Given the importance in finance (especially investment banking), what is more recognizable and valued within the industry: Wall Street Prep training or a certification like the CFMS (Certified Financial Modeling Specialist)? Any other financial modeling self studies or ideas greatly appreciated!
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I had never heard of CFMS before now... But neither will pull much weight. Build some sample models to forward to interviewers after the first interview (if they are interested in seeing one).
I was a liberal arts major in college and listed Wall St Prep on my resume, which people were happy about mostly because it showed interest. Doesn't make you legit or anything
Are Online Modeling Certificates Respected/Valued (unique situation)? (Originally Posted: 02/15/2018)
Here's my situation, and would appreciate feedback - I come from a scientific background (BS/MS - molecular bio) and currently work in between banking and consulting for healthcare companies - I have both Series 7 & 63, but no real modeling/valuation experience as most companies we work with are very early (series A or B) and main value driver is related to science/tech & founders/management...
I'm considering going for a more traditional banking role at either a boutique or a MM shop, and have been considered for a couple - they like my background and industry knowledge, but lack of modeling experience has been a sticking point..
My question is twofold: (1) If I do one of the online modeling packages, let's say WallStreetPrep (you guys may be biased given the partnership with WSO and WSP), and get a certificate will this be enough? i.e. will this really prepare me to hit the ground running and are employers going to really respect this certification? (2) Considering I'm in my late 20's, is it worth getting started this late in the game in such an intense industry?
All comments welcomed...thanks
Bump
This certification may help you personally but I doubt any employers will respect the certification
To be honest, no it will not help you. Like above guy said - it will help you indirectly in the fact you would be able to hopefully pass technical interview/case-study, but saying you have a certificate won't matter
Thanks.. yeah I guess when I said "respect/value" I really just wondered if it would make me more marketable.. obviously doing the courses will help me develop the skills...I just want to make sure I can carry them over.
I'm mainly making sure I can justify spending the time and the money on doing the course
Real Estate Excel Modeling Certificates (Originally Posted: 04/15/2014)
In the process of interviewing with a Repe who has about $1B in assets. I come from a commercial appraisal background so I understand the valuation process and have an understanding of Argus. Is it worth it to look into excel modeling certifications? I know REFM provides a certification class which I believe is online. Is this the go-to or do any of the monkeys recommend other certifications?
I worked for a commercial appraisal company out of college, and I thought I understood everything I needed to know about modeling. A friend who was working as a sales broker wanted to take a couple courses at NYU Schack, so I signed up, too. Turns out the non-credit RE financial modeling course I took totally changed my career trajectory (in my opinion), since it really opened my eyes and allowed me to recognize how much more there was to learn. While I picked up a bunch from the curriculum, the course gave me the skills I needed to help teach myself even more by applying it to the work I was doing and then figuring out how to take everything to the next level (i.e. modeling debt and partnership waterfall structures).
Thank you H. Roark. Have you come across the REFM modeling or do you know any other online classes that I can achieve a similar experience?
More is always better. An NYU financial modeling certificate won't place you ahead of someone with actual work experience, but it can't hurt you either.
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