In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, we sit down with Dimitri, a 2022 graduate of Miami University of Ohio who charted a focused and deliberate path into high finance. From caddying for wealthy executives as a teen to landing internships at William Blair, Copley Equity Partners, and ultimately earning a role at Pritzker Private Capital, Dimitri shares the exact steps he took to break into the competitive world of investment banking and private equity.We dive into the power of early exposure, building a strategic network (80+ cold calls!), and why case competitions are your best friend. Whether you're a freshman just getting started or a junior looking for your edge, this episode offers real, tactical advice from someone who’s walked the path—one cold email at a time.
In this episode of The Coffee Chat, host Ben sits down with Jack, a first-year student at Miami University of Ohio, to discuss how to navigate the world of investment banking recruiting — from networking and technical prep to understanding the middle market vs. bulge bracket difference.Jack shares his early interest in finance and how he’s preparing to break into the industry, while Ben offers practical coaching on building authentic relationships, asking better questions, and standing out in early conversations with bankers.They also cover what makes the middle market such a strong training ground for future private equity professionals and how students can use storytelling, curiosity, and specificity to turn networking calls into real connections.
In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, we sit down with Brian, a Miami of Ohio graduate who has built an impressive career in private credit. From starting out with no knowledge of the field to working in Chicago, London, and Paris, Brian shares the pivotal moments, skills, and networking strategies that shaped his path. We dive into the technical demands of private credit, the differences from investment banking, the role of global experience, and the lessons he learned while traveling the world for a year. Whether you’re a student aiming for high finance or a professional curious about career pivots, this conversation is packed with insights, advice, and inspiration.
In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, our guest Kaushal Dhumal shares his journey from high school business programs to landing a remote internship at a private equity firm while studying at Indiana University. We discuss the reality of starting with grunt work, building technical skills, and the often-overlooked importance of networking. From early missteps in coffee chats to refining outreach emails for better response rates, he offers candid insights on making connections, overcoming common mistakes, and standing out in competitive fields like investment banking and private equity. Whether you’re a student breaking into finance or a professional looking to sharpen your networking game, this conversation is full of practical advice and real-world lessons.Chapters / Key Moments:0:00 – Early life and discovering finance in high school1:35 – Choosing Indiana University for finance1:56 – Landing a remote internship at a small private equity firm2:19 – Starting with origination and data gathering3:09 – Building contact lists and seeing surprising response rates4:05 – Transitioning to investor materials and modeling work6:09 – Balancing internship tasks with schoolwork6:29 – Strengths: taking initiative and problem-solving6:46 – Weaknesses: underestimating the importance of networking7:16 – Navigating finance clubs and finding alternative paths to connections8:03 – Leveraging competition wins to build credibility8:40 – Learning from the worst networking chat11:19 – Avoiding typos and small mistakes in outreach12:14 – Double-checking details like firm names15:25 – Insights on refining networking emails17:27 – The value of keeping messages short and to the point20:42 – Adjusting outreach style based on audience22:21 – Applying lessons from internship outreach to personal networking23:14 – Avoiding over-assumption when suggesting times in emails28:14 – Why growing within a company appeals to him34:47 – Career goals: leaning toward long-term company growth36:58 – Recognizing the importance of attitude in the workplace38:56 – How to go above and beyond when tired or busy45:00 – Closing reflections and key takeaways
