Meet Ishita Gupta, a high-achieving B.Com graduate from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya who is rapidly emerging as a specialist in the investment analysis landscape. With a remarkable academic foundation by scoring 92.5% in her graduation, Ishita has consistently demonstrated a drive for excellence.
Recognizing the need for a global perspective in finance, she successfully cleared the CFA Level II exam in August 2025, mastering complex domains like equity valuation, portfolio management and derivatives. However, Ishita knew that elite theoretical knowledge is most powerful when paired with technical execution. To bridge this gap, she completed a rigorous Investment Banking certification at The WallStreet School, where she gained hands-on expertise in integrated three-statement financial modelling, Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis and M&A modeling.
Today, Ishita is placed at Preferred Square and represents the new generation of finance professionals who combine the prestigious CFA charter path with the practical, Excel-based skills required by top-tier investment banks and corporate finance firms. Her journey is a roadmap for aspirants looking to transform academic success into real-world career breakthroughs.
Below is the transcript of her interview with us:
1. What is your educational background and what specific career objectives led you to pursue a career in finance?
I am a B.Com graduate currently specialized in investment analysis having cleared CFA Level II. My educational background is rooted in financial accounting and portfolio management. My primary career objective is to secure a role in Equity Research, Corporate Finance or Investment Banking. I am driven by the process of business valuation and financial statement analysis, aiming to apply my CFA curriculum knowledge to solve complex, real-world financial problems and assist in value-driven decision-making.
2. Why is financial modelling a critical skill to learn even after clearing CFA Level II?
Financial modelling is essential because it bridges the gap between CFA Level II theory and practical execution. While the CFA program provides a strong foundation in valuation methodologies and fixed income, financial modelling teaches you how to build dynamic Excel-based models. Most finance recruiters require candidates to be proficient in financial forecasting and scenario analysis. Mastering modeling ensures you can translate CFA concepts into a structured, job-ready format used by top-tier financial firms.
3. What are the biggest challenges of balancing CFA preparation with financial modelling, and what strategies did you use to manage both?
The main challenge of balancing CFA preparation with financial modelling is managing the high volume of quantitative theory alongside hands-on technical practice. My strategy involved a structured time-blocking approach where I dedicated morning hours to the CFA Level II curriculum (theory and ethics) and evening sessions to Excel-based financial modelling (practical application). This dual-track learning ensured I stayed consistent with CFA exam prep while building a portfolio of Three-Statement Models and DCF analyses
4. In what specific ways does financial modelling training help in applying theoretical CFA concepts to real-world financial analysis?
Financial modelling training operationalizes CFA concepts by moving from manual formulas to automated Excel workflows. Means, it allows you to apply Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, WACC calculations and Relative Valuation to real-time company data. By building integrated Three-Statement Models, I gained a deeper understanding of how the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement interact a critical skill for any Financial Analyst performing real-world financial analysis
5. Can you provide a case study or example of how your financial modelling skills helped in your placement interview?
During my placement interview, I was tasked with explaining a business valuation and revenue forecast. Because of my financial modelling training, I didn’t just provide theoretical answers but also walked them through the step-by-step process of building a revenue driver model and performing a sensitivity analysis in Excel. Demonstrating this technical competency gave the interviewer confidence in my practical finance skills, which was the deciding factor in my successful job placement.
6. What is your top advice for CFA aspirants looking to master financial modelling to maximize their employability?
To maximize employability in finance, my top advice for CFA aspirants is to prioritize practical Excel application. Don’t just study the CFA Level I or II curriculum in isolation; build financial models using real-world annual reports and SEC filings. Mastering Excel for finance, Three-Statement modeling, and valuation techniques is the most effective way to stand out to recruiters and secure high-paying CFA career opportunities.
Ishita’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of combining a prestigious global qualification with hands-on technical training. By mastering both the why and how through the CFA program and the “how” through financial modeling, she has successfully transitioned from a high-achieving student to a job-ready finance professional. Her story serves as a roadmap for any aspirant looking to break into the competitive world of investment banking and corporate finance by proving that the right mix of discipline and practical skills is the ultimate key to career success.
Ishita’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of combining a prestigious global qualification with hands-on technical training. By mastering both the ‘why’ through the CFA program and the facts through financial modeling, she has successfully transitioned from a high-achieving student to a job-ready finance professional. Her story serves as a roadmap for any aspirant looking to break into the competitive world of investment banking and corporate finance by proving that the right mix of discipline and practical skills is the ultimate key to career success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
To help other students navigate their career paths, we have compiled the most common questions regarding financial modeling courses and CFA career prospects.
1. Is a financial modeling course necessary after clearing CFA Level I or II?
Yes, it is highly recommended. While the CFA curriculum provides world-class theoretical knowledge of valuation and analysis, a financial modeling course teaches you how to apply those concepts in Microsoft Excel. Most employers in Equity Research and Investment Banking require candidates who can build dynamic, error-free models from scratch—a skill that is best learned through practical, hands-on training.
2. Which is the best financial modeling course for investment banking aspirants?
The best course is one that focuses on “practice-oriented” learning rather than just theory. Look for programs like The WallStreet School’s Investment Banking Certification, which covers three-statement modeling, DCF analysis and LBO modeling. A good course should use real-world company data and provide insights into pitch-book preparation and interview readiness.
3. Can I learn financial modeling alongside my graduation or CFA prep?
Absolutely. Many successful candidates, like Ishita, balance their B.Com or CFA studies with financial modeling by using a structured time-blocking strategy. Dedicating a few hours a week to Excel-based practice ensures that by the time you graduate or clear your exams, you already possess the technical competency that recruiters look for in entry-level finance roles.
4. How does financial modeling improve job prospects in corporate finance?
Financial modeling significantly boosts employability because it reduces the “training gap” for employers. A candidate who can already perform scenario analysis, revenue forecasting, and relative valuation is seen as a “plug-and-play” asset. This practical expertise often becomes the deciding factor during placement interviews and technical rounds.
5. What are the core technical skills learned in an Investment Banking course?
A comprehensive course typically covers:
- Advanced Excel (shortcuts, data visualization, and macros).
- Integrated Three-Statement Modeling (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).
- Valuation Techniques (DCF, Comparable Company Analysis, and Precedent Transactions).
- Transaction Analysis (M&A and LBO modeling).
Ishita’s approach of combining her CFA Level II with practical skills like financial modeling really shows how essential it is to blend academic knowledge with hands-on experience in finance. Her success story is an excellent roadmap for anyone looking to make a strong impact in investment banking.