Are this training programs worth it or can I just learn it myself?

The Analyst Exchange, Investment Banking Institute, etc. all have in-house training programs in major cities, and I was just wondering if these are worth the $3000 or so that you pay? Do they offer anything beyond what I can learn by buying some self-study material?

Also, which "classroom" programs do you guys recommend and which self-study program do you think is the best?

Btw...some posters on threads like these are clearly just advertising their program (ibmonkey1313), and if you're one of those people please don't bother responding.

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Best Response

Personally, I learned everything I needed to through this new IB book: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Investment-Banking/Joshua-Rosenbaum/e/9780470442203/?itm=1

If I had any questions throughout the read, I was able to just google/wikipedia the concept, and get a better understanding of it no problem. Additionally, when you buy the book, they give you a link & password to templates and examples for all the major valuation techniques. That allows you to see this stuff in excel, and then practice building them yourself using their examples as a benchmark.

Any excel questions along the way, just ask around here, or look up.

The only difference between what I suggested and what you'll get from a program is a peer to guide you step-by-step, and to be able to say you did the program (which no one cares about, anyway). If you're an independent learner, and have the drive to keep up with it, the book + templates is the best way to go.

 

I was an early adopter of BIWS and was able to get in when it was still $147. It's a top-notch program, and Brian & Co. do an excellent job of presenting and throughly explaining all the major concepts you'll be expected to know in IB and PE (topics range from accounting principles to advanced M&A and basic LBO models). I particularly appreciate how the program is constantly being updated and built around the customers recommendations; all the freebie material (like the networking guide, Excel guide, and Yahoo/Microsoft case study) doesn't hurt either. I really couldn't say enough good things about the program, and I highly recommend you take a look at it.

 

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