Stage 1: Summer Virtual Asynchronous Program
July 1 – August 21, 2026
To prepare students before setting foot in a classroom this fall, the Center for Applied Finance kicks off with a virtual, asynchronous summer curriculum. Designed specifically for the fast-tracked 2026 cohort, this self-paced preparatory program introduces foundational concepts in corporate finance, market structures and professional networking. By completing these technical modules over the summer, our students ensure they arrive on campus with the baseline knowledge required to maximize the high-impact, in-person events scheduled for the upcoming academic year.
Stage 2: The J.P. Morgan Takeover
September 2, 2026
Scheduled to take place during the first two weeks of the fall semester, the J.P. Morgan Takeover is an immersive, high-impact career exploration event. A prominent delegation of Lehigh alumni working across various divisions at J.P. Morgan will travel to Bethlehem and set up dedicated stations in a large hall on campus. Each station represents a unique vertical within the firm—ranging from investment banking and asset management to sales and trading. During this dynamic two-hour session, students in the Lehigh to Wall Street program will rotate from table to table, engaging directly with our alumni. This "speed-networking" format allows underclassmen to contrast different day-to-day realities, ask technical questions and pinpoint which specific career path aligns with their personal strengths and goals. The evening concludes with an open, relaxed networking mixer where students can cement these critical professional connections.
We extend our sincere thanks to Lehigh alumnus Adam Drum for his incredible leadership and support in facilitating this cornerstone event!
Stage 3: Fall Technical Bootcamps
September 7 – October 9, 2026 (Comprehensive Exam: October 9)
Following the J.P. Morgan Takeover, the program pivots into an intense, five-week technical training phase. The Center has partnered with a premier industry leader—known for training incoming private equity associates in New York City—to host live, synchronous instruction for our Lehigh to Wall Street candidates. This rigorous boot-camp focuses on the advanced quantitative and analytical skill sets required for competitive entry-level roles on Wall Street. Students will master core competencies, including:
- Advanced financial statement analysis
- Three-statement financial modeling
- Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation methodologies
- Real-world corporate finance case studies
To ensure absolute mastery, this phase culminates in a comprehensive final exam on October 9. Students must pass this exam to demonstrate technical competency and earn the right to advance to the next component of the program.
Stage 4: Preparation for Behavioral Interview Questions and Networking
October 12 – November 20, 2026 (Alumni Assessments: Week of November 16)
Candidates who clear the technical hurdle move immediately into professional development and interview preparation. This component focuses heavily on the behavioral and strategic side of the recruitment process. Students receive specialized coaching on refining their resumes for Wall Street eyes, practicing for automated HireVue asynchronous video prompts, mastering behavioral interview responses and developing structured networking strategies. At the end of this phase, students undergo rigorous mock interviews and evaluations conducted by our alumni partners to assess their readiness.
Stage 5: Final Bus Trip to Financial Institutions in NYC
December 28 – December 30, 2026
Students who successfully complete every milestone—the summer modules, the technical exam and the alumni behavioral assessments—will be invited to join the Center's exclusive bus trip to New York City during the final week of December. This immersive trip takes students directly into the headquarters of various premier financial institutions.
Rather than just a generic tour, this trip is a deep dive into the industry's mechanics. Students meet with alumni across different firms to analyze variations in corporate culture, team structures, and distinct application timelines. This exposure provides a rare forum for candidates to ask nuanced, final-stage questions, helping them lock down the exact details and professional connections required to successfully secure an elite junior summer internship.