Career Starter with Ashley Misquitta – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this conversation, Justin Cal shares his journey from a non-traditional background in life sciences to becoming an equity research associate at TD Cowan. He discusses the competitive nature of the job market in capital markets, the importance of networking, and how to leverage LinkedIn and informational interviews effectively.

Justin emphasizes the need for preparation, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for the field to succeed in equity research. He also provides valuable insights on how to stand out as a candidate and the significance of building a strong professional network.

01:18 Justin Cal's Background and Journey

04:45 The Power of Networking and Personal Connections

10:32 Informational Interviews (Coffee Chats) How to secure these

14:08 Characteristics of a Successful LinkedIn Message

17:33 How to Maximize Value From The Informational Interview

20:17 Showcasing Genuine Interest in Job Opportunities

28:44 Building Connections and Preparing for Interviews

33:09 Skills for Success in Equity Research

43:02 Routines and Habits for Staying Informed

40:29 Differentiating Oneself and Paying It Forward



🎤 Podcast Recommendations:

Business Breakdowns Podcast:    • Business Breakdowns

Capital Allocators:    / @capitalallocatorspodcast



📚 Book Recommendations: (Affiliate Links)

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham: https://amzn.to/3Akcq0Z

Mastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks: https://amzn.to/48yYzkb

The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks: https://amzn.to/3AdTBg1

Expectations Investing by Michael Mauboussin: https://amzn.to/3Aeg4tl

Think Twice by Michael Mauboussin: https://amzn.to/4fasvp3

Competition Demystified by Bruce C. Greenwald and Judd Kahn: https://amzn.to/40rq3WD

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Curious about the Career Starter Show?

Listen to Ashley as he talks about the future of the Career Starter show and who it's for.

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In this episode of the Career Starter Show, Ashley Misquitta sits down with Stephen Mostrom, founder of a content agency called Damn Smart and advocate for lifelong learning. Stephen shares how he built a standout career by committing to daily personal development and using online content to demonstrate credibility and skill. If you’re unsure how to build momentum in your job search or career, this conversation will show you how small daily actions—and a strategic online presence—can open big doors.


Chapters

00:00:00 Intro
00:03:33 Starting in the 2008 Financial Crisis 
00:07:08 What Happened at Silicon Valley Bank 
00:10:45 How to Pivot with Purpose 
00:14:21 The 'Develop Daily' Philosophy 
00:17:56 Job Search Advice for Students 
00:21:30 Career Experimentation = Career Clarity 
00:25:06 Using Content to Build Career Credibility 
00:35:48 What Great Managers Do Differently 
00:43:00 The Future of Work and Adaptability 
00:46:32 Job Search Advice for Students 
00:50:07 The 'Develop Daily' Philosophy 


🎤 Podcast Recommendations:

Andy Storch
Talent Development Hot Seat

📚 Book Recommendations

Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

👀 Recommend Follow on LinkedIn
Adam Broda
Austin Belcak
Reno Perry

To see all the Career Starter Program book recommendations, click here:

Connect with Stephen Mostrom
Sign-up for Stephen's Newsletter: Develop Daily Newsletter sign-up 

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In this episode of the *Career Starter Show*, I sit down with Garth Gibbes from Ivey Business School to unpack how students can build meaningful, standout careers right from school. We cover the importance of curiosity, how to approach networking, and the hidden habits of top-performing students. Whether you're an undergrad or MBA student, this conversation is packed with insights you can act on today.

🎯 Learn how to:  
- Make the most of your business school experience  
- Stand out to employers before you graduate  
- Build a powerful, intentional career path  

Garth's suggestions:
London's LEDC
Calgary's Economic Development Corporation
Women in Capital Markets (now called VersaFI)
Morrissette Entrepreneurship Center
Canadian Association of Alternative Strategies and Assets (CAASA)

SAP = System Analysis Program Development

🎤 Podcast Recommendation
Work Life with Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/podcasts/work-life/

📚 Book Recommendation

The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins 


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In this episode of the Career Starter Podcast, I’m joined by Jonathan Corrales — former engineer and program manager in the software industry. Today he is an interview coach who shares the powerful framework that helps his clients land jobs in under 10 weeks, even in a tough market. We break down:

- Why the “spray and pray” job application strategy fails
- How to build a standout resume and LinkedIn profile
- Jonathan’s signature “5 Core Stories” approach for interviews
- How to start networking (even if you feel like you have nothing to offer)
- Tips to rebuild your confidence and prepare like a pro
- If you want to get hired and start strong in your role, this one’s for you.


