Why Top Investment Banking Candidates Take Financial Modeling Early
If you’re aiming for a career in investment banking, starting early can make all the difference. One thing we see again and again in our Student Success Stories is that those who engage with financial modeling training early, not just as a last-minute prep, find themselves ahead in interviews, internships, and on the job. Let’s explore why that’s true, using real examples from Adventis-certified students.
Early Skill-Building = Confidence in Technical Interviews
One repeated theme among students who stand out is confidence, especially when it comes to technical interviews. Learning how to build financial models from scratch gives you more than just conceptual familiarity; it gives you fluency.
Lucas (Bentley University ’26, 2025 IB Summer Analyst at Moelis & Company) says, "Adventis emphasized actually building financial models from scratch, not just memorizing concepts.”
Scotty (University of Tennessee ’27, 2026 IB Summer Analyst, J.P. Morgan) highlights that Adventis helped him “lock down my accounting knowledge and technical prep for interviews.”
When you begin early, you get repeated exposure: building, reviewing, revising. That repetition helps when you're under pressure, in technical interviews, because it feels less foreign and more intuitive.
Having a Head Start on Coursework & Club Recruiting
Starting early not only means better preparation for technical interviews but also that you're in a stronger position when you begin recruiting for finance clubs on campus.
Ryan (Bentley University ’27, 2026 IB Summer Analyst, Lazard) shared: “By sophomore year, it was clear I was ahead. The early prep I did through Adventis made that possible.”
Jacob (University of Georgia ’24, IB Analyst, England & Company) remarked: “It shows that you're taking initiative and going beyond your coursework.”
When you already know your way around modeling early, you can make better use of class projects, internships, and networking settings. You can elevate your résumé sooner and talk with confidence about what you’ve done, not just what you’re learning.
Better Prepared to Succeed on the Job
Once you land the internship or the analyst position, the challenges don’t stop. Day one at a finance desk often involves working with models, updating financials under tight deadlines, and interpreting data in real-time.
Will (University of Georgia ’19, Private Equity, OMERS) said: “It prepares you not just for interviews—but to succeed on the job.”
Nora (Brown University ’22, Private Equity Associate, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice) described how Adventis helped her “hit the ground running.”
These voices show that early modeling experience isn’t just interview prep; it directly translates into job performance. Firms value people who can jump into work with minimal hand-holding because that reduces risk and accelerates contributions.
Signaling Initiative & Differentiation
Especially in competitive recruiting cycles, what helps you stand out is often less what you studied, and more how you prepared, and how early.
Tim (University of Georgia ’19, Private Equity, Nolan Capital) noted: “Most interviewers asked about my Adventis certification. It definitely gave me an edge.”
Charlie (University of Tennessee ’26, 2025 IB Summer Analyst, Lazard): “With Adventis, you actually learn the material and can apply it yourself.”
By committing to financial modeling early (and validating that with actual work or credentials), you show recruiters two things: readiness and seriousness. Both are crucial in a field where technical competence and dedication are assumed to be the baseline.
How to Start Early & Make It Count
To get the maximum benefit from early modeling training, here are some practical suggestions:
Enroll in the FMC® Program early in your college or university career (freshmen or sophomore year is ideal).
Build models hands-on, not just study textbook cases. Being able to build from scratch (forecasting, valuation, scenario analysis) deepens your understanding.
Revisit and revise your work. Modeling speed and accuracy improve with rehearsal.
Seek feedback: Have peers, mentors, or Adventis Reps and instructors review your models and help you refine both correctness and presentation.
Apply your skills in real-world settings, such as internships, student investment clubs, and case competitions. The more you use modeling, the sharper you become.
Final Thoughts
Top investment banking candidates know that the race begins long before applications open. By taking financial modeling early, you gain technical fluency, confidence, and visibility. You’re not just preparing for interviews, you’re preparing for the role itself.
At Adventis, we’ve seen students who embraced modeling early turn that investment into internships at places like Lazard, J.P. Morgan, Moelis, and beyond. If you’re ready to launch your finance career with purpose, make modeling one of your first steps. It won’t just help you get in the door; it will help you stay and excel once you’re there.
Ready to gain the skills that top candidates use to set themselves apart? Enroll in the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC® Program) today and start building the confidence, credibility, and technical expertise that firms expect.
Want to see how other students turned early modeling training into internships and full-time offers at leading firms? Explore our Student Success Stories and learn how Adventis alumni achieved their goals.
