Opening Pathways into Alt-Finance with Landing Point
Earlier this May, The City Tutors partnered with Landing Point for a mentorship event that brought learners inside a world that often feels closed off.
More than 30 students and recent alumni from across the CUNY system stepped into Landing Point’s Midtown office to explore what careers in alt-finance actually look like, and how to access them. Some were encountering these paths for the first time. Others had been knocking on the door for years. All came with drive, questions, and the readiness to turn curiosity into action.
Wall Street no longer has a physical wall, but for many, the barriers still feel real. They are built from networks, exposure, and access that most never get. Alt-finance, in particular, remains gated. Firms serving high-net-worth clients rarely show how people get in—or where others might fit. This event opened that door. Learners had the opportunity to speak directly with recruiters, ask targeted questions, and begin to see how their own skills and experiences could align with roles across the full spectrum of the industry.
The experience was structured around small-group rotations, creating space for focused, candid exchanges. Through those conversations, learners deepened their understanding of how these firms operate and where they might fit—whether in strategy, tech, compliance, client engagement, or operations. They heard what makes a candidate stand out, how to build confidence and presence, and how to pursue their goals with clarity and intention.
Garri Rivkin, Executive Director of The City Tutors, shared:
For our learners, alt-finance isn’t just about earning more. It’s about doing smart, challenging work and being part of the industries that shape the world around them. They want to lead, to build, to represent where they come from at the highest levels. These firms influence neighborhoods, companies, and communities. Our learners have the talent to be part of that, and this event gave them a real opening to see how and where they fit.
Carlo Coumoutsos, Managing Partner at Landing Point, added:
It was our pleasure having so many intelligent and determined young professionals in our Midtown office. From the second they arrived (promptly I may add, despite the unfortunate downpour that day), they showed a desire to listen, learn, and adapt, knowing the uphill climb that lies ahead in the ever-competitive investment management space. Their questions were thoughtful, and their responses genuine. We at LP cannot wait to see what’s in store over the next few months/years for these impressive individuals. One thing is for sure—they refuse to be denied.
A few reflections offer a peek into what it looked like when the door opened, even briefly, and learners got to step through:
“Meeting my mentor in person was inspiring. I learned how to own my presence and stay open to different paths into the industry.” – Anastasiia, Baruch College
“This was my first City Tutors event. I left knowing that follow-ups, coffee chats, and perseverance matter more than any single resume bullet.” – Yamin, Baruch College
“Just watching how others introduce themselves helped me build confidence in my own approach.” – Rachael, Queens College
“Craft your narrative. Show grit. Keep moving forward.” – Brandon, Baruch College
“Being your own best advocate and asking thoughtful questions can open doors. That really stuck with me.” – Delgardo Hutchinson, Lehman College
When mentorship is built on access, honesty, and care, it helps learners see themselves differently—and pursue what once felt out of reach.
We are grateful to the Landing Point team for helping make that possible.