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 of The Coffee Chat by Adventis, we sit down with Nik, a driven student from Miami University of Ohio, to unpack strategies for landing investment banking roles—especially when you're not coming from a "target" school.

We explore how to stand out in a competitive field, navigate the world of networking, and strategically approach recruiting at bulge bracket and middle market banks. Nik shares insights from his 70+ informational interviews, and we offer practical tips on relationship-building, following up, and preparing for success before and during your internship.

Whether you're aiming for Wall Street or regional markets, this is a must-listen for aspiring finance professionals.

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