Launch Your Finance Career: From Classroom to Wall Street
Launch Your Finance Career: From Classroom to Wall Street
Launch Your Finance Career: From Classroom to Wall Street
The Premiere Financial Fellowship for Rising Leaders
The Premiere Financial Fellowship for Rising Leaders
The Premiere Financial Fellowship for Rising Leaders
The Premiere Financial Fellowship for Rising Leaders
Become a Young Leaders in Finance Fellow to Create Lasting Impact for Your Career
Gain Tangible Skills Employers are Seeking
1 on 1 Career Coaching & Mentorship from Finance Professionals
Meet & Network With Finance Employers
Join a Community of Future Leaders in Finance
Enrolling Soon
Invitations for our Fall 2025 Fellowship cohort will launch soon.
Charting the Future of Finance Leadership
About Young Leaders in Finance
Connecting the world’s brightest minds to transformative opportunities in finance.
The Young Leaders in Finance (YLF) Fellowship is on a mission to develop the next generation of elite financial leaders. We do this by providing top students with unparalleled access to hands-on skill development, real-world mentorship, and exposure across all areas of finance.
This immersive program blends academic rigor with practical application and mentorship from leading industry professionals. Fellows gain the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive in the finance industry, whether in investment banking, corporate finance, trading, venture capital, or other sectors.
Through a highly selective and supportive environment, YLF bridges the gap between academic excellence and career success. As an accredited B Corp, we reinvest in expanding access and opportunity for students from all backgrounds, ensuring the future of finance is inclusive, dynamic, and impactful.
Developed by:
Program Structure
Program Structure
Each pathway is comprised of the following elements
Each pathway is comprised of the following elements
1
Semester 1
Foundations
3 hours per week
The first semester lays the necessary groundwork for the Fellowship which begins in Semester 2. In Semester 1, new Fellows are expected to build the foundational skills and develop a deeper understanding of career opportunities within finance. At the conclusion of Semester 1, Fellows select their Fellowship Specialization.
Welcome & Orientation: Attend On Campus Fellowship Orientation and Network with peers and alumni who have walked this path before you.
Coursework: Gain critical skills in Excel, accounting, and presentation skills, the cornerstones of finance.
Career Mentorship & Specialization Selection: Collaborate with experienced advisors to gain a better understanding of career opportunities in finance. At the conclusion of the semester, fellows will be required to select their specialization for the next semester.
2
Semester 2
Fellowship (Choose your track)
Fellowship
(Choose your track)
8 hours per week
The core experience of the fellowship begins in Semester 2, focusing on experience and skill building within a chosen career specialization. Fellows choose from one of these specializations:
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
1. Markets & Securities
This specialization focused on the trading of financial products and securities. Relevant roles include sales & trading across equities, derivatives, options, currencies, and commodities. This specialization places emphasis on experiential learning via trading simulations to provide trading floor experience.
2. Investment Banking & Advisory
This specialization focuses on the analyst role in M&A, securities underwriting, and capital markets transactions, and places an emphasis on developing technical modeling skills, financial statement analysis, and a variety of client and presentation skills.
3. Corporate Finance and FP&A
This specialization is designed for fellows who intend to pursue finance roles within corporations, including corporate finance, financial planning & analysis. Focus is on providing fellows with exposure to internal company business strategy, large data analysis, corporate finance and capital budgeting.
4. Investment Management
This specialization focuses on early career roles in investment management, across public and private markets. The specialization covers roles including buy side and sell side equity research, and places and emphasis on stock pitching and cases to develop the core skill set.
5. Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
This specialization focuses on early-stage investing and startup leadership, equipping fellows with the skills to evaluate venture opportunities and launch their own ventures. Emphasis is placed on understanding venture financing, startup scaling strategies, and market dynamics.
Experience Components
Unlock your full potential through these transformative pathway experiences.
Online Learning in Partnership with Wall Street Prep
Learn tangible, step-by-step skills directly relevant to your pathway. Through coursework, office hours, and AMA, fellows receive the same world-class training delivered at top institutions. Over 10,000 fellows have successfully completed this program, gaining essential financial modeling and valuation expertise.
Online Learning in Partnership with Wall Street Prep
Learn tangible, step-by-step skills directly relevant to your pathway. Through coursework, office hours, and AMA, fellows receive the same world-class training delivered at top institutions. Over 10,000 fellows have successfully completed this program, gaining essential financial modeling and valuation expertise.
Online Learning in Partnership with Wall Street Prep
Learn tangible, step-by-step skills directly relevant to your pathway. Through coursework, office hours, and AMA, fellows receive the same world-class training delivered at top institutions. Over 10,000 fellows have successfully completed this program, gaining essential financial modeling and valuation expertise.
