Any adequate financial modelling training to suggest?

I had the exact same background btw, Politics & Econ. 

Honestly, I recommend against investing in that. 

Or rather, I believe there are better things to invest in. 

Fin modelling training is something you'll learn anyway on the job. And when you're in one of these firms, you can go on trainings that are dedicated to learning these skills. Or you just learn them as part of project work. 

Would knowing modelling help? Yes. It might make the first few months in the firm smoother. 

But I think it's more important to invest in actually getting into a good firm. 

And I know this will sound like a sales plug, but you might want to invest in coaching instead, specifically coaching that is tailored to helping you develop consulting skills. So, in that sense, it's not coaching to just help you get an offer, but rather coaching that is meant to develop great consulting skills in you and help you get a consulting offer as a byproduct of those skills. 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Best,
Cristian

Hi,

My honest advice would be to focus on getting the offer first.

Financial modeling is useful, but in consulting it’s not expected at entry level and definitely not at the level of investment banking. You’ll use Excel, but you can learn most of it on the job, and MBB will provide the training you need anyway.

If you really want, you can take a short crash course just to get comfortable with basics, but I wouldn’t overinvest time there.

Right now, your time is much better spent on applications, networking, and especially case interview prep; that’s what will actually make the difference.

Best,
Franco

Hi there,

Honestly, pick the one that looks best to you! That said, I agree with the others that you really don't need to do this... you will learn on the job. Moreover, much of what they teach online doesn't apply to MBB specifically... every company has their own style, standard, etc.

If you're picking between the two, I'd do Excel. But, honestly, I'd take this time to focus on case prep and applications first. That's what gets you the offer.

If you want something structured that covers the full recruiting journey, my 360 course has it all in one place: Consulting Recruiting Course

And for the broader mindset and strategy behind breaking in, search The Consulting Offer Blueprint on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Good luck!

Agree with Cristian. No upside for you going into consulting/strategy role. (Financial) modelling skills that are required from you will be more than basic. You should much rather spend more time prepping for interviews as well as pro-actively networking (i.e. talking to as many people as possible at the firms you want to work at).

However, if you want to go all in on modelling - check out:

• Financial Edge Training (they train most Bulges and Elite Boutiques - and trained me :) )
• Peak Frameworks (for LBOs only; most IB Analysts/Associates use that when prepping for PE interviews - I used that too :) )
• Break Into Wall Street (BIWS)
• WallStreetPrep

Best

Denis

You do not need CFA-level modeling. You need enough to be credible in client conversations and handle basic quantitative work in strategy projects.

Three options worth considering:

• CFI Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst: practical, well recognized, not overkill for strategy consulting
• Wall Street Prep or Breaking Into Wall Street: more finance-heavy but fundamentals transfer well
• Coursera from Wharton or Michigan: lighter and faster, good for foundations

For strategy consulting you need business case modeling, scenario analysis, and unit economics. Not DCF or LBO. CFI's foundational course gets you there.

Pick one and finish it. A completed course you can actually apply beats three half-finished ones.

The signal is not the certificate. It is that you took initiative to build a skill nobody required. That is what matters.

Hi there,

I suggest you to research what your target consulting firms are looking for in candidates and focus on making sure your application demonstrate those qualities. I have yet to know of a consulting firm that looks for financial modelling experience so not sure this is an area you should focus on.

hey there :)

you’re right, it’s not required for consulting, but it can be a nice signal if done pragmatically. I’d go for something practical and recognized like Corporate Finance Institute FMVA or Wall Street Prep, both are well known and very hands on. Breaking Into Wall Street is also solid if you want something a bit more detailed

don’t overdo it though, one course is enough, the real value is being able to talk through a simple model clearly in interviews

if you want, I can suggest the fastest option depending on your timeline :)

best,
Alessa :)