In today’s blog, we are thrilled to share the inspiring journey of Kanishk Goyal, a recent graduate and now a successful candidate in the field of investment banking. This blog is based on a podcast where Kanishk, who recently completed our Investment Banking course, shares his experiences, struggles, and success after being placed with Trip Capital, a US-based FinTech company. Kanishk talks about his academic background, his decision to enhance his skills, and how Jobaaj played a key role in helping him achieve his career goals.
Podcaster:
Good morning, everyone! We’re back with another success story, and today, we have Mr. Kanishk Goyal with us. Kanishk, how are you?
Kanishk Goyal:
Great, sir!
Podcaster:
It’s wonderful to have you here. For our audience, could you please introduce yourself?
Kanishk Goyal:
Sure! I’m Kanishk Goyal, 21 years old, from Mumbai. I’ve always been passionate about both academics and sports. I completed my HSC with a 90 percentile and, during the COVID period, I got fascinated by the stock market. This interest led me to pursue a Bachelor's in Financial Markets (BSM), graduating last year. I’ve been trading in the stock markets for three years, experimenting with various forms like Options, Futures, and Intraday Trading. I’ve been profitable in the last two financial years, thanks to Swing Trading.
After graduation, I realized I lacked real-world industry skills. Trading requires significant capital, and it was not something I could rely on for a living just yet. So, I decided to take courses to build practical skills and certifications, including NISM certifications. Later in 2024, I found out about Jobaaj Learning through workshops, and I enrolled in their Investment Banking program. I’m very grateful to the placement team for helping me land this opportunity.
Podcaster:
That’s fantastic to hear! Now, Kanishk, did you have any prior work experience before joining this course?
Kanishk Goyal:
No, sir. I was a complete fresher. I graduated last year and didn’t have any work experience.
Podcaster:
So, did you try to get any jobs during that time? Many BCom graduates face difficulty in finding jobs, but did you try applying?
Kanishk Goyal:
No, I didn’t get any jobs at the time because I lacked skills like Excel, financial modeling, and other practical knowledge. That’s when I decided to join Jobaaj, as they offered not just theoretical knowledge but also practical, industry-relevant skills.
Podcaster:
It’s great to hear that. So, what was your experience learning with us? What stood out to you?
Kanishk Goyal:
Before joining Jobaaj, I had done many certifications, but most of them focused on theory and formulas. The problem was, they didn’t teach how to apply that knowledge in a real job. In the job market, most of your work will be on Excel or computer-based tools, which other courses don’t teach. With Jobaaj, I started from scratch. I didn’t know anything about financial modeling or Excel, but I learned practical skills that will help me in my career.
Podcaster:
So, what was the placement process like for you?
Kanishk Goyal:
After completing my projects, I got several responses. I received around 12 emails and 30 messages, but initially, I wasn’t able to get selected. I applied to 100-150 companies, and I got interviews from 5-6 companies. Finally, last week, I was selected for an internship with Trip Capital, a FinTech company based in California, US. The HR team, especially Vishakha ma’am, was very helpful in guiding me through the application process.
Podcaster:
That’s wonderful! So, Kanishk, where did you get placed, and what is your role?
Kanishk Goyal:
I got placed at Trip Capital, and my role is in Investment and Due Diligence, where I analyze financial statements and perform data analysis on companies. My main task is to assess their creditworthiness and decide how much debt we should offer them.
Podcaster:
For our audience who might not understand what due diligence means, can you explain it simply?
Kanishk Goyal:
Sure! In simple terms, due diligence is checking a company’s financial health. I review their financial records to ensure they are truthful about their financial condition, and then determine if they are worthy of investment.
Podcaster:
Exactly! Now, although it’s just an internship right now, we know the company plans to convert it to a full-time role based on your performance. You've done exceptionally well with us, and we are confident you will continue to excel.
Podcaster:
Now, our final question: If there’s a BCom, BBA, or BFM student out there who wants to get into finance, not just a job in sales or banking, what advice would you give them?
Kanishk Goyal:
First and foremost, they need to build their
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Don’t miss the full conversation—watch the podcast now and get inspired by Kanishk’s journey!
General interview questions answered by Kanishk during his selection process
How do you manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and high-pressure situations?
Sample Answer: I manage multiple tasks and deadlines by prioritizing my work and staying organized. I break down large tasks into smaller, manageable segments and set specific deadlines for each. In high-pressure situations, I stay calm and focused, and I make sure to communicate effectively with my team and supervisor if I need assistance or more time. Time management and clear communication have been key to managing pressure.
Tell us about a challenging project or task you've worked on and how you handled it.
Sample Answer: One of the most challenging projects I worked on involved analyzing the financial health of a company in a highly volatile market. I had to review numerous financial reports and projections, many of which required detailed adjustments due to changing market conditions. I worked closely with my team to ensure that we had the most accurate data possible and kept a steady communication line with stakeholders to ensure they were updated with our progress. It was a great learning experience in adapting to unexpected challenges.
What tools or software are you most comfortable working with, and how do you use them in your role?
Sample Answer: I’m most comfortable working with Excel, as it’s essential for financial modeling, data analysis, and creating financial projections. I also use PowerPoint to present findings in a clear and structured manner. In my current internship, I regularly use these tools to prepare presentations, financial models, and reports. I’m also becoming more familiar with tools like Power BI for more advanced data visualization.
Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?
Sample Answer: In the next 3-5 years, I see myself in a full-time investment banking role, potentially progressing to an associate position. I hope to work on larger projects, enhance my expertise in financial modeling and analysis, and eventually take on more client-facing responsibilities. My goal is to continue learning, develop my leadership skills, and make valuable contributions to the team and the firm.
What is the most important skill you think an investment banker should possess, and why?
Sample Answer: I believe the most important skill is financial analysis. An investment banker must be able to evaluate financial statements, assess risk, and determine the financial viability of a company or project. Having strong analytical skills helps to make informed decisions and provide valuable insights to clients. Excel and financial modeling are also critical tools for carrying out this analysis effectively.
