At the University of Georgia (UGA), the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program has empowered students with real-world financial skills that translate directly into career success. One of those students is Jacob, Class of 2024, who used Adventis as a springboard to secure a full-time Investment Banking Analyst role at England & Company. Jacob's journey demonstrates how building technical fluency and taking initiative early can set students apart in a highly competitive field.

Student Story: Jacob's Leap into High Finance

Jacob enrolled in Adventis’s FMC® Program alongside several of his peers. What stood out immediately was how practical and applied the learning was. "It was a really good experience to get your hands on a financial model, to build Excel skills, and just see the way the numbers flow," he said. "You're constantly talking about these concepts in class—but with Adventis, you get to see them in action."

The real turning point came when Jacob went through the model on his own. "The first time, it was kind of like drinking from a firehose," he admitted. "But the second or third time through, I started to put the puzzle pieces together—how the three statements flow, how the supporting schedules contribute. That's when it really clicked for me."

Interview-Ready Technical Prep

The FMC® Program also gave Jacob an advantage in interviews—both through the skills it taught and the initiative it demonstrated. "It signals to the interviewer that you're trying to step outside your classes and take a step forward," Jacob said. "And it really did prepare me technically, more than a substantial number of other programs I was involved in."

The certification came up in several interviews, including one for the Corsair Society at the University of Georgia, where it was recognized as a major asset. "They emphasized how big it would be to have that Level I Certification," Jacob recalled. "It also came up in probably three or four interviews throughout recruiting."

Why Jacob Recommends the FMC® Program

Jacob has become an advocate for the program among UGA students, and for good reason. "It sets you ahead in terms of prep," he said. "A lot of people try to understand the bare minimum of these concepts. But when you're actually modeling them out, you have to know them like the back of your hand."

He also highlighted the unique structure of the program as a strength. "It's not a bunch of isolated modules. Everything ties together into one cohesive lesson, contributing to the final model you're tested on. That level of thoroughness really stood out."

A Competitive Edge from Campus to Wall Street

Jacob's journey from a curious undergraduate to an Investment Banking Analyst at England & Company is a testament to the impact of the Adventis FMC® Program. For students at non-core schools or those seeking to develop technical fluency early in their careers, the program offers a significant advantage.