Through immersive programming and strategic partnerships, the Vanderbilt Career Center continues to create opportunities that help students translate academic learning into real-world success, including the Vandy 2 Wall Street program, a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare undergraduates for competitive careers in finance.
The Vanderbilt Career Center, in collaboration with the Owen Graduate School of Management and the Hoogland Undergraduate Business Program, partnered with Wall Street Prep, a leading financial training firm, to launch the second year of the V2WS program, offering students a structured, multiphase learning experience that bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and industry expectations.
“Vandy 2 Wall Street demonstrates how Vanderbilt pairs rigorous academic preparation with immersive, real-world experience to deliver meaningful student outcomes,” Provost C. Cybele Raver said. “Through intentional partnerships, students gain the skills, insight and confidence needed to compete at the highest levels.”
A comprehensive learning pathway
Over the summer, participants complete three self-paced Wall Street Prep courses totaling approximately 20 hours of work—an Excel Crash Course, an Accounting Crash Course and Analyzing Financial Reports Course—and participate in a two-day, in-person Accounting and Financial Modeling seminar taught by industry practitioners who regularly train professionals at top investment banks and financial institutions.
Additional fall programming included a recruiting seminar featuring panels and networking opportunities with industry leaders, followed by a technical interview preparation day. Students who successfully completed all components of the program were also eligible to participate in a finance trek to New York City that offered firsthand exposure to multiple career pathways and firms within the industry.
Confidence through experience
For students, the experiential nature of the V2WS program is a defining element. Amy Wang, Class of 2028, who is studying economics and human and organizational development, reflected on how the New York City trek and broader V2WS experience shaped her professional development.
“This trip was the highlight of my semester,” she said. “Experiencing the banks in person made their cultures tangible and helped me better understand where I could truly see myself working. It allows you to picture yourself in that environment, which is both motivating and empowering.
“It was such a meaningful experience to share this trip with other Vanderbilt students,” Wang said. “Since we are all going through recruiting together, we leaned on each other and became each other’s support systems. We shared interview tips, talked openly about recruiting and reassured one another.”
Strengthening the Vanderbilt network
The program’s impact extends beyond students. Employers and alumni partners also highlighted the value of engaging with Vanderbilt talent, including Chloe Weissman, BS’25, an investment banking analyst with Bank of America.
“Seeing everyone so eager and excited to meet one another, regardless of graduation year, major or background, was a treat,” she said. “We all left our conversations feeling energized and impressed by the students.”
She noted that Vanderbilt’s commitment to organizing immersive experiences like V2WS helps students build a strong professional foundation beyond the classroom.
“It offers a meaningful glimpse into the real world and helps students develop a network that will support them well beyond campus,” she added.
Networking at Vanderbilt University–New York City
The program incorporated Vanderbilt’s Chelsea campus, where more than 100 current students participated in a networking event with more than 35 alumni, employers and friends of Vanderbilt to discuss career paths, professional journeys and experiences living and working in New York City.
“I honestly couldn’t believe Vanderbilt’s New York City campus was real,” Wang said. “It captures the warmth and community of the Nashville campus while immersing you in the buzz of New York City.”
Stay connected
The Career Center and partners across Vanderbilt University continue to create experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with alumni and employer partners. These experiences span across Nashville, New York City, Houston, San Francisco and more.
“Building on this success, Vanderbilt is expanding experiential learning opportunities across disciplines, including Vandy in the Valley, Vandy on Madison Avenue and the Houston Energy Trek,” Raver said.
Employers, campus partners and students interested in learning more about these initiatives can visit the Career Center’s website.
