Career Starter with Ashley Misquitta

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually take to build a successful career in marketing, and what do most students learn too late?In this episode of The Career Starter Show, Sarah-Jane Martin (Managing Partner, Chief Talent Officer and Associate General Counsel at Sprott Inc) shares the lessons she learned the hard way.  S.J. (Sarah-Jane) talks about how her thinking about creativity, data, and decision-making evolved, what she wishes she’d known earlier in her career, and where students commonly misjudge what employers value.We also dig into interview advice for early-career candidates, including how to demonstrate judgment, curiosity, and business thinking (not just skills), and how to stand out without trying to sound “perfect.” If you’re preparing for marketing, business, or strategy roles, this episode will help you think like a hiring manager.📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailWant to stand out in your job search? In this episode of The Career Starter Show, Ashley Misquitta sits down with Susan Gygax, a talent acquisition leader who has hired for multi-billion-dollar companies. Susan breaks down why STAR stories are outdated, how recruiters actually evaluate candidates in 2025, and the LinkedIn mistakes that quietly cost students interviews.You’ll learn the 5 core business problems behind every job, how to craft interview answers that resonate, how to spot red and green flags on your own LinkedIn profile, and how to navigate interviews when the interviewer is inexperienced.If you’re a business-school student or early-career professional trying to get hired — this episode is a masterclass.🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why STAR answers can make you sound rigid and outdated- The people-skills hiring managers prioritize in 2025- How to read a job posting for the real problem you’re being hired to solve- The LinkedIn signals that get you shortlisted- How to follow up after a weak interview- A mindset shift that puts your career progress back in your control📕 Chapters:00:00 Intro00:55 Why STAR Stories Fail in 202502:17 What Hiring Managers Really Look For Now07:50  Susan’s Background: 28 Years in Talent Acquisition13:00  Find the Story Thread Behind Every Job14:09  5 Core Problems16:59  Problem: Not Getting Interviews18:38  Fix Your LinkedIn: Green Flags Recruiters Love23:14 The Trust Recession: Why Proof Matters More Than Ever24:27 Should You Message Recruiters? (The Real Answer)35:50 Handling Inexperienced Interviewers L🔗 Connect with Susan Gygax “You are your only determining factor”Spectacle Talent Partners LinkedIn: Susan Gygax 📚 Book Recommendations:Unreasonable Hospitality Simon Sinek’s booksRange by David Epstein, 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailWhy 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.!Sign up for our weekly newsletter Chapters00:00 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 DicksA 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/📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailMelissa 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.Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter - https://ashleymisquitta.com/?page_id=2749CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction01:01 - The Real Job of a Marketer04:38 - Why Passion Isn’t Enough07:11 - What Makes Students Stand Out10:40 - Can You Learn Marketing in School?15:00 - How to Get Experience Without a Job20:55 - Pro Tips from a Top Recruiter25:08 - The Follow-Up That Got the Job28:18 - Marketing with AI and Data34:42 - Your Questions, Answered39:15 - Final Advice: Stay Curious---📚 Book Recommendations: Think Again by Adam Grant https://www.amazon.ca/Think-Again-Grant-Adam/dp/0753553910Change by JohnP. Kotter: https://a.co/d/dDxxCgq📩 Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-wilson-24a7b238/📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailIf 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 impressionIf 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.CHAPTERS00:00 - 🎬 Teaser: Don’t Miss Your Shot00:01:29 - 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 LinkedIn00:25:01 - 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 BreakdownsAcquiredOdd LotsInvest Like The BestConnect with Laura Kay: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/laurakay3108📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailMcKinsey Consultant Rashi Kakkar reveals why "human skills" matter more than technical expertise in consulting. She shares her unique journey and the networking conversation that changed everything, breaks down the real interview process, and explains how consulting builds a high "metabolic rate" that accelerates your entire career. Essential insights for any business school student considering consulting.** The opinions expressed by Rashi are her views and do not reflect the views of any organization mentioned in the show.