Pre-Professional Finance Fast-Track Program

    The Pre-Professional Finance Fast-Track Program is designed to provide incoming students with the opportunity to access an accelerated course progression in order to prepare them for investment banking recruiting and other competitive careers in finance.  Accepted students will take recommended accounting and finance courses in their first two years at St. Olaf.  Students participating in this opportunity must eventually choose an economics major with a finance emphasis.  (Adding a second major or concentration or withdrawing from the opportunity is permitted.)

    Course Plan for Pre-Professional Finance Fast-Track Opportunity (Business Department Page)

    Investment banks and other related firms recruit students midway through their sophomore year for junior year internships – 14-16 months in advance! 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, skills, and connections to be successful.

    The Piper Center for Vocation and Career has developed a four-year co-curricular outline that provides suggested co-curricular activities for students with career interests in finance. Students are strongly encourage to meet regularly with a Piper Center business coach.

    Technology Recommendation: PC-based computers are the standard for careers in finance.

    Questions: Contact Bryan Shealer or Kirsten Cahoon in the Piper Center.

    Application Details:

    • The Class of 2030 is invited to APPLY HERE.
    • Priority Deadline: August 28, 2026 | Final Deadline: October 11, 2026

    Planning your Economics Major

    Area of Emphasis in Finance

    GPA Requirement

    Students must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, evaluated after J-term of your first-year, to remain in the Finance Fast Track. This standard is designed to support your success in the recruiting process. Internships in investment banking, M&A, venture capital, private equity, and private banking are competitive – employers typically use a 3.5 or higher GPA as a common minimum when recruiting students.

    Please note that stepping out of the Finance Fast Track does not prevent you from pursuing the finance emphasis or taking any finance courses offered at St. Olaf in your junior or senior year. Many other roles in finance are available for a wide variety of students.

    Four-Year Co-Curricular Recommendations: Finance

    Additional Resources and Opportunities: