sak624 Communication Tips

Networking Do’s and Don’ts from a Finance Professional

by Annika, ’27

Editor’s Note: This article brings insights from a successful alum currently working in a top bank’s wealth management division (cannot disclose for regulatory reasons). We spoke with him to gain his perspective and advice for students entering the industry. The alum will share his candid views on building meaningful connections, making lasting impressions, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Whether preparing for an interview or refining your networking skills, these insights will equip students with the tools to stand out in the finance industry.

Our alum spoke about questions students ask professionals during interviews and networking events. He commented that students should avoid shallow, canned questions, such as, “What is a typical day for you?” These questions show a lack of preparation and enthusiasm. Instead, students should express their interest by reflecting on deep research and formulating an opinion. Following the firm on current events, noting recent activity, and asking questions about why the firm pursued a project will naturally lead to deeper-level questions and conversations, demonstrating a more profound interest and understanding from your side.

Our alum stressed the importance of first impressions. The classic firm handshake and proper dress attire are small yet influential elements for making positive impressions. Beyond in-person interviews and networking events, students should prioritize proper dress codes for career expos and virtual interviews (hire views). 

Lastly, our alum spoke about the authenticity of undergraduates he networks with. He claims it is unnecessary to fake it and that it is obvious when students Google and present common knowledge. Although he encourages students to read The Wall Street Journal and stay updated with current events, he believes students should speak more to what they know instead of trying to impress professionals with what they have read. Instead, our alum suggests students talk about topics they are proficient in, such as their work experience, clubs, and organizations they are involved in. The professional will gain a stronger insight into who the students are, and these conversations allow students to speak to what they know.

For more insights on effectively connecting with others, our alumni suggested a book by Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

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sak624 Communication Tips

From Boardrooms to Operating Rooms: Communication at Work

by C.J. Wood, ’27

Through interviews with two professionals, this article reveals how effective business communication bridges gaps, resolves challenges, and drives success across industries.

Business communication serves as the cornerstone of successful operations across industries, acting as the bridge between confusion and clarity while enabling teams to work effectively toward common goals. Through interviews with two distinguished Lehigh alumni, we explore how communication shapes success in different sectors of the business world.

Zach Barket ’13 a private equity professional at Spire Capital emphasized the importance of choosing the right communication channels for maximum efficiency. He noted that while email chains might require 15 minutes to reach a conclusion, a simple phone call often resolves matters more quickly, directly contributing to increased productivity and profitability.

Barket also highlighted the dynamic nature of communication within private equity, where messaging must be tailored across the three distinct organizational levels of a private equity fund. “While your audience and approach may need to adapt based on different stakeholders, the effectiveness of your communication should remain consistent,” he advised. This principle becomes particularly crucial when managing broader audiences while still maintaining communication efficiency.

Thomas Zuewsky ’19 a medical device sales professional at Curonix. Zuewsky brought an unique perspective where effective communication can impact patient outcomes. In his role, Thomas must maintain clear lines of communication with multiple stakeholders including patients, hospital administrators, surgeons and his own company.

“Without effective communication skills, you cannot be an effective businessman,” Zuewsky emphasized. His position in medical device sales is in a niche market, so it requires both high business acumen and clinical knowledge. This dual expertise enables him to communicate effectively with surgeons and patients about clinical implications while discussing financial metrics with C-suite executives.

Overall, business communication is essential no matter what role or industry you are in. Communication can help with things such as problem and conflict prevention, enhanced productivity, increased creativity and innovation, and improved stakeholder relationships. Both Zach and Thomas emphasized that effective and efficient communication represents a fundamental skill in today’s business environment.