Our Guest: Jonathan Corrales
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancorrales/
X: https://x.com/readyinterviews
website: https://readyaiminterview.com/


Mentioned In The Show:
1. Austin Belcak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abelcak/
2. Study Academy of Management Journal: Assessing Creativity in Hollywood Pitch Meetings: Evidence for a Dual-Process Model of Creativity Judgments https://www.jstor.org/stable/30040623
3. Jonathan refers to FANGS. "“A loop to one of the FANGS." This refers to :Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, Google.
4. Careerflow.ai: https://www.careerflow.ai/
5. Teal or Teal HQ: AI Resume builder: https://www.tealhq.com/
6. Jeff H. Sipes YouTube Channel: Interview negotiation advice https://www.youtube.com/@jeffhsipepi
7. Adam Broda, Broda Coaching: https://www.brodacoaching.com/
8. Reno Perry: Career Coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renoperry/
9. Madeline Mann, Self Made Millennial: https://www.youtube.com/@SelfMadeMillennial
10: Colleen Paulson: De-age your resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenmpaulson/

📚 Book Recommendations:
1. Adam Grant, "Give and Take" : https://adamgrant.net/book/give-and-take/
2. Madeline Mann, "Reverse the Search": https://madelinemann.com/
3. What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles 
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1984861204/?coliid=I2UV77S8XTIEH2&colid=1YHBMFR2D918H&psc=1
4. Cracking the Coding Interview: https://www.crackingthecodinginterview.com/
5. Cracking the PM Interview: https://www.crackingthepminterview.com/


To see all the Career Starter Program book recommendations, click here: https://a.co/dAb1jZf

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In this episode, I had a great conversation with Alison Gilbert and you wouldn't believe some of the valuable advice she has for students looking for jobs in Equity Research.

Alison is a Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets and is in charge of hiring and managing the Canadian/US/UK team of equity research associates.

She does not hold back, giving an candid account of what she looks for in a candidate, what's going to help you get over the finish line and what can nuke your chances of getting the job.

Her insights are amazing and she shares a perspective that most people won't have heard before.

If you have any desire to work in equity research this episode is a must watch.



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🎤 Podcast Recommendations:

Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam

The No Good, Terribly Kind, Wonderful Lives and Tragic Deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman

Good Bad Billionaire

10% Happier with Dan Harris

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This is a must-listen podcast if you’re interested in investment banking.  Griff spent two years as an investment banking analyst at Morgan Stanley in NY and is now working in private equity. 

We really get into the weeds here. Griff goes into detail about how he did his job search all the way down to the script he used to reach out to people. Despite his impressive background, Griff had a couple of real setbacks along the way - he talks about how he overcame those. He also talks about what makes for a great informational interview - from the perspective of an interviewer. Late in the interview, he talks about what advice he’d give to an imaginary younger brother or sister who’s in the first year if they wanted to do investment banking; it’s not exactly what I expected, so make sure to stick around until the end. Anyway, this was an excellent show. You’re not going to want to miss this one, so let’s get into it.

Chapters

Here are some YouTube chapter headings based on your transcript:

1. Introduction & Guest Welcome – 00:00
2. Why Choose Investment Banking? – 01:15
3. How to Get Into Investment Banking – 02:27
4. The Power of Networking – 04:45
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Network – 07:19
6. Preparing for Investment Banking Interviews – 10:02
7. How to Stand Out in Interviews – 13:31
8. Overcoming Job Search Setbacks – 16:53
9. Landing an Investment Banking Internship – 19:01
10. Staying Confident Through Rejections – 21:08
11. The Formula for Success in IB Recruiting – 23:51
12. From Job Seeker to Interviewer: The Other Side – 26:17
13. How Informational Interviews Really Work – 28:23
14. What Makes a Great Candidate? – 31:22
15. Secrets to Succeeding as an Analyst – 48:20
16. Biggest Surprises About Investment Banking – 48:42
17. The Importance of Teamwork in Banking – 49:02
18. Final Advice for Aspiring Bankers – 47:28

Let me know if you'd like any tweaks! 🚀

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

• Mergers and inquisitions - 400 questions
• Rosenbaum and Pearl, Investment Banking
• Morning Brew podcast
• Business Breakdowns podcast
• Wall St. Journal

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Why most people are bad at interviews and how YOU can be different.

In this episode, bestselling author and master storyteller Matthew Dicks breaks down the surprising science behind storytelling, attention, and trust. Learn how to stand out in job interviews by telling stories that connect. Discover why most interview answers are forgettable and how to make yours unforgettable.
Plus: Find out why we talk about frogs in E.T.!

