Why MBA, CA, and Engineers Need Financial Modelling & Investment Banking Skills
In today’s competitive job market, Financial Modelling for MBA students and Investment Banking for CA and Engineers have become essential skills. Employers no longer look only at degrees; they want professionals who can apply practical knowledge to solve real business problems. That’s why MBA students, Chartered Accountants, Engineers, and even commerce graduates are increasingly turning toward financial modelling and investment banking courses. These skills bridge the gap between classroom learning and corporate expectations, making students industry-ready while opening high-paying career opportunities. In this detailed guide, we will explore why MBA students learn financial modelling, why Investment Banking for CA and Engineers is a career-transforming skill, how financial modelling for commerce students creates new opportunities, and what placement benefits come with acquiring these practical skills. The Changing Landscape of Careers in Finance The financial services industry is not what it used to be. Earlier, an MBA or CA degree was considered sufficient to land a top job. However, as the industry becomes more complex with mergers, acquisitions, private equity, and global investments, recruiters now expect candidates to demonstrate practical financial modelling and investment banking skills from day one. For example, if you apply for a role in equity research, just knowing accounting standards is not enough. Recruiters will test whether you can build a DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) model, analyze company financials, and prepare an equity valuation report. Similarly, in investment banking roles, engineers and MBAs are often expected to prepare pitch books, merger models, and deal valuations before joining full-time. This is where financial modelling courses and investment banking training bridge the knowledge gap and make you ready for global opportunities. Why Financial Modelling for MBA Students is a Game Changer For MBA students, financial modelling is no longer optional; it is essential. Let’s break down why: Placement Advantage – Recruiters often look for MBA students who can go beyond theory and apply skills in valuation, forecasting, and investment analysis. A student who can present a financial model during an interview immediately stands out. Summer Internships & Projects – Many MBA programs include case competitions, consulting projects, and internships where practical modelling skills are required. Imagine being able to prepare a real merger model for your internship company—it sets you apart. Entrepreneurship & Startups – MBA students planning to launch their ventures need to prepare financial projections for investors. Without financial modelling skills, pitching for funding becomes nearly impossible. Global Relevance – Whether you aim for jobs in India, Singapore, Dubai, or New York, financial modelling is a universal language in finance. This is why top recruiters repeatedly say: “We hire MBA students who can apply skills, not just those who have degrees.” Why MBA Students Learn Financial Modelling Beyond Classrooms An MBA degree gives a strong theoretical foundation, but recruiters often complain about the gap between classroom teaching and industry requirements. This is where financial modelling steps in. Classroom Learning – You learn concepts like corporate finance, accounting, and valuation. Industry Expectation – You should be able to create an Excel model, forecast revenues, evaluate investments, and present them in a boardroom-style format. That’s why MBA students need to go beyond textbooks. For example: A classroom might teach you what EBITDA means, but financial modelling teaches you how to calculate, analyze, and forecast it for future years. You might learn about valuation theories in class, but recruiters want to see if you can actually value a startup using DCF or market comparable. Therefore, financial modelling for MBA students isn’t just about placements—it’s about bridging the academic-to-industry skill gap. Investment Banking for CA and Engineers: Bridging the Skill Gap Let’s talk about two categories of professionals who benefit immensely: CAs and Engineers. 1. Why Chartered Accountants Need Investment Banking Skills CAs already have strong accounting and auditing knowledge. However, investment banking demands additional expertise in valuation, deal structuring, and financial modelling. A CA may understand financial statements deeply but may not know how to build a merger model or analyze the impact of debt financing in an M&A transaction. With investment banking training, CAs can move into lucrative roles in corporate finance, private equity, venture capital, and equity research. 