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 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

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

In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, host Mike sits down with Zach, a Fordham junior and Adventis-certified student, to discuss how to make the most of a summer finance internship. From learning to “be a sponge” to building connections across departments and staying organized during recruiting, Zach shares actionable insights for aspiring analysts looking to stand out in a competitive industry.

Episode 3 | July 2, 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