Online Learning in Partnership with Wall Street Prep
Learn tangible, step-by-step skills directly relevant to your pathway. Through coursework, office hours, and AMA, fellows receive the same world-class training delivered at top institutions. Over 10,000 fellows have successfully completed this program, gaining essential financial modeling and valuation expertise.
Experiential Live Simulations in Partnership with AmplifyME
Fellows experience real-life financial simulations, taking on roles such as traders or market makers to navigate realistic market scenarios. Delivered with AmplifyME, the leading experiential learning platform in finance, 95% of participants successfully complete these simulations, developing critical decision-making skills.
Experiential Live Simulations in Partnership with AmplifyME
Fellows experience real-life financial simulations, taking on roles such as traders or market makers to navigate realistic market scenarios. Delivered with AmplifyME, the leading experiential learning platform in finance, 95% of participants successfully complete these simulations, developing critical decision-making skills.
Experiential Live Simulations in Partnership with AmplifyME
Fellows experience real-life financial simulations, taking on roles such as traders or market makers to navigate realistic market scenarios. Delivered with AmplifyME, the leading experiential learning platform in finance, 95% of participants successfully complete these simulations, developing critical decision-making skills.
Experiential Live Simulations in Partnership with AmplifyME
Fellows experience real-life financial simulations, taking on roles such as traders or market makers to navigate realistic market scenarios. Delivered with AmplifyME, the leading experiential learning platform in finance, 95% of participants successfully complete these simulations, developing critical decision-making skills.
Real World Company & Employer Visits
Towards the conclusion of the fellowship, fellows will be given the opportunity to go on-site and meet with practitioners and experience a day in the life. More than 500 employer visits have been arranged, providing fellows with firsthand exposure to leading financial institutions, investment banks, and asset management firms.
Real World Company & Employer Visits
Towards the conclusion of the fellowship, fellows will be given the opportunity to go on-site and meet with practitioners and experience a day in the life. More than 500 employer visits have been arranged, providing fellows with firsthand exposure to leading financial institutions, investment banks, and asset management firms.
Real World Company & Employer Visits
Towards the conclusion of the fellowship, fellows will be given the opportunity to go on-site and meet with practitioners and experience a day in the life. More than 500 employer visits have been arranged, providing fellows with firsthand exposure to leading financial institutions, investment banks, and asset management firms.
Real World Company & Employer Visits
Towards the conclusion of the fellowship, fellows will be given the opportunity to go on-site and meet with practitioners and experience a day in the life. More than 500 employer visits have been arranged, providing fellows with firsthand exposure to leading financial institutions, investment banks, and asset management firms.
Career Mentorship
Throughout the fellowship, learners will meet virtually with recent analysts from a variety of different roles within their chosen pathways. A survey of past fellows indicates that 90% found mentorship sessions highly valuable, helping them prepare for interviews and secure competitive roles in finance.
Career Mentorship
Throughout the fellowship, learners will meet virtually with recent analysts from a variety of different roles within their chosen pathways. A survey of past fellows indicates that 90% found mentorship sessions highly valuable, helping them prepare for interviews and secure competitive roles in finance.
Career Mentorship
Throughout the fellowship, learners will meet virtually with recent analysts from a variety of different roles within their chosen pathways. A survey of past fellows indicates that 90% found mentorship sessions highly valuable, helping them prepare for interviews and secure competitive roles in finance.
Career Mentorship
Throughout the fellowship, learners will meet virtually with recent analysts from a variety of different roles within their chosen pathways. A survey of past fellows indicates that 90% found mentorship sessions highly valuable, helping them prepare for interviews and secure competitive roles in finance.
Forum
Join a group of other students from different schools with the same specializations to knowledge-share, broaden your lifelong network, and exchange insights. To date, there have been over 5,000 forum discussions, leading to valuable professional relationships and collaborative learning experiences.
Forum
Join a group of other students from different schools with the same specializations to knowledge-share, broaden your lifelong network, and exchange insights. To date, there have been over 5,000 forum discussions, leading to valuable professional relationships and collaborative learning experiences.
Forum
Join a group of other students from different schools with the same specializations to knowledge-share, broaden your lifelong network, and exchange insights. To date, there have been over 5,000 forum discussions, leading to valuable professional relationships and collaborative learning experiences.
Forum
Join a group of other students from different schools with the same specializations to knowledge-share, broaden your lifelong network, and exchange insights. To date, there have been over 5,000 forum discussions, leading to valuable professional relationships and collaborative learning experiences.
