Building Strong Foundations & Navigating the Early Career Years

The first few years of your career are about more than just learning the technical ropes: they are about building the professional infrastructure that will support your growth for decades to come.

As the final installment of our 2026 Student Speaker Series, VersaFi invites post-secondary students from across Canada to a granular discussion on the “unspoken rules” of career success. Beyond the balance sheets and market trends, this session focuses on the human capital required to thrive in the finance sector.

Our expert panel will demystify the roles of mentorship and sponsorship, providing actionable strategies for networking that feel authentic and effective. Whether you are a post-secondary student still defining your career goals or a professional who is new to the industry, this session will equip you with the tools to navigate your early career years with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Understanding the difference and learning how to cultivate both.
• Strategic Networking: How to build a professional circle that transcends your immediate role.
• Early Career Resilience: Navigating the transition from student to professional in a high-performance environment.

Featured Speakers:

• Rony Malev – Financial Advisor | Ellevate Wealth Partners, Raymond James
• Lape Adeniran – Manager, Sales Practices & Compliance, Retail Distribution | Mackenzie Investments
• Leah Straight – Senior Consultant | IG Wealth Management