Is it worth paying for online courses?

I was wondering if there are any online resources that are worth paying for, if so what would you recommend? Doesn't have to be courses, could be professionals resume reviews, paid mentors, tutors, etc. If I'm willing to spend money to get ahead what would be a good place to invest? (Got accepted to best target university in Canada already).

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on whether it's worth paying for online resources and where you might consider investing your money to get ahead:

  1. Online Courses:

    • Investment Banking Prep: Courses that focus on investment banking preparation can be highly valuable. They often cover technical skills, financial modeling, and interview preparation.
    • WSO Academy: Known for its comprehensive courses on various finance topics, including private equity, hedge funds, and more.
  2. Professional Resume Reviews:

    • Investing in a professional resume review can be beneficial. A well-crafted resume tailored to the finance industry can significantly improve your chances of landing interviews.
  3. Paid Mentors:

    • Having a mentor who is experienced in the finance industry can provide personalized guidance, networking opportunities, and career advice. This can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you find someone with a strong track record.
  4. Tutors:

    • If you need help with specific subjects or skills, hiring a tutor can be a good investment. This is particularly useful for mastering technical skills or preparing for exams.
  5. Networking:

    • Consider investing in networking opportunities, such as attending industry conferences, joining finance-related clubs, or participating in networking events. Building a strong professional network can open doors to job opportunities and valuable connections.
  6. Personal Development:

    • Investing in personal development, such as public speaking courses or leadership training, can also be beneficial. These skills are often valued in the finance industry and can set you apart from other candidates.

Remember, the key is to evaluate the potential return on investment for each resource. Prioritize those that align with your career goals and offer the most value for your specific needs.

Sources: Do you wish you’d have spent more money, Do you wish you’d have spent more money, Where are the real pre-MBA superstars?, I cant save money, Q&A: Buyside women

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”