Learn financial modeling

Choosing the right financial modeling program for you

When considering a financial modeling program, it's important to select one that teaches the financial model you're most interested in learning. Some of the more well-known financial models taught include the three-statement model, the merger (M&A) model, the initial public offering (IPO) model, and the discounted cash flow (DCF) model. If you're unsure which model you want to focus on, choosing a more broad option can be a great first step.

Here are several learning options to consider:

Courses

Financial modeling courses can serve as either great introductory options or ways to laser focus on a particular model you want to learn.

Certifications

Earning a certification in financial modeling helps ensure you've learned all the essentials you need to know about a particular model or concept. This can also provide concrete proof of your skills, experience, and expertise in a particular area to a prospective employer, helping you stand out in a crowded job market.

Executive education programs

If you're an industry veteran looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, executive education programs can provide a schedule-sensitive way to learn financial modeling.

Degrees

With a bachelor's degree in finance, you ensure that you're getting a well-rounded education that can support financial modeling knowledge.

Additionally, a significant portion of jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. So despite the significantly larger amount of work required to complete a four-year program, earning your bachelor's degree can often be a wise investment in your career.

Jobs in financial modeling

Many industries use financial modeling, including banking, credit rating, insurance, healthcare, and accounting. Within these industries, many jobs exist, such as financial analyst, equity research analyst, corporate banker, asset manager, and investment banker.

Typically, these jobs take place in an office environment, working for a company that uses the financial models internally or a company that works as a third-party creating models for other organizations.

One of the best ways to improve your skill set in financial modeling and position yourself for more attractive jobs is to learn additional types of financial models. These may include the leverage buyout (LBO) model, the consolidation model, and the sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) model.

Here are a few positions that may be available to professionals with knowledge and experience of financial models, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Learn financial modeling online with edX

Are you ready to expand your financial modeling skill set and dive deeper into the world of finance? Then check out edX's vast array of online courses and get started today.