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Chapters

00:00 Intro 
01:01 From Spielberg Critiques to Moth Champion 
06:12 How Storytelling Builds Instant Trust 
10:05 Confidence Can Be Taught 
16:55 🎯 How to Build Your Story Bank 
24:45 Homework for Life: The Habit That Changes Everything 
33:40 🎯 Nail Your Interview With a Great Story 
40:25 🎯 How to Use Humor Without Falling Flat 
46:25 🎯 Want to Stand Out? Be the Zebra 
55:05 The One Slide Tip That’ll Make You Look Like a Pro 
01:01:35 The Pop-Tart Rule (And Other Storytelling Mistakes) 


🎤 Podcast Recommendations:
The Moth Podcast:   ( on Youtube)
Matt recommends listening to The Moth to naturally absorb the structure and rhythm of great stories.
“You start to pick up on strategies almost without trying.”

Speak Up with Matthew and Elysha Dicks


📚 Book Recommendations:
Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks
A must-read guide to becoming a better storyteller—whether you’re on a stage, in a meeting, or in a job interview. Packed with actionable strategies like “Homework for Life” and the “5-second moment,” it’s one of the most practical storytelling books out there.
Ashley directly endorses it as a must-read.
“Everyone should read it… then reread it every couple of years.”
Matt also references it when explaining concepts like the five-second moment and Homework for Life.

📣 Connect with Matthew Dicks: https://matthewdicks.com/

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Melissa Wilson drops a truth bomb on every student dreaming of a marketing job: passion isn’t enough—proof is.
As the National Head of Marketing & Communications at Doane Grant Thornton LLP, Melissa’s hired students, mentored grads, and built teams across Canada. In this episode, she reveals the 3 traits that make early-career candidates irresistible: curiosity, follow-through, and cultural fit. If you want to break into marketing without experience—or even without an internship—this is your blueprint.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction
01:01 - The Real Job of a Marketer
04:38 - Why Passion Isn’t Enough
07:11 - What Makes Students Stand Out
10:40 - Can You Learn Marketing in School?
15:00 - How to Get Experience Without a Job
20:55 - Pro Tips from a Top Recruiter
25:08 - The Follow-Up That Got the Job
28:18 - Marketing with AI and Data
34:42 - Your Questions, Answered
39:15 - Final Advice: Stay Curious

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📚 Book Recommendations: 
Think Again by Adam Grant 
https://www.amazon.ca/Think-Again-Grant-Adam/dp/0753553910

Change by JohnP. Kotter: https://a.co/d/dDxxCgq

📩 Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-wilson-24a7b238/

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To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

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If you’re watching this in your second year, you may already be behind.
Finance recruiting doesn’t wait. It starts early—and moves fast.

In this episode of the Career Starter Podcast, I sit down with Laura Kay (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/laurakay3108), who leads campus recruiting at National Bank, to break down exactly:
- When you need to start preparing (hint: yesterday)
- What separates offers from rejections
- How students unknowingly disqualify themselves
- The small things that make a big impression

If you want a summer internship in investment banking, sales & trading, or equity research, you can’t afford to wing it.

🎧 Start watching now. Your future competition probably already has.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - 🎬 Teaser: Don’t Miss Your Shot
00:01:29 - Laura’s Role and the Growth of Campus Recruiting  
00:04:35 - What Students Ask in Coffee Chats  
00:05:43 - When to Start Recruiting (It’s Earlier Than You Think)  
00:08:55 - Use Chats to Explore Other Finance Paths  
00:10:30 - The First-Year Student Who Stood Out  
00:13:45 - Didn’t Land It? Do the Right Things Next  
00:17:38 - About clubs 
00:19:52 - Be Proactive and Make the Connection Clear  
00:22:30 - Laura’s Advice to First-Year Students  
00:24:17 - Write on LinkedIn
00:25:01 - Stock Pitches   
00:27:22 - You Have to Love the Industry to Last  
00:27:30 - What Looks Good for Different Finance Roles  
00:28:30 - Financial Modelling Is Becoming a Must-Have  
00:29:32 - Grades help Narrow Down the Applications  
00:34:34 - Go Beyond Membership: Build Real Experience  
00:36:00 - Your Internship Is a Four-Month Job Interview  
00:39:01 - How to Build Referral-Worthy Relationships  
00:40:33 - A Referral Is Their Reputation on the Line  
00:42:32 - “I Like a Good Cover Letter” (When They Matter)  
00:48:50 - If You Don’t Know the Answer, Say So  
00:50:53 - How Recruiters Use LinkedIn (And Why You Should Too)  
00:53:10 - Why Basic Coding Knowledge Is Gaining Importance  
00:54:45 - How Students Shoot Themselves in the Foot  
00:56:32 - Send the Thank You Note (Seriously)  
00:58:36 - Just Get Your Foot in the Door  
01:10:00 - Thank You & Closing Remarks


🎤 Podcast Recommendations:
Business Breakdowns
Acquired
Odd Lots
Invest Like The Best

Connect with Laura Kay: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/laurakay3108

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