
Your guide to the early career journey — new issues every Wednesday.
Today’s Newsletter Summary:
Around 12% of you are planning to pursue a career in finance and consulting, so this issue is for you! Review some of the most recent finance internships available (some are for Summer 2025 and 2026) and the list of helpful coffee chat questions for you to ask professionals!
Additionally we have a feature today on a Capital One recruiter who’s here to share her insights and experiences in recruiting. Did you know the AI industry is now buzzing with news on DeepSeek, an Open AI competitor? Read below to learn about the most recent industry news + a helpful organization for those trying to break into tech!
💼 List of Finance Internships from F500 companies and more
📎 Professional Spotlight: Vivian Nguyen, Capital One Recruiter
📱 Recent news for the world/tech industry
🌐 Resource of the day Rewriting the Code
— Arlina Yang, Founder
P.S. CareerNow has a LinkedIn page, go follow the account here! We’ve just hit 1,000 followers on the page!!
If you didn’t find the Notion page of all the early career programs at the bottom of the first welcome gmail - here it is!
Finance internship roles with F500, Mid Sized Companies, etc
⭐ Bonus tip when applying these roles:
I’ve compiled a list of 50+ coffee chat questions that I use to get the most out of my coffee chats. I was able to receive referrals through coffee chats, and most importantly build relationships with people that I now call mentors!
If you’ve ever wondered:
What do you ask during coffee chats?
How do you phrase your questions professionally?
Are there specific question topics to bring up?
HERE is a list of 50 coffee chat questions for you to ask!!
🔔 Reminder to connect with me here on LinkedIn!

Professional Spotlight: Vivian Nguyen

Can you give us an introduction of yourself and your experience as a recruiter at Capital One?
Hi, I’m Vivian—a first-generation college graduate, early career mentor, and recruiter at Capital One. My journey has been anything but traditional, and that’s what fuels my passion for helping others succeed. As someone who navigated the challenges of being a first-gen student, I understand the importance of mentorship and access to opportunities.
In my role as a Student and Grad recruiter at Capital one, I get to connect talented, diverse individuals with roles that set them up for long-term success. Outside of recruiting, I recently started a Tiktok to share interview tips, resources for internships and new grad roles, and some behind-the-scenes of my lifestyle. My goal is to empower students and grads with tools and advice that I wish I had when I was in their shoes.

What do you think are the key components of a standout application/resume for a candidate?
Tailor it: Make sure your resume is customized for the specific role you’re applying to. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description.
Make it ATS-friendly: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter even sees them. Use keywords from the job description, keep the format simple, and avoid overly creative designs.
Show impact: Highlight your extracurriculars, leadership roles, case competitions, or relevant projects. Include metrics or tangible results wherever possible—for example, “Increased club membership by 30%” or “developed a project plan that saved 10% on costs.”
How do you recommend candidates prepare for interviews?
Preparation is everything when it comes to interviews. Here’s how you can stand out:
Leverage your network: reach out to alumni, peers, or recruiters whoa re familiar with the role or company. They can provide unique insights into the interview process and may share resources or tips you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
Participate in workshops and events: Many recruiters host interview prep sessions or provide exclusive resources to those who attend career fairs or invite-only events. Take advantage of these opportunities to gain an edge.
Practice strategically: Prepare responses for common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For technical interviews, review the key skills or frameworks relevant to the job.
Do you have any advice you would give to students going through this tough recruitment season?
The job market is undoubtedly challenging right now, but don’t let it discourage you. Here are three things to keep in mind:
Keep growing: Sharpen your skill set, work on meaningful projects, and stay curious. Building your portfolio or gaining certifications can set you apart.
Network intentionally: Sometimes, it’s not just about what you know but who you know. Attend networking events, reach out on LinkedIn, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or mentorship.
Stay resilient: Rejections are tough, but they’re not the end of your journey. Remember, every ‘no’ gets you closer to the right ‘yes’. You’ve already made it this far—keep pushing forward, and trust that your hard work will pay off. 💛
📍Connect with Vivian Nguyen here on LinkedIn to follow along her career journey!

Recent Industry News:

Jason Henry for the New York Times
Meta’s open source AI strategy is criticized as DeepSeek leverages it for recent breakthrough
Two years ago, Meta faced criticism for open-sourcing its advanced AI technology, but this decision is now seen as prescient. DeepSeek, a company from China, utilized parts of Meta’s technology to develop a cost-effective AI system that rivals top U.S. products, challenging the notion that superior AI requires immense investment.
This vindicates Meta’s strategy, showing that open-sourcing can democratize AI innovation, allowing smaller players to compete and innovate. The approach has also spurred similar actions from other companies, proving that open collaboration may indeed accelerate technological advancement. Read more HERE from the New York Times.
Chevron dives into AI power generation with plans for natural gas plants
Chevron is entering the AI-driven electricity demand market by planning to construct natural gas power plants connected directly to AI data centers. Partnering with engine No.1, Chevron aims to operationalize its first plant within three years, addressing the escalating need for reliable and affordable energy.
This strategic pivot reflects a broader industry trend where oil giants are transitioning towards power generation, a sector previously considered less lucrative than oil and gas operations. This move is driven by the massive energy requirements of AI technologies, forecasting a significant rise in the U.S. electricity consumption. Read more HERE from the New York Times.
Resource of the Day: Rewriting the Code
Rewriting the Code is a registered 501©(3) non-profit organization that empowers students and early career women in technology to belong in all spaces where the future is shaped. Through intersectional communities, actionable data insights, and continuous engagement, they advocate for equity, foster connections, and support the next generation of tech leaders globally.
There’s no wrong way to be a woman in tech, and Rewriting the Code exists to make the industry more inclusive for all of us. They offer free membership to its online community for women, provide access to educational programs, events, Youtube series, job opportunities, and even scholarships to assist with educational expenses. Join to shape the future of tech for women and check them out HERE!
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs
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