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

by Annika Flink, ’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.

Boardroom

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.

Internships: Communication is Key

By Communication Consultant Grace Kwon (Finance, ’23)

Internships: Communication is KeyWith summer slowly approaching, students are getting ready to take on a new and exciting opportunity—a summer internship. Before starting an internship, it is important to keep in mind certain fundamentals, such as how to develop good communication with colleagues—whether in-person or online. Here are some ways that students can effectively communicate with workplace peers:

1. Communicate kindly and respectfully

Make sure to communicate with your co-workers and manager in a respectful and kind manner. Use a friendly tone when speaking and communicating with others, as this will promote positive relationships. A respectful environment where everyone speaks nicely and kindly will reduce workplace stress and problems, and also improve teamwork.

2. Speak to the individual in-person/face-to-face as much as possible

If your internship is in-person for this upcoming summer, it is recommended to speak with your manager and fellow colleagues face-to-face as much as possible. Typically, meeting with someone in-person and discussing the issues firsthand is more efficient than simply texting or emailing. Additionally, speaking face-to-face with your manager or colleague will allow you to strengthen your relationship with them and gain their trust, which is essential in a workplace environment.

3. Ask for feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your fellow peers or boss! By asking for feedback, you can know what you do well, what you struggle with, and what you can improve upon; this will help you grow as a professional in the workplace. Especially when you are first starting off at an internship, it is crucial that you constantly ask about your progress, and view all feedback as an opportunity to grow. If your manager does not directly give you feedback, then you could always ask them directly.

4. Ask questions

Like asking for feedback, don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you are confused on how to complete a certain task, then ask questions on how to correctly complete it, as this is better than incorrectly doing the task without assistance. As an intern, your main duty is to learn through this internship, and one of the ways you will improve yourself in the workplace is to ask the right and relevant questions.

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.

Works Cited:

https://legacycultures.com/importance-of-respect-in-the-workplace-and-how-it-affects-employees/#:~:text=A%20respectful%20environment%20reduces%20workplace,working%20in%20such%20an%20environment.

Networking with Women in Business

By Communication Consultant Julia Mancuso (Finance, ’24)

Group shot, Building C
Saks, Ryan (2022)

Alita Friedman spoke of her success in the business world combatting a global pandemic at Lehigh’s Women in Business Conference, The Power of You: Creating and Defining Your Path. As Vice President of Community Engagement, I was tasked with working with the Women in Business Executive Board for the implementation of the Conference. The event took place on Mountain Top Building C on Saturday, February 26th from 9:00am-3:00pm. The agenda for the conference included a networking breakfast, panel discussions, workshops, and a keynote address featuring Alita Friedman.

As women in business, this networking event provided the ability for Lehigh students to network with Lehigh alumni in various sectors of the financial services industry. When asked about the event, sophomore Grace Rosevear ‘24 reflected, “This experience provided me the opportunity to network with Lehigh alum and learn more about the various opportunities in each of the companies. The conference made me more motivated to get involved.”  Speaking with other students, freshman Jordana Weiner ‘25 said, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to network with great alumni and start furthering my professional goals.”

This event provided the opportunity for Lehigh students to network with a wide variety of firms. Down the hallways of Building C, conference sponsors lined up and presented students with merchandise in addition to tips and tricks as they navigate the recruiting process. This conference targeted a wide range of students and highlighted the many benefits of seeking opportunities at an early stage of your career. This conference provided Lehigh students with the opportunity to dive deeper into their business interests and network with both Lehigh alumni and business companies.

I personally appreciated how this conference embodied the firm ideals of strong women embracing their education and personal background. Since the speakers at the Conference were women, this provided a foundational base for the core behind Lehigh’s Women in Business group. Tackling a global pandemic in the last two years, the speakers affirmed the courage and strength it takes to combat these challenges, evidencing strong confidence, resilience, and authenticity.

Group shot, presenters
Saks, Ryan (2022)

Whether you value solidarity in the midst of a continuing pandemic, or advancing your professional interests, it is never too early to start networking with like-minded professionals. If nerves are holding you back, we invite you to practice pitching yourself with an RCBC Communication Consultant.  We are peer tutors who can meet you wherever you are in your networking journey.

 

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.