Student Chronicles

Welcome to Fintech Talks: Student Chronicles! In this episode, we sit down with three exceptional Georgia Fintech Academy students and interns—Alison Gregg (Kennesaw State University, Junior), Asha-Lee Smith (Kennesaw State University, Junior), and Kenny Kim (Georgia State University Alumni) —as they share their journeys into fintech, insights on landing internships, and practical advice for students navigating their career paths. From leveraging LinkedIn and networking with industry professionals to mastering job applications and interviews, this discussion is packed with actionable takeaways. Whether you're looking for your first fintech opportunity or seeking ways to stand out in a competitive job market, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Notes/Summary: In this engaging conversation, Laura Gibson-Lamothe hosts interns from the Georgia FinTech Academy, discussing their journeys into the fintech industry, internship experiences, and valuable career advice. The interns share insights on networking, leveraging opportunities, and best practices for job applications, emphasizing the importance of company culture and personal growth. They also highlight the significance of utilizing university resources and LinkedIn for career advancement, providing practical tips for students navigating their career paths in fintech. 

Takeaways: 

• Networking is crucial; take advantage of career fairs. 
• Internships should align with your interests and passions. 
• Research companies thoroughly before applying or interviewing. 
• Tailor your resume to include relevant keywords from job descriptions. 
• Utilize university career services for resume and interview preparation.
• Leverage LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. 
• Engage in student organizations to build skills and networks. 
• Be proactive in reaching out to recruiters and alumni for insights. 
• Understand the importance of company culture and growth opportunities.
• Apply early to increase your chances of being noticed. 

Chapters 

• 00:00 Introduction to FinTech  
• 04:23 Diverse Paths into FinTech 
• 08:48 Internship Experiences and Insights 
• 12:59 Navigating Job Applications and Career Fairs 
• 17:49 Best Practices for Securing Opportunities 
• 22:51 Navigating Career Opportunities 
• 24:02 Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking 
• 30:26 Maximizing University Resources 
• 32:54 Application Best Practices 
• 38:56 Researching Companies Effectively 
• 44:03 What Students Seek in Employers 
• 46:37 Final Tips for Job Seekers 
• 50:21 Podcast Youtube Outro.mp4

Transcript

Podcast Transcript: Fintech Talks – Student Chronicles

Laura Gibson-Lamothe (00:17)
My name is Laura Gibson-Lamothe. Thank you for tuning in to another Georgia FinTech Academy podcast. Today, we have an exciting conversation, and it's not just because our guests are Georgia FinTech Academy students or interns. These students have outstanding backgrounds and are highly enthusiastic about the industry.

We thought today would be a great opportunity to bring them in for a discussion about what excites them about fintech, why they are pursuing careers in the industry, and to share some near-peer guidance for other students navigating their fintech journey. I’m really excited to have you all here with me today for the Fintech Talks podcast. Let’s start with some quick introductions. Allison, can you introduce yourself and share a little bit about your background?

Alison Gregg (01:10)
My name is Allison Gregg. I’m a junior at Kennesaw State University, double majoring in Finance and Marketing with a minor in Fintech. I became interested in fintech through the Georgia FinTech Academy after attending a club event where Ms. Laura was a guest speaker. Learning more about the fintech industry intrigued me, and I realized it was a perfect complement to my finance major. Since Atlanta is known as Transaction Alley, being in the heart of fintech made this career path even more appealing.

Laura Gibson-Lamothe (01:56)
I love that, Allison! And I love that you mentioned Transaction Alley—not many people realize how significant our region is in terms of transaction processing. It truly makes this area special for fintech.

Asha-Lee Smith (02:12)
I’m Asha-Lee Smith. I grew up in Jamaica and moved to the U.S. when I was 12. I’m also a student at Kennesaw State, and like Allison, I got interested in fintech through a club. I saw their table at an event on campus while I was looking to add a minor to my degree. I stopped by, asked a few questions, and from there, my interest in fintech grew.

Laura Gibson-Lamothe (02:39)
That’s great! I can relate to having an international background—I was born in Italy while my father played professional basketball overseas. I’ve lived in Spain, Holland, and Israel before coming to the U.S. So, we have a shared experience of moving across borders!

Kenny Kim (02:46)
Wow, that’s amazing!

Alison Gregg (02:55)
That’s so cool! I was actually born in Germany because my dad worked overseas as a military contractor. So, I have a German birth certificate.

Laura Gibson-Lamothe (03:04)
That’s incredible! Looks like we all share an international connection in some way. Kenny, let’s hear from you.

Kenny Kim (03:13)
Sure! Unlike you all, I was born and raised here in Georgia. I recently graduated from Georgia State University with a Finance major. My introduction to fintech came through the Fintech Certificate program at Georgia State, where I took a Foundations of Fintech course. My professor opened my eyes to the future of fintech, innovations in banking, and the wealth of career opportunities in the field. That experience led me to the Georgia FinTech Academy.

Laura Gibson-Lamothe (04:05)
That’s a perfect segue into our next topic—opportunities in fintech. Allison, Asha-Lee, do you have similar stories about what drew you to fintech?

Alison Gregg (04:23)
Yes! When I attended my first fintech club meeting, I learned about the industry's impact and how fintech aligns with finance. With technology rapidly transforming financial services, it made perfect sense for me to add fintech to my academic journey. The minor only required two additional courses beyond my finance major, so I figured, why not?

Asha-Lee Smith (05:09)
Same here. I first got interested through the Kohl’s Fintech and Payments Club at KSU. I’m double majoring in Economics and Finance, and I wanted to add a tech-focused component to my degree. While I wasn’t interested in a Computer Science minor, fintech offered the perfect intersection of finance and technology. I was also working on a research paper about the economics of international money transfers, and I found a professor who had published in the field. That exposure solidified my interest in fintech.

Laura Gibson-Lamothe (05:59)
That’s so cool! Listening to your journeys, I wish I had discovered fintech earlier in my career. My background started in Fine Arts and Graphic Design, but I quickly realized I needed a stable career path. I eventually transitioned into payments, where I found my passion for fintech.

(Continued discussion on career tips, networking, job search strategies, and insights into the fintech industry.)

Closing Remarks:
Thank you, Kenny, Asha-Lee, and Allison, for sharing your stories and insights. This has been such an informative discussion for students navigating their fintech careers. For those listening, we have exciting upcoming episodes featuring AI engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and other industry leaders. Stay tuned!