In this episode of The AiCR Exchange, Joe Furlong sits down with Patrick Zoro, Professor and MFE Program Lead at Lehigh University, to discuss how students move from the classroom into real careers in capital markets.
Patrick brings a unique perspective, having worked on Wall Street before transitioning into academia. The conversation focuses on what actually matters for students trying to break into finance today and how that has changed with AI.
They cover:
- Why coursework alone is no longer enough to get hired
- How AI is changing resumes, applications, and hiring dynamics
- The growing importance of networking, relationships, and soft skills
- How real-world projects and internships drive better outcomes than traditional learning
- What employers actually look for beyond technical ability
One of the key takeaways: AI can help build the perfect resume, but if everyone has the same tools, the difference is still the individual. This episode is a practical look at how hiring really works today, and what students need to do differently to stand out in an increasingly automated world.