Launch Your Investing Career
The Recalc Finance Accelerator is an intensive program designed to help college students launch their careers in private equity and alternative investing. We believe in leveraging AI to accelerate learning, and will embrace that philosophy throughout the program.
We seek intellectually curious, ambitious candidates who will make the most of the program. We encourage applicants from non-traditional backgrounds.
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are open September 10-27, 2026.
What is the Finance Accelerator program
Technical training. Mentorship. Community support. The Recalc Finance Accelerator brings all three together in a rigorous, selective program for students committed to building careers in private equity and alternative investing. Participants learn from industry veterans Katie Fifer (formerly Paxion Capital and Audax Group) and Suzanne Corley (formerly J.P. Morgan), alongside mentors and partner firms from across the investment industry.
Live, interactive technical training - enhanced by AI
Live sessions will cover accounting fundamentals, business analysis, and LBO modeling. They will run on Tuesday evenings October – mid December. Recruiting-prep sessions will take place at varied times in late December 2026 and January 2027. Throughout the program, students will also use AI thoughtfully to accelerate their learning.
A selective, high-commitment program
The Finance Accelerator is free for participants and intentionally selective. Because seats are limited, admitted students are expected to attend every session, complete the work, and contribute actively to the community. The program is made possible through the generous support of our private equity, growth equity, and private credit partners, including Audax Group, Charlesbank, Integrum, Silversmith, Spectrum Equity, TCW Private Credit, and TSG Consumer Partners.
Long-term mentorship, community and recruiting support
Your support does not end when the technical sessions do. You will join a lasting network of peers, alumni, mentors, and partner firms – and gain access to mock interviews, specialized sessions, firm overviews, introductions, and ongoing recruiting guidance.
Who should apply
The Fall 2026 program is designed primarily for college sophomores preparing for junior-summer internship recruiting. We look for students who are hardworking, intellectually curious, and generally interested in investing.
Students in other class years may also apply. Seniors preparing for post-banking or post-consulting private equity recruiting may be better served by our Spring Private Equity Recruiting Bootcamp. Freshmen can join our mailing list for updates on the planned Freshmen-focused Spring program.
Your application
We are accepting applications between September 10-27, 2026 with priority review of applications submitted by September 20. The application will include:
- Resume
- Basic demographic information
- Creating your Personal Website
Personal Website
Create a simple personal website that helps us get to know you. It does not need to be technically complex. We care about how clearly you communicate, what you choose to highlight, and how thoughtfully you explain your interests and experiences.
Your content is up to you. You might share your background, accomplishments, interest in businesses and investing, something you have been learning, or the experiences that have shaped you. You are encouraged to use AI tools to help build the website.
When applications open, you will submit a link to the website and a brief reflection on your process – including where AI helped, what challenged you, and how you made the final site feel authentic to you. The site may be public or password protected.
We are looking for effort, clarity, curiosity, judgment, and authentic communication.
I consider myself to be incredibly lucky to have had the chance to join the Recalc Finance Accelerator my freshman year of undergrad. Through this program, I was able to achieve a clear understanding of technical material, such as accounting, modeling, and understanding case studies, and access junior and senior mentorship early on in my academic career. Katie and Suzanne are outstanding individuals who have made achieving career goals accessible to many and I'm thankful to call them, along with many incredible friends I've made through the program, a community I can go to at any time. I strongly encourage any student pursuing a career in financial services to apply for Recalc as it will genuinely be the best decision you make!
Jessica G., JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Recalc is an amazing organization and the Accelerator led by Katie has had a huge impact on my professional and personal growth. Throughout the course, I really learned how to pick apart a business from the lens of a seasoned investor, and these insights proved invaluable when it came time to apply the concepts during my internship. Furthermore, Katie does a wonderful job at curating a supportive community. Recalc's provided me with a set of peers from around the country to grow with and mentors to lean on. I highly recommend anyone interested in a career in investing to apply!.
Amar M., Audax
The accelerator provided in-depth & highly relevant training, helped me to forge friendships with like-minded students, and receive mentorship from a wide range of folks. From setting me up with interviews, helping craft my elevator pitch, and sharpening my accounting foundation, the Recalc community is the reason behind my successful recruiting experience. The founder Katie Fifer, genuinely cares to know each individual in the program. I would 100% recommend the accelerator to anyone pursuing a career in finance, as it is so much more than just a 7-week training course.
Ella M., Morgan Stanley
The Recalc Finance Accelerator program marked a significant turning point in my professional journey, offering an insightful and transformative experience. What set Recalc apart was its hands-on approach. Through real-world case studies and simulations, I learned to apply financial theories in tangible scenarios, enhancing my problem-solving and decision-making abilities. This practical exposure was invaluable, enabling me to understand complex financial concepts and how they apply in a dynamic market environment.
Devin J., Moelis & Co.
Timeline and Application Details
Program Schedule
Technical classes on Tue 7:00-8:30pm ET: Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, Dec 1, 8.
Recruiting prep sessions will take place late Dec – Jan 2027; exact dates TBD.
Program Requirements
- Attend our live info session or watch the recording prior to applying.
- Attend all seven Tuesday evening technical classes on October 20 and 27; November 3, 10, and 17; December 1 and 8.