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro & Rashi's Background02:38 - What Drew Her to Consulting05:25 - What Consultants Actually Do08:58 - The Biggest Surprise About Consulting11:39 - Why You Need Broad Skills (T-Shaped Career)14:05 - The "Metabolic Rate" Advantage19:45 - Why Ex-Consultants Succeed Everywhere26:16 - Work/Life Balance Strategy30:03 - Staffing & Project Selection34:20 - What Makes a Stellar Resume41:33 - Getting the Interview (Resume & Networking)43:21 - Rashi's Networking Success Story49:10 - Why McKinsey Doesn't Ask "Why Consulting?"52:10 - The Interview Process Breakdown55:10 - Case Interview Prep & Strategy1:01:21 - The Secret to Standing Out in Interviews1:09:37 - Career Takeaways & Final Advice🎤 Podcast Recommendations:Reed Hoffman's "Blitzscaling" podcast (business building focus)Freakonomics podcastMcKinsey podcastDeloitte podcastGeneral business/tech news podcasts📚 Book Recommendations: Never Enough by Jennifer WallaceThe Good Enough Job by Simone StolzoffTo reach Rashi Kakkar: Threads| Twitter(X) | Newsletter | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Podcast  To see all the Career Starter Program book recommendations, click here: https://a.co/dAb1jZf📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailSign up for our FREE weekly newsletter 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.Chapters00:00:00 Intro00:03:33 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 StorchTalent Development Hot Seat📚 Book RecommendationsMillion Dollar Weekend by Noah KaganHidden Potential by Adam Grant👀 Recommend Follow on LinkedInAdam BrodaAustin BelcakReno PerryTo see all the Career Starter Program book recommendations, click here: Connect with Stephen MostromSign-up for Stephen's Newsletter: Develop Daily Newsletter sign-up 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 LEDCCalgary's Economic Development CorporationWomen in Capital Markets (now called VersaFI) Morrissette Entrepreneurship CenterCanadian Association of Alternative Strategies and Assets (CAASA) SAP = System Analysis Program Development🎤 Podcast RecommendationWork Life with Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/podcasts/work-life/📚 Book RecommendationThe First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins 📩 Subscribe for more episodes, and check out the free B-School Hub newsletter to get key takeaways from this and every episode.📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailSign up for our FREE weekly newsletter 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 CorralesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancorrales/X: https://x.com/readyinterviewswebsite: 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/300406233. 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/@jeffhsipepi7. 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/@SelfMadeMillennial10: 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=14. 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📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailSign up for our FREE newsletter! 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.Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter 🎤 Podcast Recommendations:Six Billion Dollar Gold ScamThe No Good, Terribly Kind, Wonderful Lives and Tragic Deaths of Barry and Honey ShermanGood Bad Billionaire 10% Happier with Dan Harris📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailThis 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.ChaptersHere are some YouTube chapter headings based on your transcript:Introduction & Guest Welcome – 00:00Why Choose Investment Banking? – 01:15How to Get Into Investment Banking – 02:27The Power of Networking – 04:45Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Network – 07:19Preparing for Investment Banking Interviews – 10:02How to Stand Out in Interviews – 13:31Overcoming Job Search Setbacks – 16:53Landing an Investment Banking Internship – 19:01Staying Confident Through Rejections – 21:08The Formula for Success in IB Recruiting – 23:51From Job Seeker to Interviewer: The Other Side – 26:17How Informational Interviews Really Work – 28:23What Makes a Great Candidate? – 31:22Secrets to Succeeding as an Analyst – 48:20Biggest Surprises About Investment Banking – 48:42The Importance of Teamwork in Banking – 49:02Final Advice for Aspiring Bankers – 47:28Let me know if you'd like any tweaks! 🚀Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:Mergers and inquisitions - 400 questionsRosenbaum and Pearl, Investment BankingMorning Brew podcastBusiness Breakdowns podcastWall St. Journal📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 Journey04:45 The Power of Networking and Personal Connections10:32 Informational Interviews (Coffee Chats) How to secure these14:08 Characteristics of a Successful LinkedIn Message17:33 How to Maximize Value From The Informational Interview20:17 Showcasing Genuine Interest in Job Opportunities28:44 Building Connections and Preparing for Interviews33:09 Skills for Success in Equity Research43:02 Routines and Habits for Staying Informed40:29 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/3Akcq0ZMastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks: https://amzn.to/48yYzkbThe Most Important Thing by Howard Marks: https://amzn.to/3AdTBg1Expectations Investing by Michael Mauboussin: https://amzn.to/3Aeg4tlThink Twice by Michael Mauboussin: https://amzn.to/4fasvp3Competition Demystified by Bruce C. Greenwald and Judd Kahn: https://amzn.to/40rq3WD📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: 

Send us Fan MailSign up for the newsletter "The B-School Hub" for free at https://ashleymisquitta.com/?page_id=2749Curious about the Career Starter Show?Listen to Ashley as he talks about the future of the Career Starter show and who it's for.📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!!LinkedIn, website, XP.S.To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here: