#39 | Finance, FinTech & Entrepreneurship: The Skills That Actually Matter with Shaista Jaffer

Why do some students break into top careers… while others don’t?In this episode of Student Nation, our host Müge Tavas sits down with Shaista Jaffer, a FinTech professor, entrepreneur, and finance expert, to break down what it really takes to succeed at the intersection of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.From building a family business to pursuing a PhD in finance, Shaista shares how non-traditional paths can lead to powerful opportunities and why students shouldn’t feel limited to one direction.We dive into what finance actually means, how FinTech and AI are reshaping the industry, and the skills you need today to stay ahead. Along the way, she shares practical advice on finding mentors, building confidence in competitive environments, and positioning yourself as a thought leader early in your career.Whether you’re interested in finance, entrepreneurship, or simply figuring out your next step, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right now.To keep up with Shaista’s work and insights, you can connect with her on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaista-jaffer-02670872/Student Nation Podcast — Systems, Stories, and Strategies that actually work for life.