Stand Out in Financial Services: How to Apply for Bucknell’s SIE Exam Preparation Program
First Application Deadline: November 2 at 11:59 PM Apply here: https://forms.gle/ZJ7SVUy7sqHcmuTd9
Are you looking to kickstart a career in investment banking, wealth management, corporate finance, or consulting? Earning an industry-recognized credential before you graduate is one of the most effective ways to signal early job readiness to prospective employers.
What is the SIE Exam?
Administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the SIE is an introductory-level qualification exam that tests baseline knowledge of the securities industry. It covers primary and secondary market structures, key financial products and their risks, trading practices, customer account administration, and regulatory frameworks.
Why take it now?
- No Corporate Sponsorship Required: Anyone 18 or older can take the exam. You do not need to be employed by or sponsored by a financial firm.
- 4-Year Credential Longevity: Once passed, your SIE score remains valid for four years, allowing you to seamlessly transition into a firm and take specialized “top-off” exams (such as Series 7, Series 79, or Series 66).
- Full Financial & Prep Support: Accepted Bucknell students receive full access to industry-leading Knopman Marks prep materials and a voucher covering the full exam fee.
Who Should Apply & Selection Priority
The program is open to all actively enrolled Bucknell undergraduate students (recommended GPA: 3.0+). Because historical cohort data shows upperclass students achieve higher pass rates, priority for acceptance and voucher allocation is structured as follows:
- Seniors & Juniors preparing for primary financial services recruiting cycles who demonstrate career urgency and prior foundational finance/accounting coursework.
- Active Analysts in the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF).
- Sophomores & Second-Semester First-Years who present a compelling statement of intent and strong academic background.
Program Expectations & Milestones
- Mandatory Orientation: Attend the cohort kickoff session on November 10 at 11:30AM. Details will be emailed to accepted students.
- Study Milestones: Log at least 2 hours of study time on Knopman Marks within Week 1 and register your confirmed FINRA test date in the study portal by Week 2.
- Graduation Rule: All enrolled students must sit for and complete the exam prior to their official Bucknell degree conferral date.
- Result Reporting: Upload your official FINRA score report within 48 hours of completing the test.
How to Apply
- Review the Handbook: Read the SIE Exam Preparation Program Student Handbook & Operational Procedures for complete program policies.
- Prepare Your Materials: Have an updated Google Link of your resume ready, along with a short statement of intent explaining your career goals in financial services.
- Submit the Application Form: Complete the online application before the deadline.
Program Director:
Missy Gutkowski, Assistant Dean for Experiential Learning, Bucknell University Freeman College of Management e mmg019@bucknell.edu p 570-577-1305