Achieving Leadership in Finance
A Peer Leadership Program for Business Management Students
The Finance Leaders Program empowers high-performing Business Management students to serve as peer leaders and role models within the College of Business finance community.
Students in the Finance Leaders Program, referred to as Finance Leaders, receive priority access to the program’s signature Finance Innovation Challenge. Working in teams with guidance from industry mentors, students develop high-impact projects that are presented at Finance Day. Through this experiential-learning opportunity, participants strengthen their technical, analytical, and professional skills; expand their industry networks; and enhance their readiness for careers in finance.
Application Deadline
- 2026–2027 Academic Year: October 15, 2026
Benefits to Finance Leaders
Finance Leaders gain access to distinctive experiential-learning, professional-development, and graduate-study opportunities, including:
- Priority access to industry mentorship from prominent finance practitioners and leaders.
- Participation in the College of Business’ signature Finance Innovation Challenge and dedicated networking event, Finance Day.
- Eligibility for Finance Innovation Challenge team awards.
- Opportunities to strengthen leadership and communication skills through visible roles at program events.
- Stronger career positioning through documented, hands-on experiential learning.
Admission
Admission to the Finance Leaders Program for the pilot 2026–2027 academic year is open to Business Management majors in U2 or U3 standing (sophomore or junior) who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Overall GPA of 3.6 or higher
- A-minus or better in BUS 301: Business Communication or BUS 215: Introduction to Business Statistics
- A-minus or better in BUS 330: Principles of Finance or BUS 355: Investment Analysis
- Demonstrated leadership potential
Finance Innovation Challenge Team Awards
| Award | Amount |
| First Prize | One award of $3,000 |
| Second Prize | Two awards of $2,000 each |
| Third Prize | Three awards of $1,000 each |
Learn from Industry Mentors
Each team of Finance Leaders is paired with an industry mentor from a major firm, who provides guidance throughout the Finance Innovation Challenge. Recent mentors have come from organizations including:
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your skills and connect with professionals in the field.
Application Materials
Submit the following materials:
- A short application form
- A one-page résumé
- A statement of interest of 200 words or less
- Optional: One or two references, including names and contact information only
Selection Process
Eligible applicants will be interviewed by the admissions committee before receiving a recommendation for admission. The program expects to admit approximately 15 students.
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Note: Students in the Finance Leaders Program (FLP) may also apply to the Business Honors Program. Admission decisions are made independently, and participation in one program does not preclude participation in the other. |
Finance Leaders Program Information Session
Learn More at an Info Session
Join the College of Business to learn more about the Finance Leaders Program, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
Program Structure
Finance Leaders complete BUS 488: Internship (3 credits), supervised by the program coordinator. Working in teams with mentorship from industry practitioners, students develop an innovation project around a designated theme and present it at the Finance Innovation Challenge during Finance Day.
Program Course
Required Course in Spring 2027:
- BUS 488: Internship (3 Credits)