With summer approaching, high school students looking to get a head start on a career in finance and investing may want to consider an investment summer camp. These enrichment programs, often hosted at prestigious universities, offer immersive experiences in topics like financial analysis, investing strategies, economics, and more. By participating in an investment summer camp in 2023, students can gain valuable skills and experience while expanding their networks. When researching programs, be sure to look for authentic university-hosted camps over third party providers renting campus space. Top programs may be competitive, so apply early and highlight academic and leadership achievements.
Programs at top business schools provide college-level curriculum
Many of the most prestigious investment summer camps are hosted by undergraduate business schools. For example, the Wharton School at UPenn offers WISE, a multi-week program where high school students take courses in finance, accounting, marketing and management. They form companies, craft business plans, and pitch to judges. Similarly, Emory’s Goizueta Business School hosts a two-week program in Atlanta where students learn through case studies and lectures. The immersive curriculum at these university camps provides a taste of what a future business education could look like.
Specialized focus areas cater to diverse interests
For students interested in specific areas within finance, specialized summer programs are available. Camps focused on financial engineering allow participants to develop quantitative modeling skills used by investment banks and hedge funds. The Mathematical Finance Summer Camp at NYU’s Courant Institute has students solve complex derivatives pricing problems. Those interested in investment research can attend Wharton’s Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management Workshop. Students manage a portfolio and pitch securities. With options spanning financial engineering, analysis, and more, students can choose camps aligned with their passions.
Early academic and career guidance provided
A motivator for many students attending investment summer camps is receiving guidance on future academic and career paths. Most programs incorporate elements of career preparation, like resume workshops, networking events with industry professionals, and mock interviews. Students interact with undergraduate advisors and professors that can offer insights on studying finance in college. They’ll return home with a better understanding of potential majors and careers. Attending an investment summer camp early on can inform decisions around coursework, activities, internships and more during the pivotal high school years.
Opportunities to strengthen leadership and collaboration skills
Beyond technical skills, investment summer camps help students develop leadership and teamwork abilities valued in finance. Programs emphasize group projects, business plan development in teams, and collaboration with peers from around the world. Students practice delegation, accountability, communication and conflict resolution. Leadership is also strengthened through activities like managing the camp portfolio or participating in a CEO case competition. Colleges assess more than just grades and scores – investment summer camps allow students to demonstrate well-rounded competencies.
Participating in an immersive investment summer camp can be a defining experience for high school students interested in finance and business careers. From college-level curriculum at top universities to focused tracks in areas like financial engineering, these enrichment programs help prepare the next generation of investors, analysts and corporate leaders. Students return home with valuable technical skills, exposure to potential career paths, and new leadership experience that can inform future choices.