Review Date: Nov 18, 2020
Experience Prior To The Program
I actually had just completed my Introduction to Finance course in college before I discovered this program. My school has introduced me to some basic finance ideas and I wanted to have a better understanding of how the terms are applied in the business world, as well as to gain more knowledge and experiences. The Analyst Prep Program was exactly what I was looking for. From training to mentoring and to the internship, the program has a well-structured process that would build a solid foundation for my career and enhance my technical and soft skills in the meantime.
Training Experience
I truly believe that everything I have learned from this program will prove its value at some point in my career and life. Because they are all practical and meaningful. But the most recent valuable aspect of the training for me was the hands-on experience. As a visual learner, the training practices of building financial models from scratch and performing company valuations with discounted cash flow, comparable trading, and precedent transaction analysis have all helped me to understand the complex financial terminologies better and their relationships with each other. For my career goals, this program has further ensured me that finance is the right career path I am passionate about. It also prepared me to be a stronger applicant for future internships and jobs.
As a visual learner, the training practices of building financial models from scratch and performing company valuations with discounted cash flow, comparable trading, and precedent transaction analysis have all helped me to understand the complex financial terminologies better and their relationships with each other.
Internship Experience
The internship experience was a combined work of what I have learned from the training modules and mentoring section. The training part provided me with all the technical skills I needed to create my own financial analysis and perform company valuations. The mentoring part helped me to have a better understanding of the company’s data and how to interpret them into more complicated stories. I could constantly learn from doing each project and gain new perspectives of my analysis after exchanging ideas with Mr. Romero during our mentoring call.
Mentorship
The one-on-one mentorship experience was one of the most unique experiences that this program provided. I was able to ask any questions and share my own understanding of the firms. Mr. Romero answered all my questions patiently and professionally which further enhanced my knowledge and understanding of each project.
Career Development
This program has provided me a solid foundation with the essential skills and abilities that I need to start my professional career. I understand that this career path is full of challenges and it will be a high-pressure environment. However, this program has at least given me a preview of my career, what I should expect and what I lack. This is only a start but I am glad to be aware of the challenges rather than not knowing them coming. And my next step is to keep improving and to become better and better.
Final Remarks
Have you ever wondered if what you learned at school is ever going to apply in your future job? Was it worth it to spend long nights studying for exams and you ended up forgetting them after exams? One, this program will provide you the practical side of your class materials and see the value of your education to your future career. Two, you will gain more knowledge and experiences than what you are learning from the classroom. Three, to gain or lose, you will at least find out what your finance career is looking for and what you lack and need to improve.