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 are committed to expanding access to private equity careers by equipping high-potential candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the finance industry with the skills and mentorship needed to succeed.
We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort. Join the mailing list for updates on future cohorts.
What is the Finance Accelerator program
The Recalc Finance Accelerator is an intensive program designed to help you launch your career in private equity and alternative investing. The program is co-led by industry veterans: Recalc founder Katie Fifer (ex-Audax Group, Paxion Capital), Suzanne Corley (ex-JP Morgan) and Nicole Christopoulos (ex-BCG, Summit Partners). We also partner closely with many of the leading firms across the industry.
Interactive, live technical training
The Finance Accelerator cohorts run twice a year in the Fall (October – November) and Spring (January – March) semesters. Each cohort includes 9 technical training sessions covering accounting fundamentals, analyzing a business and building a LBO model.
Application-based intensive program
The program does not cost anything to participants. However, the program requires a significant commitment, and we expect full participation in the cohort classes and ongoing engagement in the community. We are grateful for the generous support of the private equity, growth equity, and private credit firms we partner with to make this program possible. Our partners include Audax Group, Charlesbank, Integrum, Silversmith, Spectrum Equity, TCW Private Credit, TSG Consumer Partners.
Long-term mentorship, community and recruiting support
As part of the Finance Accelerator, you will join an amazing network of your peers and gain access to additional resources including mock interviews, special sessions, and firm overviews and introductions.
Who should apply
We look for students who are hard-working, intellectually curious, and committed—especially those from backgrounds historically underrepresented in finance. We also look for students who have a demonstrated interest in a career in investing — whether in the near term (i.e., internship or Analyst level) or longer term (Associate level, post-banking or consulting).
This program is designed primarily for college sophomores and juniors interested in recruiting for PE and investing summer internships and analyst positions. We may consider a select number of freshmen applicants for the Spring cohorts only. For seniors and recent graduates looking to prep for private equity recruiting, you may be better suited for our Private Equity Recruiting Bootcamp.
Who is this course for
College sophomores and juniors interested in recruiting for internships and analyst roles.
We are committed to expanding access to private equity careers by equipping high-potential candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the finance industry—particularly those with limited exposure to traditional recruiting pathways—with the skills and mentorship needed to succeed.
What are we looking for in applicants: You have an outstanding work ethic, are analytically oriented, intellectually curious, and ready to prioritize and commit to this program over the 9 sessions.
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.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Recalc program. The Recalc Accelerator provided us with clear insights on the alternative investment industry and Katie was great at explaining concepts around evaluating businesses, Excel training, and market trends. I would recommend the Recalc programs to anyone interested in finance.
Tobenna I., Evercore
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.
Program Pillars
Technical Training
Live hands-on training and interactive taught by experts.
Accounting fundamentals
Develop a strong accounting foundation. Learn how the three financial statements tie together.
Analyzing a business
- Learn to analyze a business, identify thesis and risks for an investment, and arrive at valuation.
- Develop business intuition. Tie financials back to business insights.
Building a financial model
- Learn to link up three financial statements.
- Develop a strong accounting foundation.
Navigate recruiting
- Keyboard-based navigation and shortcuts.
- Build a customer cohort analysis from scratch.
Mentorship
Program offers mentorship opportunities with successful industry professionals and Recalc Accelerator alumni.
Mentors bring a wealth of buyside experience in private equity, growth equity, and private credit. Mentors share their insights on the industry and work with mentees on their resumes, interview prep, and individual goals.
Community
A built-in community that compounds learning and career momentum.
When you join the Recalc Finance Accelerator, you join an amazing community of ambitious and supportive peers and mentors. Current participants and alumni stay connected through the Recalc Accelerator Slack as well as opportunities to meet up in person. We could not be more excited about the power of this amazing community.
Recruiting Support
Ongoing recruiting support throughout your investing career journey.
Perfect your story
Learn to tell your story effectively and with confidence. Receive feedback on your elevator pitch from mentors, alumni, and program leaders.
Mock interviews
Mentors and program alumni can provide coaching on the type of preparation most relevant to your upcoming behavioral and technical interviews.
Hear directly from leading firms
- A big part of finding the right role is finding a firm that fits your personality, goals and strengths. You’ll hear directly from partner firms about what makes their organization unique.
- Develop business intuition. Tie financials back to business insights.
