Why the University of South Carolina Chose Adventis's FMC® Program

Traditional finance coursework does not always provide the rigorous, hands-on training needed for technical interview prep. Adventis's Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program fills that gap with an interactive and practical approach to financial modeling, resulting in higher retention of the exact skills investment banks are looking for during recruitment. That's why the University of South Carolina's Carolina Finance Scholars Program integrated the Adventis FMC® Program as a foundational training tool.

Instead of memorizing formulas, students internalize key concepts by building models themselves—giving them the confidence to excel in technical interviews and the real world.

"I took Adventis early, and I didn't realize how helpful it would be until I got to the 400-question technical guide for interviews. I already knew the concepts because I had built the models myself. Everything just clicked." — Samantha, Investment Banking Summer Analyst at J.P. Morgan, USC '25

The results speak for themselves: since the partnership began in 2017, over 70 students have earned their FMC® Level I Certification, using the program to gain a competitive edge in interviews, case competitions, and investment banking internships.

The FMC® Program also offers strong benefits for students who are undecided about or not interested in investment banking. Learning how the three financial statements work together and building efficiency in Microsoft Excel have strong benefits for students interested in asset management, corporate banking, and other finance-related fields.

Adventis as a Competitive Edge

The Carolina Finance Scholars Program is one of the most selective finance opportunities at the University of South Carolina. Of the 100–120 applicants each year, only about 30 are accepted. Adventis certification has become an unofficial signal of who's serious—and who's ready.

While not required, Adventis is now strongly recommended for applicants. For applicants interested in investment banking and high finance roles, earning the Adventis certifications demonstrates work ethic, attention to detail, and financial acumen—all qualities the Scholars Program looks for. For applicants more interested in other fields such as consulting, asset management, and corporate banking, engagement in the FMC® Program demonstrates a strong interest in finance.

Building a Finance Talent Pipeline at USC

The USC Finance Scholars Program and the Carolina Finance and Investment Association (CFIA) promote Adventis as a vital preparation tool for students interested in investment banking. Through widespread promotion and in-person boot camps, they've built a high-performing finance talent pipeline:

1. Wide Promotion Through Student Organizations & Courses

   CFIA and Carolina Finance Scholars promote the FMC® Program during info sessions and club meetings as a way to differentiate yourself prior to applications for the Carolina Finance Scholars. The Freshman Finance Academy (FFA) actively encourages students to take Adventis early, helping them stand out when recruiting begins.

2. Boot Camps Led by Student Trainers

   The USC hosts 3–4 live Adventis boot camps per year. These intensive, 8–10 hour sessions are led by FMC®-certified USC students, giving participants the opportunity to gain hands-on practice in a collaborative setting.

   "I signed up for Adventis and loved the boot camp. The 10 hours I spent there were fascinating. I knew I wanted to pursue a high-finance career after that."  — Samantha, Investment Banking Summer Analyst at J.P. Morgan, USC '25

3. Student Trainers Who Lead and Mentor

   Adventis-certified USC students who excel in the program are invited to apply to become Student Trainers, supporting students and building a culture of excellence and peer mentorship. In order to become a Student Trainer, students must go through a rigorous prep program that takes them from being great at financial modeling to being great at teaching financial modeling.

Why Adventis Works for USC Finance Scholars

The Carolina Finance Scholars Program is built to mirror the real-world recruiting process for investment banking and other high-finance roles. Adventis fits seamlessly into that structure by providing rigorous, hands-on training needed for technical interview prep. By taking the FMC® Program, students are better prepared for everything that follows—from interviews to internships to full-time roles.

"Adventis really helped connect the technical knowledge with real-world applications. When I started my investment banking internship, I already knew what to expect." — Samantha, Investment Banking Summer Analyst at J.P. Morgan, USC '25

With a 100% placement rate into competitive finance internships and full-time roles, the Carolina Finance Scholars Program relies on Adventis as a strategic partner in talent development.

What Other Universities Can Learn from USC's Success

• Start Early – Encouraging students to take the FMC® Program as freshmen or sophomores gives them a competitive advantage.

• Leverage Student Leadership – Peer-led boot camps and mentorship improve engagement and reinforce learning for both trainers and participants.

• Use Certification as a Signal – Adventis Certification is more than a resume boost—it's a clear indicator of work ethic, technical ability, and career focus.

"Having my FMC® Certification made me stand out in interviews. I could speak confidently about financial modeling, and I knew I had a skill set recruiters were looking for." — Samantha, Investment Banking Summer Analyst at J.P. Morgan, USC '25