In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, our guest Wayllon Lu shares his journey from discovering finance in high school to landing a role at a top investment bank — and why he decided to leave the traditional Wall Street path for a leadership role in corporate operations. We explore lessons from non-target school recruiting, networking strategies that actually work, the balance between technical skills and personality in interviews, and what it really takes to thrive in high-pressure environments. Whether you’re an aspiring banker, a career pivoter, or just curious about the business world behind the scenes, this conversation is packed with real-world advice and insights.Chapters / Key Moments:0:00 – Growing up in Chicago & early career exploration1:12 – The finance spark: Columbia’s corporate valuation course2:17 – Choosing Illinois & finding a business fraternity3:25 – Learning about investment banking through peers4:13 – Landing internships at a small bank and Moelis & Co.4:40 – Transitioning from banking to corporate finance at Pritchard5:26 – Choosing operations over investing roles6:32 – Why leaving the PE track made sense9:19 – Executing a company’s growth plan post-transaction11:09 – Non-target school recruiting mindset12:14 – Campus clubs & case competitions13:48 – Navigating the resume screen with networking14:59 – Two approaches to networking outreach17:27 – The game-changing New York networking trip21:04 – Maximizing email response rates21:36 – Beyond classroom learning: practical prep strategies23:03 – Case studies, modeling, and technical prep programs25:20 – How technical prep feeds networking success27:16 – Using certifications to stand out in conversations28:13 – Minimizing errors & making managers’ lives easier30:09 – Building confidence in high-stakes moments32:01 – The value of speed & efficiency in Excel33:15 – Why technical skills alone won’t win interviews34:16 – Behavioral skills, attitude, and coachability36:06 – Passing the “airport test” in interviews37:28 – Leaving a strong single impression on interviewers
In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, we speak to Michael Rose who began his academic career with aspirations of becoming a CPA, only to discover his passion for investment banking. From navigating Miami University’s strong accounting network to seeking out the challenge of breaking into banking, he shares how joining finance clubs, building technical skills, and learning the art of networking reshaped his career goals. This candid conversation explores the grind of preparation, the importance of mentorship, and strategies for standing out during recruitment and internships. Whether you’re a student exploring finance or a professional reflecting on your early career, this story offers insights into chasing a more challenging path.Chapters:0:00 – Choosing Miami University1:05 – Rethinking the CPA Path2:41 – Banking Club Inspiration4:14 – Exploring Finance Careers7:10 – Meet the Firms Event8:46 – Why Banking is Harder to Break Into11:17 – Networking Struggles & Strategies21:09 – Relationship-Building Tactics28:55 – Balancing Technical Prep and Networking31:25 – Target Firms & Preferences37:12 – Internship Success Strategies44:52 – Taking Initiative at Work50:07 – Knowing When to Ask Questions57:57 – Standing Out in Interviews59:35 – Storytelling in Interviews1:09:17 – The Lawn Mowing Business DCF1:10:54 – Preparing for the Junior Summer Internship
In this episode, Ben talks with Alex, a student from Miami University, about the unique challenges and strategies involved in breaking into investment banking from a non-target school. From delayed timelines and limited alumni networks to managing imposter syndrome, Alex shares his journey and lessons learned. Whether you're just starting to recruit or already in the game, this episode provides tactical tips for building confidence, owning your story, and turning non-traditional paths into compelling narratives.
Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
In this episode, Ben chats with Primm, a Columbia University student calling in from Thailand, about the unique challenges and opportunities international students face when pursuing internships and full-time roles in the U.S. finance industry.
From navigating visa sponsorship to building a targeted networking strategy, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and encouragement for those looking to break into investment banking or consulting from abroad.
Whether you're early in your college career or actively job hunting, this is a must-listen for international students eyeing Wall Street.
In this episode of the Coffee Chat podcast, host Ben sits down with Nick, a first-year student at the University of Illinois, to discuss early-stage recruiting strategy for investment banking. From navigating location preferences (Chicago vs. New York) to building your narrative, this episode gives a front-row seat to the decisions that matter most—early.
You'll hear actionable advice on how to structure a productive freshman summer, how many banks to target, why managing your story across cities is key, and what kind of networking milestones to hit. Whether you're a freshman mapping out your future or someone recalibrating your recruiting strategy, this is your blueprint to staying focused and competitive.
