A conversation with the right person can change the course of a career. For 20 years, the Financial Services Forum has helped make those conversations happen, connecting students with alumni who share industry insights, career guidance, and a firsthand look at what comes next.
More than 300 guests gathered on October 17 for the forum’s milestone anniversary, bringing together students, young alumni, faculty, and alumni experts for a day of programming focused on leadership, mentorship, and careers in financial services. Sessions explored topics ranging from the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry to building a career as an international student to market trends and specialized career paths, such as investor relations.
“I’ve been involved with the Lehigh Wall Street Council (LWSC) since its inception,” says Andrew Fife ’85, an LWSC board member. “One of the most rewarding things is hearing from alumni who attended our events as students and now share how much those experiences influenced their career paths. Many return as alumni because they want to give today’s students the same inspiration, guidance, and opportunities that shaped their own journeys. Seeing that lasting impact and their desire to pay it forward is what makes this work so meaningful.”
At its core, the forum aims to help students understand the breadth of opportunities available in financial services. While the event initially attracted business students, the LWSC has made a concerted effort to welcome students from across disciplines. Various deans have encouraged faculty to promote the event to their students, broadening its reach. Each year, more students from different Lehigh colleges attend, expanding perspectives and professional connections.
The forum also offers young alumni an opportunity to explore career paths they may not have considered when first entering the workforce.
“This was my first time attending the Financial Services Forum because I was too busy in my undergraduate career, and I gained a lot from it,” says Monica Wintermute ’25. “It provided more face-to-face networking, allowed me to reconnect with classmates, and gave me a better sense of direction moving forward.”
For Wintermute, the event also demonstrated the lasting value of the Lehigh alumni network.
“Classes of all ages came to the event,” she adds. “It goes to show you that the Lehigh alumni network is a unified family, not just a fleeting connection. They show up everywhere, not just at traditional events like Le-Laf.”
The forum’s influence extends beyond the event itself.
“The Lehigh Wall Street Council, and this event, have ingrained themselves into campus culture,” says Fife. “Student ambassadors mention it during tours to prospective students, faculty talk about it in their classrooms, and young alumni look forward to joining. We’re proud of that as an organization.”
"We are very fortunate to have such a connected and dedicated alumni community willing to work with students," says Michele Finder ’91, president of the LWSC. "Lehigh alumni want to see Lehigh students succeed and are willing to share their career paths, insights on their roles, and broad career and interviewing advice. We're lucky that our alumni work with students not just at the Financial Services Forum, but also with our summer events and panels, internships, networking, and mentorship opportunities."
Here’s to another 20 years of learning, mentorship, and connections!
In This Image: The team that brings the LWSC events to life
In This Image: Learning more about the world of financial services
In This Image: Engaged attendees in breakout sessions
In This Image: Michele Finder ’91, president of the LWSC
In This Image: The Young Alumni panel
