“I recently had a LinkedIn audit call with Arnau as part of my WSO Academy program, and it was one of the most practical and useful sessions I've had so far. I came in thinking my profile was in decent shape. I left with a clear picture of how recruiters and bankers actually see it, and a concrete list of changes that will make it work much harder for me.
Some background: I'm moving from corporate finance into investment banking, corporate banking, and private equity. I have an MBA in Corporate Finance, a PMP, and several years of finance and project management experience. Making that kind of move depends heavily on how you present your story, and LinkedIn is often the first place a recruiter or analyst sees it. That's why this session mattered so much to me.
From the first few minutes, Arnau was well prepared, direct, and focused on what actually moves the needle. He didn't just give generic tips like "add a professional photo." He went through my profile section by section and explained why each piece matters to someone in finance who's quickly scanning candidates. His feedback was honest without being discouraging, which I really appreciated. He pointed out where my profile was underselling my experience and where it wasn't clearly showing that I'm aiming for banking and PE.
What stood out most was how he helped me think about positioning. My background covers corporate finance, project management, hospitality, and real estate, and it can be hard to make that read as one clear story. Arnau helped me connect those experiences to the skills banks look for: financial analysis, modeling, managing budgets and capital, and working with senior stakeholders. He showed me how small changes to my headline, About section, and experience bullets can make that story obvious within seconds.
The session was also very actionable. I didn't leave with vague ideas. I left with a short list of specific edits I can make right away. That matters a lot when you're job hunting and every week counts. He also shared advice on using LinkedIn more actively, such as engaging with the right people and content, so the profile supports my networking instead of just sitting there.
I also want to recognize the overall WSO Academy experience. Between the modeling bootcamp, the company research work, the mentorship, and sessions like this one, the program has given me structure and support during a career transition that can otherwise feel isolating. This call was a good example of what makes WSO different: the people coaching you understand the industry you're trying to break into and give feedback that reflects how hiring really works.
If you're a WSO member and haven't booked a LinkedIn audit yet, I'd strongly recommend it. It's a short time commitment, and the return is significant. Your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression, and having an experienced set of eyes on it is worth it.
Thank you, Arnau, for your time, honesty, and practical guidance. I'm excited to put the changes in place and keep building toward my goal of breaking into investment banking.”
To put things in context, I am a rising junior interning at a regional top MM IB,
no you will look like a tool
Include or don't include on resume? (Originally Posted: 02/12/2009)
So I am a second semester senior, still with no job. I am taking an advanced financial modeling class in school (based on a Wall Street Modeling Training Program, scaled down of course, and taught by a former banker who went on to start his own PE fund) and I am doing an independent study working to learn the basics of VBA.
My question is, should I mention these things on my resume, in order to maybe help me stand out? Or would the inclusion of these things just lead to them grilling me about modeling and VBA in interviews, which I am obviously not ready for since I am just starting with both topics?
Any input would be great, thanks.
I don't think the tiny boost is worth the chance of getting grilled.
i would mention it but prepare to be grilled on technicals
I agree. If you can build fully integrated financial statements, build an LBO model, accretion/dilution model, etc... it is def worth mentioning. But you should be able to discuss it intelligently. If you're not as comfortable with it, you can prepare by going through it over and over and actually learning exactly what it is and how everything contributes to the whole.
Also of importance is the thought process behind the assumptions. What I did on my interviews was say that the class itself was focused on financial modeling so most of our assumptions were given, but obviously I knew the basis for most of the assumptions and briefly mentioned them.
That's helpful to know. Thanks!
I've seen similar things on resumes before and it usually goes one of two ways:
If in the latter you fail the technicals because you only watched the videos on DCF, its an automatic ding. If you rule and can answer the questions correctly, I am sure that this will be a big plus and bring you a lot closer to actually getting an offer.
I applied for a ER position and didn't have significant modeling experience outside of coursework and self-study. Came into the interview with sample comps, DCFs, and multiple valuations for companies in the firm's coverage universe. Got an offer eventually (didn't accept) and I'm certain it was because I took this initiative.
Sequi dolor enim dolores accusamus. Officia omnis ipsum aperiam error omnis. Ab aut vero ut velit nesciunt totam libero. Rerum rerum eum exercitationem iure. At fugiat sed fugiat voluptatibus ut. Totam aut optio totam quo voluptatem. Nemo natus nihil aut et eveniet.
Natus sed est voluptas quia rerum. Porro maiores recusandae quisquam est necessitatibus ex cumque. Corrupti accusantium assumenda voluptates blanditiis. Similique corporis assumenda nulla distinctio. Ex aspernatur dolorum sint molestias dolores omnis est. Et reiciendis harum reiciendis architecto laborum molestiae possimus. Sint occaecati nostrum dolor ad voluptas quas sed.
Totam totam numquam officia eum voluptates quam est nisi. Ut atque quo et animi ut ut esse. Quo eos sit ullam tempora molestiae laboriosam esse. Similique sint architecto sapiente commodi in. Voluptas vitae est et impedit consequatur voluptate cupiditate.
Est natus exercitationem accusantium. Consequatur dolorem sunt ullam id. Nobis incidunt nisi sit fugiat rerum omnis quis. Id sint et sequi. Ut consequatur saepe tenetur reiciendis non. Consequatur excepturi culpa recusandae. Minus quis harum quia sint sit voluptas iusto. Officia repellat itaque et qui optio.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...