Each spring semester, DFE's Student Advisory Committee organizes the Demystifying Finance Series, which is designed to increase first-years' understanding of finance careers in a zero pressure environment. The series' four sessions cover major job roles in the finance industry, how to pursue a finance career, and finance resources on campus.
Each session is led by juniors and seniors who have gone through the rigorous finance recruiting process. No knowledge about finance is necessary or assumed, and attendees are encouraged to ask any and all questions.
2026 Series Schedule
Session 1: Breaking into Finance
Thursday, February 12, 6:30-7:30 PM, Friedl 107, East Campus
This session will provide a high-level overview of early career paths in finance, along with the key skills and resources needed to successfully break into the industry.
Session 2: Everything Investment Banking
Tuesday, February 24, 6:30-7:30 PM, Friedl 107, East Campus
Learn what investment banking is, what analysts do day-to-day, and how to effectively prepare for investment banking recruitment.
Session 3: Everything Markets
Wednesday, March 4, 5:30-6:30 PM, Friedl 107, East Campus
Gain a clear understanding of how public markets operate, what drives market movements, the daily responsibilities of analysts in sales and trading, and typical career progression.
Session 4: Everything Private Markets
Thursday, March 19, 7-8 PM, Friedl 107, East Campus
REGISTER
Explore the lifecycle of a company, stages of investing, private equity and private credit, and what buy-side recruiting looks like both as an undergraduate and post-graduation.
First-years, your older peers are valuable allies and mentors in pursuing finance while at Duke, so don't miss this opportunity to meet them, learn from them, and become empowered by them in your path to a finance career.