2. Why Engineers Need Investment Banking Skills Many engineers aim for finance roles after graduation or post-MBA. The challenge is that while they have analytical and quantitative skills, they lack exposure to finance-specific tools. With investment banking for engineers, they learn how to apply their quantitative mindset to financial modelling, risk analysis, and valuation techniques. Engineers with this training often transition smoothly into roles in quant finance, investment banking, and consulting. In short, financial modelling and investment banking provide CAs with upward mobility in finance, while helping engineers pivot into entirely new, high-paying domains. Financial Modelling for Commerce Students and Fresh Graduates What about students who are pursuing B.Com or BBA? Do they also need these skills? The answer is a strong yes. Commerce students often aim for careers in accounting, corporate finance, or banking. With financial modelling, they gain an edge over peers and can move into valuation, equity research, or investment banking right from the start. BBA graduates planning for MBA or CFA find financial modelling to be the foundation that helps them outperform others in exams and interviews. Even fresh graduates without work experience can use financial modelling to demonstrate practical readiness to employers. This is why financial modelling for commerce students is becoming a buzzword across universities and colleges. Here are the core practical skills you gain with financial modelling and investment banking training: Valuation Models – DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions. Merger Models (M&A) – Evaluating synergies, accretion/dilution, deal financing. LBO Models – Private equity-style leveraged buyouts. Equity Research Models – Stock analysis, investment recommendations. Pitch Books – Professional presentations for clients. These are hands-on skills that recruiters expect but universities rarely teach in depth. This is why the phrase “practical skills beyond classroom” is so crucial for MBA, CA, engineers, and commerce students alike. Placement Benefits of Learning Financial Modelling and IB The
How to Become an Investment Banker in India (Step-by-Step Guide)
Introduction How to become an Investment Banker is one of the most common questions among finance aspirants in India. With growing demand for high-paying finance careers, Investment Banking for beginners has become an exciting career choice. However, starting a journey in this field requires the right qualifications, specific skills, and a clear career roadmap. In this step-by-step guide, we will cover qualifications for investment banking, the essential skills for investment banking, and whether you should pursue an MBA or CA for investment banking in India. By the end of this blog, you will have a complete roadmap of how to enter investment banking, what courses to pursue, and how to prepare for interviews. We will also guide you on practical skills like financial modelling that can set you apart from other candidates. What Does an Investment Banker Do? Before learning how to become an investment banker, it is important to understand what investment bankers actually do. Investment bankers act as financial advisors to companies, governments, and large institutions. Their core responsibilities include: Raising capital through debt or equity issuance. Advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Structuring deals and managing IPOs. Conducting valuation and financial analysis. Helping clients maximize wealth while minimizing risks. To perform these tasks, they need strong analytical skills, financial modelling expertise, and business acumen. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become an Investment Banker in India Step 1 – Build the Right Educational Foundation The first step in how to become an investment banker is having the right educational background. In India, most investment bankers come from commerce, economics, finance, or business administration backgrounds. Best Degrees for Investment Banking in India: Com (Hons) BBA in Finance BA Economics Chartered Accountant (CA) MBA in Finance CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Pro Tip: Many top investment banks prefer graduates from Tier-1 institutes like IIMs, ISB, and IITs, but a strong skillset can make you stand out even if you’re from a mid-tier college. Related read: Top 10 Skills Required to Master Financial Modelling Step 2 – Gain Practical Skills for Investment Banking