The Best Financial Modelling Course?

You might be expecting a list of top financial modeling course providers but that’s not what I’m going to do here. (I would probably be biased anyways).

What I will do is give you some tips on how to select the best financial modelling course for YOU.

I’ll share with you what I’ve found most useful for clients and prospective clients in my experience in financial training over the last fifteen years:

1. Every provider you evaluate will declare themselves as the “No. 1” or “Best” course provider – ignore the fluff and posturing. There are a lot of great course providers – some focus on Financial Modelling specifically for bankers and some teach a broader view of Financial Modelling so you may apply it to any scenario. Take a course that is right for YOUR situation and needs.
2. Financial Modelling is really best learned by doing. So, having a live instructor look over your shoulder to help you will give you the best results.
3. Relating to point 2, class sizes should be limited in size to give you the most personal attention from the instructor. (Ideally less than 20 people – even that’s on the high end).
4. IF you can’t afford to attend a live instructor-led course, many people opt for online learning (or distance learning). It’s best the course includes “over-the-shoulder” video tutorials so you can see how things are done.
5. Financial modelling in theory may differ from Financial modelling in the REAL WORLD. If you search online, you’ll find everyone and their dog are “financial modelling in Excel” experts. I’ve seen people who sell courses who’s experience only consists of an internship with an investment bank or just 1-2 years experience in working with financial models. I’m sure they’re very good at what they do – but you don’t become an expert in just 1-2 years in anything you do.
   Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers, writes it takes up to 10,000 hours to become a Master in any specific subject area.
6. The Financial Modelling course you did in University/College is most likely not enough. One thing I hear repeatedly from clients is their new hires and existing staff do not have adequate modelling skills coming out of University (including the MBA graduates). So, there’s a huge gap in what is being taught in schools and what is needed on the job.

I hope these tips help you in evaluating and choosing the right financial modelling course for your specific needs. Everyone is different, have different experience, knowledge, skills, career objectives, etc. – select the course that is right for your situation.

Only you know what that is.