Breaking into core equity research and corporate finance requires more than just mastering complex formulas on paper. While professional certifications build essential analytical rigor, top investment banks, equity research desks, and financial advisory firms actively look for analysts who can build dynamic financial models, project multi-year performance, and synthesize real-world data into clear investment decisions from day one.
Today, we spotlight Krishang Gupta, a high-achieving B.Com (Hons.) graduate from Panjab University and a CFA Level II cleared candidate – who successfully transformed his strong background in finance into practical, market-ready valuation expertise, ultimately securing his placement at Asur Advisors.
Looking to elevate his technical toolset beyond textbook concepts, Krishang enrolled in the Certification Program on Financial Modelling and Valuation at The WallStreet School (TWSS) in Delhi. Through hands-on training in integrated 3-statement modeling, DCF valuations, and data analytics tools, he bridged the gap between academic finance and core industry execution.
Here is an inside look at Krishang’s journey, his learning experience at TWSS, and his perspective on building a career in equity research and valuation:
1. Could you share a brief overview of your academic background and what drew you toward a career in equity research?
I completed my B.Com (Hons.) at Panjab University while pursuing the CFA program. Clearing CFA Level II gave me a deep understanding of equity valuation, fixed income, and portfolio management. Early on, working on valuation models and analyzing financial statements made me realize how much I enjoyed digging into company fundamentals to drive data-informed investment decisions.
2. Having cleared CFA Level II, why did you decide to pursue practical training at TWSS?
The CFA curriculum offers an incredible foundation in financial theory, but applying those concepts to real-world companies requires practical execution.
“My journey with The Wall Street School was the ideal bridge between theory and practice. While the CFA program built my conceptual base, TWSS gave me the hands-on Excel and modeling skills needed to translate those concepts into live financial models.”
Knowing how WACC or FCFF works conceptually is one thing; building a dynamic model with working capital schedules and sensitivity analysis from scratch is where real confidence comes from.
3. How did the mentors at TWSS impact your understanding of complex financial concepts?
The teaching methodology made a huge difference.
“The faculty at TWSS doesn’t just walk you through formulas – they break down the actual logic behind every assumption. They were incredibly supportive and focused on teaching us how to think like analysts, which gave me complete clarity on valuation nuances.”
That practical insight was key to mastering everything from DCF assumptions to deal structuring.
4. Which specific practical skills and technical tools from the program added the most value?
Building fully integrated 3-statement projection models, developing revenue schedules, and applying DCF, Trading Comps and Precedent Transaction Analysis were absolute highlights. Beyond traditional Excel modeling, getting exposure to tools like Power BI and Python for financial dashboarding and data-driven analysis really expanded my capabilities.
5. How did your training at TWSS help you in practical simulations and project work?
The modeling techniques directly enhanced my work during practical projects, such as building 5-year financial projection models, conducting peer benchmarking, and drafting investor updates and investment banking pitch books. The structured approach I learned at TWSS made structuring complex data and presenting clean financial insights second nature.
6. What is your key advice for finance aspirants looking to enter equity research or financial analysis?
Focus on practical implementation alongside your qualifications. Clearing competitive exams like the CFA demonstrates strong commitment and theoretical knowledge, but employers want candidates who can sit down on day one and build functional models. Invest in learning Excel logic, valuation methodologies, and practical forecasting.
Accelerate Your Career in Investment Research & Finance
Krishang Gupta’s story demonstrates how pairing rigorous financial qualifications with hands-on, practical training prepares professionals to stand out in competitive markets.
Whether you are pursuing B.Com, CA or CFA, The WallStreet School’s Financial Modelling and Valuation Program equips you with the real-world toolset needed to crack technical interviews and excel in core finance roles.
