The Finance Fast-Track is designed to provide incoming students with the opportunity to access an accelerated course progression in order to prepare them for certain competitive careers in finance. Accepted students will take recommended economics and finance courses in their first two years at St. Olaf. Students participating in this opportunity should consider an economics major with a finance emphasis.
Finance employers are increasingly engaging with students in their sophomore year. Many major finance firms are hiring for post-junior year summer internships in the spring semester of the sophomore year! The Finance Fast-Track , in addition to academic advising and intentional coaching in the Piper Center for Vocation and Career, enables students to be competitive for these opportunities by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to successful.
The Piper Center for Vocation and Career has developed a four-year Co-Curricular Recommendation to outline suggested co-curricular activities for students with career interests in Finance.
It is recommended that students major in Economics or Quantitative Economics with a Finance Emphasis.
Early Recruiting: Many employers in finance recruit early! You may need to apply for junior internships (i.e. the summer after your junior year) during the beginning of your sophomore spring semester. This means you need to be engaged right away in your first year to prepare.
Technology Recommendation: PC-based computers are the standard for careers in finance.
Application Details
To apply for Finance Fast-Track, complete and submit the application.
(St. Olaf login credentials required.)
Incoming and current students are eligible to apply for the opportunity until the end of their first semester at St. Olaf. Students wishing to apply to the Finance Fast Track after their first semester should contact the Business & Management Studies Department for guidance.
Four Year Co-Curricular Roadmap: Finance
Co-Curricular
- Join the St. Olaf Investment and/or Finance Club. Consider other clubs and programs that align with your interests.
- Begin reading financial publications (Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, etc.)
- Participate in the Wall Street Prep Financial Modeling Training (Ole Career Launcher Program – applications open in spring semester and program is opened to students in May for summer.)
Career
- Meet with a Piper Center Business Coach
- Complete a resume and LinkedIn profile by the end of the first semester.
- Key question to investigate: Where is my fit (i.e. role/functional area) in the world of Finance?
- Spend time researching different functional areas within finance. Which areas spark your curiosity? Which areas seem to align with your strengths, interests, and goals?
- Network with 4-5 five alumni working in a broad range of finance roles (the best way to learn about an industry is to speak with someone currently working in it); use the alumni database and LinkedIn to locate alumni.
- Attend employer info sessions – some are arranged by the Piper Center but many are hosted by the employers virtually (lots of options in Handshake events!) Attendance at info sessions IS strongly encouraged by employers and can make the difference in landing an interview.
- Formal summer internships after your first-year are not common and not always necessary; informal opportunities can materialize through conversations with connections.
- Many firms offer first-year/freshman programs, especially for students who are part of traditionally underrepresented populations.
- Attend the Fall Recruiting Showcase to connect with firms – you won’t be eligible for internships yet, but this is a great way to learn about the employer landscape and what employers seek. Attend Ole Biz.
- Participate in the Chicago or New York Connections Program (if offered this year.)
Reading
- Some students may benefit from reading the following: Venture Capital, Private Equity and Investment Banking reading list
- All students should develop a daily and weekly practice of following the markets through key news sources. (Online publications, favorite and follow relevant companies/publications/organizations using LinkedIn.