On November 6th, members of Ivey’s FinTech Club embarked on an exciting journey to Toronto to experience a day of immersive learning, blending academic insights with real-world industry exposure. The Toronto Firm Trip was a carefully curated event designed to help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world, specifically business and computer science undergraduates and HBA dual-degree candidates.
Through visits to two leading organizations – American Express and EQ Bank – students gained valuable insights into the Fintech industry through engaging presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities. For many, the trip marked their first opportunity to engage with professionals in a formal networking setting, making the day both educational and empowering.
Morning at American Express
The trip began at the iconic American Express Building with an informative presentation that provided a deep dive into the company’s culture, recruitment processes, functional areas, and internship opportunities. Following the presentation, an interactive Q&A session engaged students to explore potential career paths and gain a clearer understanding of the company’s operations. The morning concluded with a 30-minute networking session, where they connected with representatives from various departments within American Express. The visit left attendees inspired and eager to explore opportunities in the financial sector.
Afternoon at EQ Bank
In the afternoon, the group visited EQ Bank’s downtown Toronto headquarters, where they were introduced to the firm’s products, organizational structure, and design philosophy. A dynamic Q&A session followed, during which students posed thoughtful questions about the bank’s strategies, challenges, and value proposition in the competitive FinTech space. The visit also featured a one-hour networking session, allowing students to engage directly with EQ Bank employees and gain a better understanding of their roles and professional journeys.
Opportunities for Growth and Connection
The Toronto Firm Trip proved to be a pivotal experience for many of the students, offering them not only a comprehensive understanding of the FinTech industry but also practical skills and insights that extended beyond the classroom. Through their visits to American Express and EQ Bank, students learned about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of FinTech. They also honed their networking skills, with many attendees connecting with firm representatives on LinkedIn to build their professional networks.
The Ivey FinTech club would like to acknowledge the generous contributions of Ivey’s Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab, American Express and EQ Bank.