Kiran Patel
Kiran Patel is a 2018 economics major working as an Analyst, Rates & Foreign Exchange Origination/Research for Fifth Third Bank/Fifth Third Capital Markets. In this role he provides primary support to the foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives senior sales team by structuring, marketing, originating, and executing trades (linear and non-linear) for large corporate, middle market, investment banking, private equity, and private banking clients seeking to manage foreign exchange and/or interest rate risk via balance sheet and/or cash flow hedging. He also serves as the sole foreign exchange research/commentary/strategy provider for the bank where he provides analysis to internal partners, business owners, high net worth individuals, financial analysts, treasurers, and c-suite executives.
What advice would you give students who have an interest in finance?
Do your research regarding different career paths and opportunities for undergrads instead of following others. Also, make as many informational interview calls as you can and attend as many networking events as you can to help ensure what career path/location is right for you out of undergrad.
What WFU career resources did you utilize that were most helpful to you?
Some of my macroeconomic courses, Training The Street, WOWS network, WFU Charlotte Finance Club trip, WFU Finance Club Investment Banking Analyst program, career fair events, and info sessions.
What courses, activities or experiences gave you an edge in the job search process?
International Trade and Economic Growth and Development courses, networking events, informational interviews, and my internship experiences in Winston-Salem during the academic/school year.
What specific advice would you give regarding effective networking?
Do not be afraid to seek out people in more senior positions. I found those in senior positions who were Wake alums to be more helpful in the interview process as opposed to more junior employees. However, always be prepared with 3-5 strategic questions and keep the discussions no longer than 30 minutes. Developing mentor/mentee relationships during your internship and holding onto those are invaluable.
Are there any books, magazines, websites, etc. that you would recommend to students who are interested in consulting?
Know the Wall Street Oasis guide for investment banking, equity/fixed income research, and private equity interviews. Know current events, Federal Reserve policy, where certain indices are trading, and the basics of the U.S. equity market for sales and trading and equity/fixed income research interviews.
Any other advice?
There are many paid financial services internship opportunities available in Winston-Salem during the school/academic year to take advantage of. I wish I would have started freshman year to create more networking opportunities. It also helps differentiate you and your classmates at super days.