What was your approach preparing for technicals? Could use some guidance.

Hey guys,

I've decided to hunker down and get ready for the accelerated recruiting that will be kicking off next month at my uni (second semester sophomore rn). Right now I can talk about the different valuation methodologies, walk you through a DCF, calculate & explain WACC, and other very basic first round technicals.

At the moment I feel an overload of information when looking at technical prep sources. I want to be prepared for anything, and would love to know how some of you guys prepared. I like to take a structured and calculated approach in my studying (like someone would study for the GMAT), so hearing how others have tackled this would be very helpful.

I've got the latest WSO report and the M&I 400. What topics should I focus on most? What are some critical high-level things to understand?

I know there are very similar threads out there packed with questions that are asked, but none are really focused on how people approached this in a methodological fashion.

5 Comments
 

Most important thing is to know how things actually work. Just knowing the steps will have you confused, rather understanding the concepts will be much better when and if they throw you a curve ball.

The most important stuff to really learn is the basic accounting. All the times I heard from peers studying really obscure and niche models for M&A they'd usually just end up falling apart when asked how to finance capital with debt and equity. Learn how the 3 statements work and how they really flow. Show genuine interest in the market and do your homework on the firm. Not every firm will be a bite but some will, hopefully.

 

Thanks. Is there any specific accounting knowledge resource that you know of or will the general guides cover it?

 

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