In today’s Podcast, we are excited to bring you the inspiring journey of Harsh, a recent graduate who has successfully made his mark in the finance industry. This blog is based on a podcast where Harsh, who recently completed our Investment Banking program, shares his experiences, challenges, and achievements after landing a role with a boutique investment research firm. Harsh discusses his academic journey, the turning point when he decided to sharpen his skills, and how the guidance and resources from our program played a crucial role in helping him realize his career aspirations in the finance sector.

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Host:
Hi, Harsh. So good to see you so this discussion is just to understand your journey. Let’s try to hear your story and see if we can gather some insights. Please introduce yourself.

Harsh:
My name is Harsh, I completed my graduation in Bachelor's of Commerce, just like any other general commerce student. I completed my graduation in 2023. After that, I planned to pursue my Master's in Australia, but I faced some challenges and didn't feel comfortable going abroad. So, I decided to focus on an MBA, and I appeared for the CAT exam. But my scores were not good enough, and I couldn't qualify. So, my Plan B was to work on my skills and follow some career content creators, who were suggesting that I focus more on skills rather than just chasing a degree.

Host:
That’s really interesting! So, after that, you decided to dive into finance. What skills in finance did you focus on?

Harsh:
I was really interested in finance, so I researched what core skills are required in the field. I came across financial modeling as a key skill. Many influencers and content creators were stressing how financial modeling could open doors for a career in finance. I decided to research and identify the top courses in finance, and after looking through several programs, I found that financial modeling stood out as the most important skill.

Host:
And how did you proceed with learning financial modeling?

Harsh:
I joined a program focused on financial modeling. However, I realized that I had to invest in further education to get the depth I was looking for. Initially, I was hesitant due to the high cost, but I eventually took the plunge. I started by attending offline classes, which turned out to be more expensive than I had anticipated, but I felt I needed to invest in my future. The learning experience was invaluable, and I gained a lot of practical knowledge.

Host:
That's really inspiring, Harsh! So, what about your internship? Could you share a bit more about that?

Harsh:
My internship at ProCapitas was a turning point for me. I was able to apply all the theory I learned and work on real-world projects. My confidence grew as I navigated through the tasks, and during my interview, they asked me questions mainly based on my internship experience, which gave me an edge. Later, I participated in webinars and talked with people on Instagram, learning about various finance roles.

Host:
That sounds like a fantastic experience. So, what challenges did you face during your learning process?

Harsh:
The hardest part was the financial modeling course. The initial models were easy, but the bank models were difficult. However, my mentor at ProCapitas, Aman, guided me through the challenges, and I was able to understand the intricacies of the bank models. At times, it was frustrating, but the struggle helped me learn more.

Host:
And how did that experience help you in the job search?

Harsh:
Honestly, during my job search, I faced multiple rejections, which was tough. But I did not give up. I kept preparing and analyzing my mistakes. I used ChatGPT to research more on HR questions, which gave me a better understanding of how to answer them. I applied for various roles, including one as an equity advisor, and was eventually selected for a role at a boutique investment research firm.

Host:
That’s amazing, Harsh! So, what role did you land in the end?

Harsh:
I joined a boutique investment research firm, which specializes in wealth advisory. It’s been six months now, and I’ve learned a lot. The journey was full of hard work, but I can confidently say it was worth it.

Host:
That's fantastic, Harsh. You've come a long way. What advice would you give to others starting their journey?

Harsh:
My advice would be to never stop learning. It’s important to focus on building the right skills for the industry you want to work in. Also, don’t be afraid to face rejection. Learn from it, and keep improving. Your curiosity and determination are what will set you apart.

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Don’t miss the full conversation—watch the podcast now and get inspired by Harsh’s journey!

 

General interview questions answered by Harsh during her selection process

How did your internship experience at ProCapitas help you in your career development?

Sample Answer: My internship at ProCapitas gave me hands-on experience that was crucial in preparing for real-world finance roles. I worked on building financial models, analyzing data, and understanding client needs. The practical exposure and feedback from my mentors helped me refine my skills, and the projects I worked on became a key talking point during interviews.

What skills do you think are most important for success in the investment banking industry?

Sample Answer: Key skills for success in investment banking include financial modeling, data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. Additionally, a strong understanding of market trends and financial statements is crucial. Also, soft skills like resilience, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure are critical in this fast-paced field.

Tell us about a time when you had to solve a complex problem. How did you approach it?

Sample Answer: During my internship, I worked on a project that required building a financial model for a new product launch. The data was incomplete, and I had to make assumptions. I gathered all the relevant data, consulted with senior analysts, and used statistical methods to fill in the gaps. I was able to present a robust model that met the project's goals, and it was well-received by my mentors.

What finance-related skills have you acquired during your studies, and how do you plan to apply them in this role?

Sample Answer: Throughout my studies, I gained a strong foundation in financial analysis, accounting principles, and the basics of financial markets. Specifically, I learned about balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and how to interpret financial ratios. Beyond the academic curriculum, I invested in learning practical skills like financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting through various online platforms and programs. I believe financial modeling is critical in any finance role, and I’ve honed this skill by building models that forecast company performance based on historical data. I plan to apply these skills in this role by creating and analyzing financial models to support investment decisions, providing actionable insights, and helping the firm make informed strategic decisions.

What is financial modeling, and why do you think it's important for a finance professional?

Sample Answer: Financial modeling is the process of creating a mathematical representation of a company’s financial performance. It involves using historical data, assumptions, and forecasts to create a model that projects the future financial health of a business. It’s an essential skill because it allows finance professionals to make data-driven decisions, conduct valuation analyses, and evaluate the potential impact of different scenarios on a business. For example, in investment banking, financial modeling is crucial for determining whether a company is a good investment or merger candidate. I have focused on learning and improving my financial modeling skills as I believe they will be central to my success in a finance career.

If you were given a set of financial data, how would you approach analyzing it to identify key insights?

Sample Answer: When analyzing financial data, I would first ensure the data is accurate and clean, eliminating any inconsistencies or errors. After that, I would start by looking at the key financial statements – the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement – to assess the company’s financial health. I would calculate and analyze key ratios like profitability ratios (e.g., gross margin, operating margin), liquidity ratios (e.g., current ratio), and solvency ratios (e.g., debt-to-equity ratio). After performing this analysis, I would compare the company’s performance against industry benchmarks to identify any strengths or weaknesses. Finally, I would use this information to generate insights and offer recommendations, whether for improving efficiency, reducing costs, or identifying growth opportunities.