“I found my mentoring session with André very helpful, particularly because I came into it with very little understanding of commercial banking. My background is in life sciences and healthcare, and most of my career exploration so far has focused on consulting. Although I had become interested in commercial banking, I had not previously explored the area in any depth. I therefore needed a clear starting point and an honest conversation about what I should understand before deciding whether to pursue it.
André helped me establish that starting point. The session gave me a clearer way to think about commercial banking, how it differs from consulting, and what I still need to learn. Before the conversation, I was looking at opportunities and wondering whether I should begin applying alongside consulting applications. Afterwards, I understood that I needed to take a step back and make a more informed decision about whether the work genuinely interests me.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was how it helped me recognise the gaps in my current understanding. I knew that I was new to banking, but I did not necessarily know which questions I needed to answer for myself. André’s guidance helped me think more clearly about where I am now, what I am missing, and what I should begin doing next. Having that direction was useful because it made the process feel more manageable. Rather than treating banking as a broad and unfamiliar industry, I now have a clearer starting point for learning about it.
A particularly helpful message was that I should first develop a better understanding of commercial banking and assess whether I actually like the work. I took away a sensible sequence: understand the area, decide whether it appeals to me, and then, if it does, commit to learning and preparing for applications. If I discover that the work does not suit my interests, I should be willing to recognise that and focus my efforts elsewhere. That advice sounds straightforward, but it was an important perspective for me at this stage.
The conversation made me realise that I should not rush into applying for commercial banking roles simply because I have found programmes that look interesting. Before the session, I was at risk of moving too quickly from curiosity to applications without having a strong enough understanding of the career itself. André helped me see the value of being more deliberate. I would rather make a considered application based on a genuine interest in the work than spend time applying to positions I cannot yet explain my motivation for pursuing.
Another important takeaway was recognising how substantial the differences between banking and consulting can be. Because consulting has been my main focus, it had become my reference point when thinking about other careers. The session helped me realise that I cannot assume banking will involve similar work, suit the same preferences, or require exactly the same preparation. I need to understand banking on its own terms rather than view it mainly as another option alongside consulting.
I also appreciated that the session was useful even though I did not finish it with a final career decision. At this exploratory stage, greater clarity about what I do not yet know is meaningful progress. I now feel better equipped to evaluate my interest, identify what I need to learn, and decide whether commercial banking deserves a more focused place in my career plans.
Overall, André was very helpful, and the session met an important need for me as someone starting with limited knowledge of the field. Its greatest value was giving me direction and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to my next steps. I left with a clearer understanding of my knowledge gaps, a more realistic perspective on the difference between banking and consulting, and a better sense of how to move forward before committing to applications.”
Full disclaimer: my wife is the consultant and we're based in Boston. Currently, one of her clients (of her current 4) is based in the Austin area.
She gets direct flights home on JetBlue...although the times aren't always the best (she had to leave our house at 4:30 on Monday morning to hop the direct B6 flight). Her direct flight home typically leaves there in the evening and she's home by midnight. That's the only flight to get from AUS to BOS without connecting, however...
Denver has a huge airport -- you can pretty much get anywhere from DEN. We head out there every other winter to ski and have never had problems getting a direct flight there or connecting through Denver to West Texas to see my family. (Delays are another story on UAL, however).
Would like to echo what was said here.
I currently work out in Boston but went to school at UT. For recruiting purposes/see my alma mater, the only direct flights are Southwest and Jetblue. American and United will usually route through Dallas or Houston.
Austin has a really small airport and traveling will be a pain and if thats the deciding factor, then Denver gets the nod here. However, if considering other factors such as life/things to do (I may be slightly biased), Austin gets my vote here.
I fly out of denver a lot.
It is by no means a small airport and it has flights everywhere. It's also a regional hub (only big city for several hundred miles).
Austin will rely heavily on connections (AA to DFW, UA to IAH). Southwest may be your best friend.
As mentioned, Denver is a hub for UA and you can probably direct to a few places.
I know it's a Wednesday, but looking at flight aware these were the flights I saw departing DEN from 5:30 - 8:30 AM:
(5) Chicago (3) Los Angeles (3) San Francisco (3) Dallas (2) Houston (2) New York (1) Minneapolis (1) Atlanta (1) Seattle (1) Washington, DC
I'd assume a heavier schedule for Monday morning / Thursday evening.
Harum voluptatem earum autem ut. Qui eos incidunt excepturi et. Commodi laudantium aut enim quae. Quod a et optio qui corrupti non fugit. Alias cum cumque veniam natus tenetur magnam qui.
Fugit earum neque sed velit consequuntur. Est et suscipit incidunt ut. Tenetur impedit sunt consectetur architecto doloremque ratione assumenda. Sit quis aliquam doloremque voluptatem. Omnis tempore dolorem tempore et at. Eveniet aut velit quia amet molestiae magnam sed. In quos nam ducimus.
In quaerat et sed ut. Consequatur omnis sed animi rerum praesentium et ducimus. Autem laboriosam reiciendis debitis culpa laudantium.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...