Navigate recruiting
Work closely with Katie, Nicole and the broader team for access to recruiting by top private equity and other investment firms. Recalc also partners with the team at CarterPierce, a leading private equity recruiting firm, on analyst and associate recruiting
Program Pillars
Technical Training
Live hands-on training and interactive taught by experts focusing on accounting, finance and spreadsheet fundamentals
Mentorship
Participants are mentored by successful industry professionals and Recalc Accelerator alumni.
Community
Current participants and alumni stay connected through the Recalc Accelerator Slack as well as opportunities to meet up in person
Recruiting Support
Participants and Recalc work together throughout their internship and full-time recruitment.
Timeline and Application Details
Join our mailing list to get updates on the Spring 2026 cohort.
Watch a recording of our last info session to learn more.
Fall 2025 Cohort
Application dates: CLOSED
Classes will run in October 9 – November 18, 2025
Spring 2026 Cohort
Application dates: November – December 2025
Classes will run in March – April, 2026
Program Requirements
- Watch a video recording of a previously recorded info session (or attend a live info session).
- Attend evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Engagement on Slack (checking it, sharing information, helping the community, keeping us updated on recruiting)
- Excellent follow-up with anyone you’re introduced to (mentorship, mock interviews, etc.)
- Recalc open enrollment courses (Spreadsheet Fundamentals, Finance Fundamentals)
- Recalc small group mentor chats
- Special topic sessions (e.g., software investing, case interview prep, women in finance)
- Mock interviews
- Community events
Alternative Programs
For seniors entering (or recent grads in) banking or consulting who want to prep for private equity associate recruiting, our PE Recruiting Bootcamp may be a better fit than the Accelerator Program. The PE Recruiting Bootcamp is an intensive program focused on technical preparation to master the PE case interview. It will be faster paced with more emphasis on LBO cases and assumes familiarity with accounting and finance concepts. Learn more here.
Join the Finance Accelerator Community
The program was my first exposure to the buy-side and it provided me with such a strong foundational understanding of accounting and the three financial statements. I was introduced to Excel, LBO models, and technical training that has set me up for immediate success. When recruiting for competitive pre-professional organizations on campus and summer internships, I was confident in my ability to answer technical questions.
Candice S., Perella Weinberg Partners
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
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 B., Citigroup
I joined this community with very limited knowledge but was instantly welcomed with open arms. I was able to learn vital technical skills, gain insight on the private equity industry, and expand my network with like-minded individuals! I still find myself engaging with the community and mentors I gained.
Lino O., Wells Fargo
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 10+ years in private equity experience at leading firms (Audax Group, Paxion Capital) and finance leadership roles at multiple high-growth companies. She has always been a passionate teacher and mentor. She founded Recalc to deliver highly practical training for those looking to succeed in this industry.
Suzanne Corley
Suzanne has 10+ years diverse experience at J.P. Morgan, General Mills & 3M, providing experience directly working in Finance and also cross-functionally leveraging data analysis to run businesses. She has always enjoyed teaching and has a passion for personal and professional development.
Nicole Christopoulos
Nicole has 15+ years of experience across consulting, investing, and talent leadership at firms like BCG, BrightHouse, and Summit Partners. She’s spent her career building teams, developing talent, and advising high-growth companies. She brings a thoughtful, practical approach to helping people navigate and succeed in competitive industries.
Partner Firms
We are grateful to partner with leading investment firms who are dedicated to advancing diversity in the industry.
Interested in becoming a partner?
FAQs
When do applications for the next cohort open?
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort are now closed. Join our mailing list to get updates on future cohorts.
Who is this program for?
The program is designed for current college students and recent college graduates interested in pursuing a career in private equity and alternative investing. The program will help prepare you for your next career step:
- Sophomore – Internship recruiting
- Junior – Private equity analyst recruiting
What background do I need in order to apply?
Applicants do not need to be pursuing a finance degree or have prior finance work experience – this program is designed to be a launchpad for your career in private equity and alternative investing. However, we will be screening for outstanding work ethic and a track record in analytically-oriented coursework or job experience. If you are a junior/senior or recent graduate, preference will be given for analytically-oriented internship or full-time work experience (consulting, accounting, banking, engineering, investing, or related – does not specifically need to be investment banking).
How much does it cost?
The program does not cost anything to participants. However, the program requires a significant commitment, and applicants will be asked to sign an agreement committing to their full participation in the program. Any participant not fully committed to the program will be asked to leave.
What other programs might be a better fit for college seniors?
For seniors entering (or recent grads in) banking or consulting who want to prep for private equity associate recruiting, our PE Recruiting Bootcamp may be a better fit than the Accelerator Program. Learn more here.