How much modeling do I need to know as an intern?

Curious about what is suggested to brush up on. Is building operating models something that IB teams do or is that done by corporate finance teams? Also, what metrics are used for projections--ex. for accounts payable would you use DPO or other similar ratios? Or is it all based on ER projections?

 

This topic has been covered hundreds of times. 

Suggest you have the following locked down:

1. Basic accounting principles. How a 3 statement model interacts. 

2. DCF - know how to put one together given a business projections

3. Paper LBO - like so: https://www.streetofwalls.com/finance-training-courses/private-equity-t…;

4. Comps - what are comps and what are the typical comps you'd use for a public vs private situation

London Sponsors M&A - EB
 
Most Helpful

Based on my own experience:

You need to know how everything works, not necessarily how to do it. If you can figure out how a DCF, 3 statement, comps, LBO and merger model work then you will be fine.

Realistically you’re an intern, you’re not going to be modelling on the job. Most you’ll do is some comps/update existing models.

Have a solid understanding of Excel so you can check and update things quickly without screwing it up.

FAR more important: PowerPoint

If you can get really good, really fast and not make mistakes it will make you stand out. Delivering high quality, error-free work product within the requested timescale or faster will make you look better than any modelling skills you might have but won’t be using. Always remember: Quality > Speed

That, a good attitude, friendliness and a solid understanding of the fundamentals of finance will get you an offer. Be quick to learn and ask the right questions too (only once and not if you can google it) and set reasonable expectations for when people can expect work product from you.

Good luck!

 

Vel et excepturi ducimus ad quia. Est est quia quidem consequatur in.

Est beatae repellendus illo ut. Et id enim harum. Exercitationem ratione aspernatur laboriosam vel fugit quam nam.

Aspernatur doloribus voluptatem quia porro laudantium libero libero. Dignissimos qui alias repudiandae sunt. Libero praesentium ullam eligendi consequatur. Consequatur ipsam ut sed dolores.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (206) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (148) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”