Qualifications are important, but what differentiates a successful investment banker is practical financial skills. Essential Skills for Investment Banking: Financial Modelling (DCF, M&A, LBO models) Valuation Techniques (Comparable Company Analysis, Precedent Transactions, DCF) Excel Mastery (Advanced formulas, scenario analysis, automation) Presentation Skills (Pitch books, investor presentations, client decks) Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking Learning financial modelling is crucial. Without this, even the best degrees will not make you job-ready. Related read: Financial Modelling vs CFA: Which is Better for Your Career? Step 3 – Choose Between MBA or CA for Investment Banking A common doubt students have is whether to pursue MBA or CA for investment banking. Both paths are valuable, but they serve different purposes. MBA for Investment Banking Provides international exposure and networking. Focuses on management + finance skills. Preferred for global banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley. Costly but highly rewarding. CA for Investment Banking Provides strong accounting and taxation knowledge. Preferred for domestic banks, Big4 consulting, and boutique IB firms. Cost-effective compared to MBA. If you want global exposure, MBA is preferred. If you want strong technical expertise at a lower cost, CA is a good option. Step 4 – Build Relevant Work Experience Investment banking is not an entry-level friendly career. You need internships or prior work experience. Ways to Gain IB Experience in India: Internship with Big4 firms (EY, KPMG, Deloitte, PwC). Internship with boutique investment banks. Equity research roles at brokerage houses. Analyst roles in corporate finance teams. Pro tip: Even if you don’t land a direct IB internship, roles in equity research or corporate finance give you transferable skills. Step 5 – Build a Strong Resume and Network Your resume should showcase skills for investment banking like financial modelling, Excel, and valuation. Additionally, networking plays a huge role in securing interviews. Tips: Attend finance seminars, webinars, and alumni meets. Build LinkedIn connections with bankers. Join online finance communities. Step 6 – Crack the Interview for Investment Banking Roles Interviews for IB roles are rigorous. Expect both technical questions and behavioral questions. Technical Topics: DCF Valuation LBO Models Financial Ratios & Analysis M&A Case Studies Behavioral Questions: Why do you want to become an investment banker? Tell me about a deal you admire. How do you handle high-pressure situations? Qualifications Required for Investment Banking in India Undergraduate Degrees You can start with B.Com, BBA, or Economics. These give you basic financial knowledge. Postgraduate Qualifications MBA in Finance CFA Program Master’s in Finance / Economics Professional Certifications Chartered Accountant (CA) Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Financial Modelling & Valuation Courses Our Financial Modelling and Investment Banking Course is designed to provide these practical skills. Skills for Investment Banking – What You Must Master Core Technical Skills Financial Modelling Valuation Excel & PowerPoint Soft Skills Negotiation Communication Teamwork For a detailed guide, check Top 10 Skills Required to Master Financial Modelling Salary of Investment Bankers in India Analyst: ₹8–15 LPA Associate: ₹15–30 LPA VP: ₹35–60 LPA MD / Director: ₹1 Cr+ Factors affecting salary: College pedigree, work experience, networking, and technical skills. Challenges in Investment Banking Long working hours (80–100 hours/week). High-pressure environment. Constant client demands. Yet, the rewards—both financial and professional—make it worthwhile. Final Roadmap – How to Become an Investment Banker in India Complete graduation (B.Com, BBA, Economics, etc.). Pursue an MBA, CA, or CFA for specialization. Learn financial modelling & valuation skills. Gain internships and relevant work experience. Network aggressively. Crack IB interviews. Conclusion Becoming an investment banker in India is challenging but highly rewarding. The right mix of qualifications for investment banking, strong skills for investment banking, and smart career choices can help you break into this field. Whether you choose MBA for investment banking or CA vs MBA for IB, remember that practical skills like financial modelling make you stand out. If you are serious about building a career in investment banking, now is the time to start preparing. At RBei Classes, we specialize in Financial Modelling
Investment Banking vs Financial Modelling: What’s the Difference?
