St. Francis Xavier University welcomed a team of leaders from RBC Capital Markets in March for an engaging and informative seminar designed to help students better understand the capital markets industry and the career opportunities available in Atlantic Canada.
Gerald Schwartz School of Business faculty organizer Dr. Vijay Vishwakarma said the session brought together seven RBC professionals, including three StFX alumni, who shared their personal career journeys, industry insights, and practical advice for students preparing to enter a competitive, rapidly evolving field.
The visiting team included Riley Hurlbert, Annie Hennessey, and Zach Forsythe, all StFX graduates, along with fellow RBC Atlantic Capital Markets professionals Alex Flinn, Josh Franchuk, Keshawa Wijeyawardena, and Kyle Patterson. Together, Dr. Vishwakarma said they offered a comprehensive look at the structure of RBC’s capital markets operations in Halifax, NS and the growing opportunities within the Atlantic region.
The seminar opened with introductions, in which each team member shared their academic background, current role, and a glimpse of their pathway from university to RBC. They highlighted the teams they work with, the products and services they support, and how their roles connect to broader operations across the organization. This gave students a clearer understanding of the breadth of opportunities available within RBC’s expanding Halifax hub.
Throughout the seminar, the speakers emphasized several themes, Dr. Vishwakarma noted, that are important for students entering today’s workforce including standing out in a competitive field; the growing role of AI in finance; and networking and the power of the StFX alumni community. They also spoke about developing professional skills; professional credentials and lifelong learning; and women in finance.
Panelists encouraged students to pursue experiences that distinguish them, whether challenging courses, certifications, athletic involvement, or meaningful extracurricular activities. The RBC professionals also noted how artificial intelligence is integrated into daily workflows and encouraged students to develop strong AI literacy while using emerging tools responsibly and ethically. Alumni emphasized the lasting strength of the StFX network and urged students to reach out proactively to build relationships early in their careers.
Time management, technical competency (including Excel), and strong communication were highlighted as key skills for success in the fast paced capital markets environment. One panelist shared the experience of completing the CFA designation while working full time, highlighting both the challenges and the significant professional benefits, while another encouraged women in business to speak up confidently in the workplace, emphasizing the essential contributions women make in finance.
Faculty members also attended the seminar to understand emerging trends in the finance sector better.
Dr. Mary Oxner, Chair of the Accounting and Finance Department, participated in the session alongside other faculty members. “It was enlightening to gain insights from industry professionals regarding emerging trends in the field,” she said. “This information will be invaluable in developing contemporary finance courses and updating our current curriculum to align with industry demands.”
She underscored the seminar’s value not only for students but also for academic planning and program development.
The event concluded with an extended open Q&A period, allowing students to ask questions directly about career development, industry expectations, and workplace readiness. This segment, which organizers noted as one of the highlights of the event, sparked discussion and helped students gain clarity on how to prepare for the capital markets industry.
Senior student Ella Smith emphasized how valuable it was to hear directly from industry professionals, noting that their insights are crucial for understanding the essential skill set finance students need to develop to enhance their marketability.
Fellow senior student Liam McCullagh also noted the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence. He said that the speakers demonstrated AI applications in their daily work and encouraged attendees to learn basic programming languages like Python to remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape.
Following the Q&A, students participated in a networking session where they introduced themselves, asked follow up questions, and explored potential opportunities within RBC. A QR code displayed during the event invited students to join RBC Capital Markets’ early talent pool, enabling them to be added to the company’s recruitment system for future openings.
“The visit provided valuable insights for both students and faculty, reinforcing the importance of industry engagement in shaping academic and career development opportunities,” Dr. Vishwakarma said.
He expressed his gratitude to the student body for their enthusiasm and commitment to attending the seminar. He also extended appreciation to the entire RBC team for travelling to Antigonish despite challenging weather conditions. A special acknowledgment was given to Riley Hurlbert, RBC team member and StFX alumnus, whose dedication was instrumental in making the event a success.
