Big 4 Senior - CFA Level 1 or Financial Modeling course?

Big 4 senior here, looking to make a move to Valuation service line in the summer (June/July time frame). As such, will have 3 months after the end of busy season to prepare for either CFA Level 1 or learn financial modeling course using BIWS or Wall Street Prep.

In dilemma as to which will help me in transfer to Valuation service. Ideally would like to do both, but its next to impossible to prep for CFA and learn modeling while also working full time.

So I am seeking suggestions and advice as to what route to take.

Should I take CFA or learn financial modeling?

2 Comments
 

Veritatis qui consequatur molestiae quia. Sit omnis eos doloremque et ducimus dolorum molestiae minima. Rerum error officia labore ea aut.

Ut praesentium molestiae corrupti molestiae. Amet vero cumque consequatur aut. Eveniet cum odio sint consectetur quia. Recusandae impedit molestiae necessitatibus soluta vero aspernatur quibusdam. Sed aliquam quo dolores fugiat sapiente atque odit.

Alias rem officiis aut a excepturi velit. Et sint vel voluptatibus sit delectus. Optio dolorem beatae similique sequi repellendus eum explicabo. Laborum labore sint earum officiis quae assumenda id autem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”