YES x Brainiacs September Meeting

By Celine Chung

On September 27, 2026, YES held its September monthly meeting organized through its collaboration with Future Brainiacs, a Dallas-based organization empowering students through peer-led education in areas such as STEM, academics, communication, and critical-thinking skills.  The meeting focused on helping high school students explore different careers in finance, data, technology, risk management, and entrepreneurship, along with the skills that will matter most to them in the future. Professionals from JPM Chase Home Lending, Wells Fargo, CSR Capital Partners, and Citi offered their unique insight on a range of different subthemes. 

One of the main topics discussed was risk management and careers involving data and technology. The students learned that risk management requires more than mathematics and finance; professionals must be able to recognize trends, understand potential risks, and communicate information effectively to help companies make decisions. Some less obvious risks discussed included AI, cybersecurity, politics, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of AI. The professionals noted that technical skills are becoming easier to develop with AI, making soft skills such as communication, relationship-building, and the ability to influence others even more important. The speakers encouraged us to start developing these skills early through different experiences and opportunities.

Another significant thing emphasized by Scott Siegel, Chief Risk Officer of Wells Fargo Home Lending Capital Markets, was communication, networking, and personal branding. Students learned that communication includes not only what they say, but also body language, facial expressions, and choosing the right method of communication for different situations. Networking is more effective when there is a clear purpose and prepared questions.. Notably, the speakers urged students to make themselves memorable by sharing their passions and experiences, as well as standing out among the crowd. Students were also encouraged to maintain relationships with mentors and professionals through appropriate social media use, since these connections can provide future opportunities and advice. The speakers emphasized that personal branding comes from consistently showing up, asking good questions, following through, and being able to actually deliver on what we say we can do.

Finally, the meeting shifted to discuss AI and the future of the workforce. Rather than AI simply taking over jobs, students learned that it will likely change and re-engineer how many jobs are performed, especially by automating repetitive tasks. Because of this, it is important to learn how to effectively use AI rather than fear it. Overall, the meeting showed students that preparing for a career is about more than choosing a major or developing technical skills. Communication, adaptability, networking, and relationship-building are equally important, and students are encouraged to begin developing these skills now rather than waiting until college or entering the workforce.