- Participate in recruiting-prep sessions at varied times in late December 2026 and January 2027; exact dates will be shared with admitted students.
- Engage consistently in slack and contribute to the cohort community.
- Follow through promptly and professionally on mentor, mock-interview, and firm introductions.
- Complete relevant Recalc courses, including Spreadsheet Fundamentals and Finance Fundamentals.
- Join mentor chats, special-topic sessions, mock interviews, and community events.
Join the Finance Accelerator Community
Recalc Academy led by the amazing Katie Fifer has played a pinnacle role in my professional development. The Academy and her hands-on teaching style has allowed me to truly deepen my understanding of the private credit and equity recruitment process. The program clarified crucial technical concepts, like how to think through a case, that I will definitely be applying to my internship next summer. Furthermore, the Recalc community is such a supportive network where students and alumni are more than happy to help in anyway they can. To the undergraduate students eager to gain exposure in the private credit/equity and investment banking world, I cannot recommend this program enough!
Stephanie S., TCW
Recalc Academy is a phenomenal organization that has had a strong positive impact on my professional career. The Accelerator program gave me a deeper understanding of certain technical concepts that I had the opportunity to apply throughout my internship. This paired with the amazing community of like-minded individuals that you meet is why those who are eligible should apply for the academy!
Adeolu A., Centerview Partners
I have learned a lot through Recalc and my understanding of companies and their financials has become much sharper. The accelerator is a terrific program for anyone interested in learning more about finance and business. Katie is a phenomenal mentor who genuinely wants to see you succeed and gives advice of the highest quality. Recalc has also given me the opportunity to meet and become friends with several outstanding individuals. I am very grateful to be a part of this vibrant community
Navin R., Lazard
Join the Finance Accelerator Community
Recalc provided me with the tools and skills to excel in my interviews and internship. The community is full of supportive peers willing to help. Katie genuinely cares about each member and wants everyone to succeed. The accelerator program helped give me the confidence to pursue a career in finance while coming from a non-traditional background, and I would highly recommend it for undergraduate students!
Olivia Barfnecht
Recalc Academy is a phenomenal organization that has had a strong positive impact on my professional career. The Accelerator program gave me a deeper understanding of certain technical concepts that I had the opportunity to apply throughout my internship. This paired with the amazing community of like-minded individuals that you meet is why those who are eligible should apply for the academy!
Adeolu Adetayo
I highly recommend Recalc to any college student interested in breaking into the finance or consulting industry. Katie's expertise in technical skills such as accounting and LBO modeling, as well as her advice on personal branding, is unparalleled. The program also offers a valuable network of peers who share similar career aspirations, which has been incredibly helpful for me during the recruitment process. Thanks to Katie's advice, support, and the entire Recalc community, I recently accepted my dream internship offer. I definitely plan to foster the connections I have made through Recalc going forward and even following college graduation.
Charlotte Kearns
Recalc continues to play a massive role in my professional development; not only was my time in the Accelerator wholly beneficial as I developed the technical skills and really started to learn what kinds of questions I should be asking as an Investor, but to this day I still have a great community of hungry, motivated individuals I know I can rely on. Katie is truly dedicated to the success of her students and I am thankful to have developed a relationship with her and the entire team!
Carlos Ayon
Learn From Industry Leaders
Katie Fifer
Katie has more than 10 years of experience in private equity and finance leadership, including roles at Audax Group, Paxion Capital and several high-growth companies. She founded Recalc to make practical, high-quality finance training more accessible.
Suzanne Corley
Suzanne brings more than 10 years of finance and cross-functionaly leadership experience from J.P. Morgan, General Mills, and 3M. She is passionate about teaching and helping students build the skills and confidence to grow professionally.
Partner Firms
We partner with leading investment firms committed to broadening access and developing the next generation of investing talent.
Interested in becoming a partner?
Get in TouchPartner Firms
We partner with leading investment firms committed to broadening access and developing the next generation of investing talent.
Interested in becoming a partner?
FAQs
When do applications for the next cohort open?
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open September 10 – 27. Apply by September 20 for priority review.
We will only be running a Fall cohort this year given recruiting timelines. In the spring, we will run our PE Recruiting Bootcamp (for seniors) and a new Freshmen-focused prep program.
Who is this program for?
The program is designed primarily for college sophomores preparing for junior-summer internship recruiting. Students in other class years may apply, but Fall seats for freshmen will be very limited. We plan to offer a Freshmen-focused program in Spring 2027; join our mailing list for updates.
- Sophomores: best aligned with the program’s curriculum and recruiting timeline
- Junior: welcome to apply
- Freshmen: very limited Fall availability; planned Freshmen-focused prep program
- Seniors: welcome to apply, though the PE Recruiting Bootcamp may be a better fit
What background do I need in order to apply?
You do not need to major in finance or have prior finance experience. We look for strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and evidence that you can succeed in analytical work.
How much does it cost?
The program is free for participants thanks to the support of our partner firms. Because seats are limited, admitted students must commit to attending required sessions and participating fully in the community.
What other programs might be a better fit for college seniors?
Seniors may apply to the Accelerator. However, seniors entering banking or consulting who want to prepare for private equity associate recruiting will generally be better served by our PE Recruiting Bootcamp, which runs in the spring.