Howley Finance Academy

Launched in 2025 through the generosity of W. Nicholas Howley ’75 and The Howley Foundation, the Howley Finance Academy is a selective program designed to prepare LeBow undergraduate students for careers at top firms in private equity, investment banking and private markets.

Through custom coursework, programming and engagement with industry professionals and alumni, students sharpen their quantitative skills, build advanced knowledge of market fundamentals and gain practical experience. The Academy equips participants to stand out in co-op, internship and full-time roles.

The Academy will better position Drexel students to compete for top jobs in the financial sector and, ultimately, create a track record of Drexel graduates working and thriving in private equity and investment banking.

Nick Howley ’75

Program Components

Students accepted into the Academy join a cohort-based experience that extends through graduation. Components include:

Specialized Coursework: Custom sections of finance courses, including:

Financial Modeling, covering valuation, forecasting, leveraged buyouts and financial data visualization

Private Equity and Investment Banking, covering each sector’s foundations, mechanics, strategies and metrics as well as other private market transactions
Educational Modules: Intensive training, through Wall Street Prep, in financial statement analysis, valuation methods, risk assessment and private equity deal structures

Preparation for technical and behavioral interview questions
Experiential Learning: Applied due diligence and investment memos

Preparation for technical and behavioral interview questions

Capstone experience incorporating firm evaluation and strategic recommendations to a panel of industry executives and alumni for potential investment funding
Industry Integration: Networking trips to New York and/or visits to regional private equity firms

Guest speakers and alumni mentorship from leaders at top firms

Training in financial databases such as Bloomberg and FactSet
Signature Events: Speaker panels and supplemental programming open to the broader Drexel student body

Academy reception to showcase student outcomes and engage industry, students, donors, and alumni

Application and Eligibility

Each year, a select group of high achieving LeBow undergraduates are selected to join the Howley Finance Academy. Admission is competitive, beginning with an inaugural cohort of 15 students, with opportunities for growth as the program expands.

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Outcomes and Impact

The Howley Finance Academy provides students with a competitive advantage in the most selective areas of finance.

Howley Finance Fellows:

Enter interviews with confidence and preparation to stand out from other applicants
Gain hands-on experience with in-demand skills such as modeling, valuation, and deal analysis
Build a professional network of alumni and industry leaders committed to their success
Position themselves for top-tier co-ops, internships, and full-time roles in investment banking, private equity, and other private markets

Howley Finance Fellows

Students selected for the Academy are recognized as Howley Finance Fellows. Those who demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership may be invited to apply for the distinction of Howley Finance Senior Fellow.

About W. Nicholas Howley ’75

Drexel alumnus and trustee W. Nicholas (Nick) Howley ’75 is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of TransDigm Group, a leading designer and producer of aircraft components, systems, and subsystems. He has extensive experience working with private equity investors and guiding companies through complex financial transactions.

Along with his wife Lorie and their daughter Meg Howley ’10, Nick is the founder of The Howley Foundation, which is dedicated to providing access to high-quality education. Through the foundation, the Howley family has advanced opportunities for students nationwide by supporting scholarships, access, and specialized educational programs.