Graduation Ceremony
Successful completion earns the fellowship plus an invitation to the Summer 2026 Intern Conference / Networking Event. Graduates will gain exclusive access to industry leaders and recruiters, with networking opportunities that have helped past fellows secure top-tier internships and full-time positions.
Graduation Ceremony
Successful completion earns the fellowship plus an invitation to the Summer 2026 Intern Conference / Networking Event. Graduates will gain exclusive access to industry leaders and recruiters, with networking opportunities that have helped past fellows secure top-tier internships and full-time positions.
Graduation Ceremony
Successful completion earns the fellowship plus an invitation to the Summer 2026 Intern Conference / Networking Event. Graduates will gain exclusive access to industry leaders and recruiters, with networking opportunities that have helped past fellows secure top-tier internships and full-time positions.
Graduation Ceremony
Successful completion earns the fellowship plus an invitation to the Summer 2026 Intern Conference / Networking Event. Graduates will gain exclusive access to industry leaders and recruiters, with networking opportunities that have helped past fellows secure top-tier internships and full-time positions.
Our Presence
This map highlights two key parts of our existing network: current Fall 2025 YLF Chapters and universities partnered with Wall Street Prep and YLF. Together, they reflect our growing presence across top campuses nationwide.
Wall Street Prep & YLF Partners
Wall Street Prep & YLF Partners
Fall 2025 YLF Chapters
Fall 2025 YLF Chapters
Thriving in Finance
Salary, Growth, and Stability
60k+
High Earning Potential
Entry-level salaries in finance are often competitive, with significant opportunities for bonuses and career growth.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
60k+
High Earning Potential
Entry-level salaries in finance are often competitive, with significant opportunities for bonuses and career growth.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
60k+
High Earning Potential
Entry-level salaries in finance are often competitive, with significant opportunities for bonuses and career growth.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
60k+
High Earning Potential
Entry-level salaries in finance are often competitive, with significant opportunities for bonuses and career growth.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
40+
Diverse Career Paths
From investment banking to fintech, financial planning, and risk management, there are numerous specializations to explore.
corporatefinanceinstitute.com
40+
Diverse Career Paths
From investment banking to fintech, financial planning, and risk management, there are numerous specializations to explore.
corporatefinanceinstitute.com
40+
Diverse Career Paths
From investment banking to fintech, financial planning, and risk management, there are numerous specializations to explore.
corporatefinanceinstitute.com
40+
Diverse Career Paths
From investment banking to fintech, financial planning, and risk management, there are numerous specializations to explore.
corporatefinanceinstitute.com
2.0%
Low Unemployment Rates
Financial expertise is always in demand, making it a stable career choice with long-term growth potential.
usbank.com
2.0%
Low Unemployment Rates
Financial expertise is always in demand, making it a stable career choice with long-term growth potential.
usbank.com
2.0%
Low Unemployment Rates
Financial expertise is always in demand, making it a stable career choice with long-term growth potential.
usbank.com
2.0%
Low Unemployment Rates
Financial expertise is always in demand, making it a stable career choice with long-term growth potential.
usbank.com
+5%
Rapid Salary Advancement
Finance professionals have experienced significant salary increases. In 2022, base salaries for treasury and finance professionals rose by an average of 5%, marking the largest increase in the past decade.
afponline.org
+5%
Rapid Salary Advancement
Finance professionals have experienced significant salary increases. In 2022, base salaries for treasury and finance professionals rose by an average of 5%, marking the largest increase in the past decade.
afponline.org
+5%
Rapid Salary Advancement
Finance professionals have experienced significant salary increases. In 2022, base salaries for treasury and finance professionals rose by an average of 5%, marking the largest increase in the past decade.
afponline.org
+5%
Rapid Salary Advancement
Finance professionals have experienced significant salary increases. In 2022, base salaries for treasury and finance professionals rose by an average of 5%, marking the largest increase in the past decade.
afponline.org
YLF Fellowship Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in this program, you must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.*
Majoring in business-related fields, or at least 12 academic credits in eligible coursework
Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Receive academic credit through your school’s agreement with YFL (or through YFL’s school of record, if your school is not affiliated).
Have approval from your campus liaison, if you attend an affiliated school.
Your school may have additional eligibility requirements. Please contact your campus liaison before applying to YLF (if you’re not sure who your campus liaison is, contact info@ylf.org).
* YLF also considers recent college graduates and students in master’s level programs on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at support@youngleadersinfinance.org to learn more.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
The Council for Emerging Talent in Finance.
Empowering Leaders. Shaping the Future.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
The Council for Emerging Talent in Finance.
Empowering Leaders. Shaping the Future.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.
The Council for Emerging Talent in Finance. Empowering Leaders. Shaping the Future.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.