar lessons while bartending in college.
Samantha’s journey didn’t stop there. She became a student trainer for Adventis, pushing her technical skills further, and earned a spot in the selective Finance Scholars Program at South Carolina. The club provided early exposure to rigorous interview preparation and networking skills that later made her stand out during competitive recruiting.
Reflecting on her internships, Samantha underscored the importance of initiative. “If you see an email come through, be the first to offer help. Even if you haven’t done it before, show that you’re willing to learn,” she advised. She credited her Adventis training with giving her confidence in Excel and PowerPoint shortcuts, small efficiencies that impressed colleagues and boosted her productivity.
Ultimately, Samantha’s story highlights how unexpected jobs can prepare students for high finance careers. Whether through mastering time management as a server or building technical fluency with the FMC® Program, each step equipped her to thrive in investment banking.
Key Takeaways
Don’t underestimate experiences outside of finance. The skills you develop, in resilience, multitasking, and communication, are exactly the qualities that will make you a stronger candidate on Wall Street.
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