Why the Jennett Finance Scholars Program Chose Adventis’s FMC® Program

For students entering high-stakes finance recruiting, having a strong understanding of finance, accounting, and valuation concepts is essential. Faculty advisor Dieter Schrader observed that while KU students could learn technicals from various sources, they often struggled to connect the dots and confidently and efficiently prepare for technical interviews.

“Adventis helps demystify the technical aspects of finance. It gives students the reps they need—and the confidence they lack—going into interviews.”

— Dieter Schrader, Faculty Director, Jennett Finance Scholars Program

The hands-on nature of the FMC® Program stood out to students and faculty alike. It not only teaches students how to build financial models from scratch, but it also reinforces the discipline required to succeed in the industry.

“Our students love the real-time modeling approach. It’s not passive learning. They’re building skills they can immediately apply—and it shows in interviews.”

— Dieter Schrader, Faculty Director, Jennett Finance Scholars Program

As AI tools become increasingly accessible to students, Dieter also sees a growing need for students to understand the underlying mechanics of their work rather than simply generate an answer. Building foundational technical skills gives students the ability to evaluate, explain, and apply financial analysis in real-world settings.

From Recruiting Preparation to Career Preparation

As the partnership has developed, Adventis has become more deeply integrated into Jennett's approach to preparing students for finance careers.

Approximately 70% of Jennett’s most recent cohort entered the program with their FMC® Level I Certification already completed, with 9 of 13 admitted students certified before admission.

The result reflects an important evolution in how Jennett uses Adventis. Students are introduced to technical preparation before they enter the program, giving them an opportunity to build a foundation in financial modeling, accounting, valuation, and Excel while also demonstrating their commitment to the recruiting process.

And importantly, students don't have to be admitted to Jennett to benefit from the work. Dieter emphasized that students who pursue certification still gain technical knowledge and a credential they can use in future recruiting, even if they ultimately aren't selected for the program.

“We tell students: if you want to stand out, this is how you do it. Adventis gives you an edge when applying to become a Jennett Finance Scholar, but it also gives you clarity for your career.”

— Dieter Schrader, Faculty Director, Jennett Finance Scholars Program

Building a Culture of Peer Leadership

The Jennett Finance Scholars Program has scaled the program organically by identifying Adventis Student Trainers. Four Adventis Student Trainers are now leading programming on campus, with additional sophomores progressing through the training pipeline—a sign that students aren’t just learning modeling; they’re committed to teaching it.

“Going from building a model to teaching one—that’s a serious commitment. It shows how much the students believe in the program.”

— Dieter Schrader, Faculty Director, Jennett Finance Scholars Program

The Jennett Finance Scholars Program hosts three in-person boot camps. One in the fall for Jennett Finance Scholars who don’t earn their Adventis certification over the summer, and two in the spring for 1st year students looking to differentiate themselves in advance of Jennett applications.

Having on-campus trainers means boot camps can run more frequently and flexibly, ensuring students across multiple cohorts and class years can engage with the program.

What Other Universities Can Learn from KU’s Success

• Adopt Early and Build a Pipeline: KU introduced the program to students months before selection, encouraging certification to aspiring Jennett Finance Scholars even before admission.

• Align With Career Goals: Adventis helps students prepare not just for the Jennett Finance Scholars Program, but for interviews, internships, and long-term career paths across finance disciplines.

• Empower Peer Leaders: By identifying and training top sophomores as future boot camp leaders, the Jennett Finance Scholars Program is creating a scalable and sustainable training ecosystem.

• Go Beyond Investment Banking: Jennett Finance Scholars pursue roles across corporate finance, consulting, and private equity—Adventis supports all of them.

“This isn’t just for investment banking. Adventis gives students a framework they can carry into any finance role—and helps them tell a story that makes sense.”

— Dieter Schrader, Faculty Director, Jennett Finance Scholars Program