The Freshman Finance Academy: Building Future Finance Leaders from Day One
Episode 32 | November 10, 2025
In Episode 32 of The Coffee Chat Podcast, host Ben Dowell sat down with Dalton Kahl, a junior at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business and Vice President of Education for the Freshman Finance Academy (FFA). The conversation offered a behind-the-scenes look at how this student-led program equips first-year students with the tools, network, and mindset to succeed in finance, long before recruitment season begins.
The Freshman Finance Academy is a selective offshoot of the Carolina Finance and Investment Association (CFIA), designed to meet the growing demand for early preparation in high finance. “Recruiting timelines are moving up every year,” Dalton explained. “We wanted freshmen to get savvy early, understanding networking, finance careers, and technical fundamentals.”
A Program Built on Initiative and Interest
Students apply in their first semester through a statement of interest and an interview process. While many have limited experience, Dalton emphasized that passion matters more than pedigree. “We’re not looking for perfect GPAs or resumes,” he said. “We’re looking for demonstrated interest in finance, students who take initiative.”
Some applicants stand out by connecting personal experiences to financial curiosity. “We’ve had kids who resold sneakers or ran small businesses in high school,” Dalton shared. “Even those who worked construction or at a restaurant and began thinking about costs and revenue, that’s the kind of genuine curiosity we love to see.”
Blending Soft Skills with Technical Training
The program begins in the spring semester with two key phases. The first half focuses on soft skills: networking, resume development, and building a professional online presence. Each student is paired with an alumni mentor currently working in investment banking or a related field. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” Dalton said. “Students learn to navigate real-world conversations with professionals early on.”
The second half dives into the technical side. Students study accounting, valuation, and financial modeling, culminating in a capstone sell-side M&A pitch presented to finance faculty. “Last semester, one group valued Skechers,” Dalton recalled. “They modeled revenue, built valuation analyses, and proposed potential acquirers. Coincidentally, Skechers was acquired just months later.”
Many participants take the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program by Adventis during or alongside the academy. “You could really tell who had taken the Adventis program,” Dalton noted. “Those students were confident in Excel and knew how to model from day one.”
Preparing for Sophomore-Year Recruiting
After completing the program, students continue to engage with CFIA and the broader finance network. This fall, the cohort is traveling to Charlotte to visit Bank of America, Truist, and Jefferies, experiences that Dalton says are “invaluable for seeing the industry firsthand.”
Ultimately, the Freshman Finance Academy offers a blueprint for how student organizations can close the experience gap for early undergraduates. “It’s all about giving back,” Dalton reflected. “We’re helping the next class of students discover their path in finance—and preparing them to excel.”
Take the Next Step in Finance:
Ready to build the technical skills top firms demand? Enroll in the FMC® Program
