Yes. Clearing CFA Level 1 builds strong finance concepts, but practical skills like financial modelling are essential to apply those concepts in real-world roles. Milind’s journey shows how learning Excel and modelling helped him bridge the gap between theory and industry expectations.
Milind’s journey did not begin with a job offer or a course enrollment. It began with a simple realisation.
Coming from an Economics Honours background at Delhi Technological University, he had always been curious about how businesses create value and how markets price that value. This interest naturally pushed him toward CFA and a career in equity research and valuation.
Clearing CFA Level 1 gave him a strong theoretical base. He understood financial statements, valuation methods, and corporate finance concepts clearly.
But when he started sitting for interviews and practical discussions, something felt incomplete.
He could explain concepts confidently, but building a financial model from scratch or analysing a company in Excel felt challenging. That gap slowly became obvious.
That’s when he decided to learn financial modelling to make himself truly job-ready.
The beginning was not easy. Excel looked complicated. Models seemed overwhelming. There were too many formulas, assumptions, and linkages.
But with structured learning and consistent practice, things started making sense. Once the fundamentals clicked, modelling stopped feeling scary and started feeling logical.
Today, Milind can independently analyse companies, build projections, test assumptions, and understand how every number impacts valuation.
His journey shows that theory builds knowledge, but application builds confidence.
Below is a transcript of his interview with us:
Q1: So Milind, let’s start simple. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an Economics Honours graduate from Delhi Technological University and currently a CFA Level 2 candidate. During college, I developed a strong interest in finance, especially understanding how businesses create value and how markets price that value. I enjoyed analysing companies and financial statements, which naturally drew me toward equity research, valuation, and financial analysis. Over time, I realised I needed both strong concepts and practical finance skills to build a solid career.
Q2: After clearing CFA Level 1, why did you still feel the need to learn financial modelling?
CFA Level 1 gave me strong theoretical knowledge and helped me understand finance concepts clearly. But theory alone is not enough for real-world finance roles. Financial modelling is where concepts are applied in Excel to build projections, cash flows, and valuations. I wanted to convert my knowledge into practical skills, so learning financial modelling felt essential to become job ready.
Q3: When did this gap become very obvious to you?
The gap became obvious during interviews and case discussions. I could explain valuation concepts and financial ratios, but I wasn’t confident building financial models or analysing companies practically in Excel. That’s when I realised I needed hands-on financial modelling skills, not just theoretical understanding.
Q4: How was the learning experience when you actually started financial modelling? Easy or overwhelming?
Initially, it felt overwhelming. Excel seemed complicated and the models looked complex with many linked sheets and formulas. But once the learning happened step by step and the basics were explained clearly, everything started making sense. With practice, the complexity became manageable and more logical.
Q5: So how did you deal with the challenges while learning financial modelling?
I focused on consistent practice and understanding the logic behind each step instead of memorising formulas. I broke bigger financial models into smaller sections and practised them repeatedly. This hands-on approach, along with structured guidance, helped me improve faster and build confidence.
Q6: What changed in you after getting comfortable with modelling and Excel?
My confidence increased a lot. I could independently build financial models, analyse companies, and test different assumptions for valuation. My thinking became more structured and data driven. I felt much more prepared for interviews and real finance job responsibilities.
Q7: If a student from economics or CFA is reading this and feeling confused, what would you tell them?
Feeling confused in the beginning is normal. Strong theory from economics or CFA gives you a foundation, but practical skills like financial modelling and Excel make you industry ready. Start small, practise regularly, and focus on understanding the logic. With time and consistency, confidence will naturally improve.
Milind’s journey shows that financial modelling after CFA helps convert theory into practical, job-ready skills. With hands-on Excel practice and structured learning, he gained the confidence to analyse companies independently. His experience proves that combining CFA knowledge with modelling can significantly improve finance career opportunities.
People Also Ask: Financial Modelling After CFA
1. Is financial modelling necessary after CFA Level 1?
Yes. CFA builds theoretical knowledge, but financial modelling helps apply that knowledge in practical finance roles like equity research and valuation.
2. Do CFA students need Excel skills?
Yes. Most finance jobs require strong Excel and modelling skills for analysis, forecasting, and valuation.
3. Can I learn financial modelling alongside CFA?
Yes. Many students learn modelling while preparing for CFA to become more industry-ready and improve job opportunities.
4. Is financial modelling difficult for beginners?
It may feel overwhelming at first, but with structured practice and guidance, it becomes logical and easy to follow.
5. What careers benefit from financial modelling?
Roles like equity research analyst, financial analyst, investment banking analyst, and corporate finance professional require strong modelling skills.
6. What is a financial modelling and valuations course?
A financial modelling and valuations course teaches you how to build financial models in Excel, forecast company performance, and calculate business valuation using practical, real-world case studies. It focuses more on application than theory.
7. How do I choose the right financial modelling training institute?
Look for a financial modelling training institute that offers structured modules, live projects, mentor support, and plenty of hands-on Excel practice. Learning by doing is much more important than only watching lectures.
8. Is joining a financial modelling course with placement support helpful?
Yes. A financial modelling course with placement support can help you prepare for interviews, case studies, and real finance roles. It gives you both technical skills and guidance on how to apply for jobs confidently.
9. Are there good financial modelling classes near me or should I learn online?
Both options work. Financial modelling classes near you can offer classroom interaction and doubt solving, while online programs provide flexibility. Choose the format that fits your schedule and learning style.
10. How can I find a reliable financial modelling institute near me?
Start by checking faculty experience, student reviews, curriculum depth, and practical exposure. A good financial modelling institute near you should focus on real company models, valuations, and industry-relevant skills rather than only theory.
11. Is the financial modelling and valuation course TWSS suitable for beginners?
The financial modelling and valuation course at TWSS is beginner-friendly and structured step by step, which helps students from commerce, economics, or CFA backgrounds gradually build confidence in Excel, modelling, and valuation concepts.