In this episode of the Coffee Chat podcast, we sit down with Chun, a student from the University of Illinois, to break down the dos and don’ts of networking in the high-stakes world of investment banking. From crafting the perfect cold email to standing out in interviews and transitioning schools mid-recruitment, this episode is packed with tactical advice and real-world insights.Host Ben Dowell shares practical frameworks for outreach, common mistakes students make, and how to carry yourself in a way that resonates with recruiters and bankers. If you're looking to sharpen your networking game, build confidence, or just survive the recruiting gauntlet, this episode is your new playbook.Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com⏱️ Key Moments:00:00 – Welcome and intro to Chun, background and career goals02:17 – Why investment banking attracts students: visibility, deal experience03:51 – Staying sharp on technical skills during the summer (skills = perishable!)06:23 – The “customer retention” mindset applied to financial modeling07:30 – Chun’s networking concerns and how to start cold outreach09:12 – The 3 parts of a great cold email15:13 – What to ask in your cold outreach (specificity matters!)18:17 – How to handle different banker preferences for calls (Zoom vs phone)20:23 – Who to reach out to first (start with alumni, then junior bankers)22:26 – Transferring schools? Here's how to get plugged in early25:14 – Best practices for following up before and after a networking call29:00 – Advanced follow-up: giving value and finding “homework assignments”31:15 – Maintaining your network months after initial contact36:17 – Who really pushes your resume forward (hint: it’s not recruiters)38:07 – Final advice on improving energy, posture, and nonverbals for interviews42:47 – Outro + Coffee Chat Newsletter & Internship Database plug
Today we're joined by William Li, an international student at UCLA preparing for their summer investment banking internship at Citi Bank.
Today we're joined by Andrew John of Calvert Street Investment Partners as he reveals the 4 MUST HAVE skills he looks for with all of his new hires.
Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
In Episode 18 of The Coffee Chat, we delve into actionable insights for landing roles at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Google. Our expert guest shares firsthand experiences and practical tips to navigate the competitive recruitment landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Effective networking techniques to connect with industry leaders
Crafting standout resumes and cover letters
Mastering interviews and case studies
Leveraging the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) to enhance your profile
Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
In Episode 17 of The Coffee Chat, we delve into the various exit opportunities available after a career in investment banking. Our expert guest shares firsthand experiences and practical advice on transitioning to roles in private equity, venture capital, corporate finance, and more.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the typical career trajectory post-investment banking
Evaluating the pros and cons of different exit options
Strategies for positioning yourself for a successful transition
Insights into the skills and experiences that are most valued in exit roles
In this episode, the discussion centers around comparing careers in private wealth management and investment banking, providing insights into the differences, benefits, and challenges of each path.
Key Discussion Points:
Day-to-day responsibilities in both fields
Client interaction and relationship management
Work-life balance considerations
Career progression and long-term opportunities
For those interested in enhancing their financial modeling skills, consider exploring the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) Program: https://adventiscg.com
Stay connected for more episodes of The Coffee Chat, where we delve into various facets of finance careers.
Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
In this episode of The Coffee Chat, host Ben Dowel sits down with Ryland Chandler, a sophomore at the University of Miami Herbert Business School, to unpack what it takes to break into investment banking—especially from a non-target school.Ryland shares his journey pivoting from a pre-law track to a finance focus, the networking strategies that landed him real conversations with bankers, and his plan to build a rock-solid technical foundation. Ben offers expert coaching on improving response rates, mastering cold emails, preparing for interviews, and converting networking calls into real opportunities.Key Takeaways:The right way to structure a cold outreach emailWhy technical skills are the foundation—not the finish lineHow to turn good conversations into real referralsBalancing academics, extracurriculars, and recruitingWhat makes you stand out in interviews (and what doesn’t)Whether you're from a target school or not, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice for any student serious about landing a job in investment banking.Learn more about the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
What Should I Be Doing as a Freshman or Sophomore to Build a Career in Finance?In this episode, host Ben Dowell chats with David, a student making impressive strides in the finance world, to answer one of the most important questions for aspiring finance students: How do I start preparing for a successful career in finance early in college?Learn practical steps you can take as a freshman or sophomore—from developing key technical skills to building a standout resume and making the most of your network.Whether you're just beginning your college journey or already planning for internships, this conversation offers clear, actionable advice to help you gain an edge in the competitive world of finance.Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
Want to break into finance? Learn key networking and career insights from Sebastian, a Texas Christian University finance student, as he shares his journey from Lima, Peru, to private equity. Host Ben Dowell offers expert advice on standing out, gaining hands-on experience, and preparing for opportunities.Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
Ben Dowell and Jake, a finance student at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, discuss strategies for landing a banking job across the border. Their conversation highlights key takeaways on networking, demonstrating commitment, and making yourself stand out in a competitive field.Sign up for the Adventis Financial Modeling Certification (FMC) program at https://adventiscg.com