Introduction When students think about high-paying careers in finance, two popular terms often come up: Investment Banking vs Financial Modelling. While both are interconnected, they are not the same. Many aspirants confuse them, assuming financial modelling is a career path, but in reality, it is a core skill used in investment banking and other finance jobs. In this blog, we will clearly explain Financial Modelling vs Investment Banking, compare job roles, career scope, and salary differences, and help you decide whether an Investment Banking Course vs Financial Modelling Course is better for your career. By the end, you will know exactly what suits your aspirations, and how RBei Classes can guide you in mastering both. Understanding Investment Banking vs Financial Modelling What is Investment Banking? Investment Banking is a career path where professionals help companies raise capital, advise on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), manage IPOs, and handle large-scale financial transactions. An investment banker acts as a bridge between companies and investors. Key responsibilities of investment bankers: Advising companies on raising capital (debt or equity). Structuring deals for mergers and acquisitions. Preparing pitch books and investor presentations. Conducting financial analysis for decision-making. Working on IPOs and large transactions. For a detailed beginner’s guide, check our blog: What is Investment Banking? Everything You Need to Know What is Financial Modelling? Financial Modelling, on the other hand, is not a career path but a practical skill. It involves building models in Excel to project a company’s financial performance, value businesses, and analyze investments. Key uses of financial modelling: Creating a company’s projected financial statements. Building DCF models, LBO models, and M&A models. Conducting valuation for equity research and investment banking. Supporting decision-making for investors and management. Related read: Financial Modelling vs CFA: Which is Better for Your Career? Investment Banking vs Financial Modelling – Key Differences Investment Banking is a Career, Financial Modelling is a Skill Investment Banking = Job Role (career path). Financial Modelling = Technical Skill used by investment bankers, equity analysts, corporate finance teams, and consultants. Scope and Career Path Investment Banking → Offers roles like Analyst, Associate, VP, Director, and Managing Director in top banks. Financial Modelling → Used in multiple careers: investment banking, private equity, venture capital, equity research, corporate finance, and consulting. Salary Comparison – Investment Banking vs Financial Modelling One of the most asked questions is about salary comparison. Investment Banking Careers: Role Salary Range (INR LPA) Analyst ₹8 – ₹15 LPA Associate ₹15 – ₹30 LPA VP ₹35 – ₹60 LPA Director/MD ₹100 LPA – ₹1 Cr+ Financial Modelling Careers (as supporting skill): Role Salary Range (INR LPA) Equity Research Analyst ₹6 – ₹12 LPA Corporate Finance Analyst ₹7 – ₹14 LPA Private Equity Associate ₹12 – ₹25 LPA Valuation Consultant ₹8 – ₹15 LPA Clearly, Investment Banking offers higher salaries due to the intensity of work, client exposure, and deal-making responsibilities. However, Financial Modelling is the entry gate that gives you the technical expertise needed to crack those jobs. Investment Banking Course vs Financial Modelling Course What You Learn in an Investment Banking Course Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) process. IPO process and fundraising. Deal structuring and advisory. Pitch book preparation. Soft skills: Negotiation, communication, client management. What You Learn in a Financial Modelling Course Excel mastery for finance. Building 3-statement models (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow). Valuation methods: DCF, Comparables, Precedent Transactions. M&A and LBO models. Data analysis for financial decision-making. In simple terms: Investment Banking Course = Big-picture + client-facing roles. Financial Modelling Course = Core technical foundation. Both are complementary. That’s why RBei Classes offers an integrated Financial Modelling and Investment Banking course—so students gain both technical skills and real-world deal understanding. Opportunities in Financial Modelling vs. Investment Banking Career Scope in Investment Banking Work at global banks like JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley. Work at Indian IB firms like Avendus Capital, ICICI Securities, Kotak IB. Roles: Analyst → Associate → VP → Director. Career Scope with Financial Modelling Equity Research. Corporate Finance (Big4 firms like EY, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG). Private Equity & Venture Capital. Valuation and Consulting. Financial Modelling gives you flexibility across multiple industries, while Investment Banking is a specialized path with very high rewards but demanding work hours. Salary Comparison – Which One Pays Better? Investment Banking Salaries are among the highest in the finance industry due to deal-making exposure and client interaction. Entry-level analysts start at ₹10–15 LPA and can reach ₹1 Cr+ at senior levels. Financial Modelling Salaries vary depending on the role. Equity research or valuation analysts earn ₹6–12 LPA initially. However, if combined with IB roles, salaries can match investment banking levels. Conclusion: If you want faster salary growth, investment banking is the way. But if you want stability + multiple career options, financial modelling is your safety net. Which is Better – Financial Modelling vs Investment Banking? It depends on your goals: Choose Investment Banking if you want client-facing roles, high salaries, and don’t mind long hours. Choose Financial Modelling if you want a versatile technical skillset that opens doors to multiple careers. Ideally, you should learn Financial Modelling first, then pursue Investment Banking, because financial modelling is the backbone of all IB work. Why RBei Classes is the Best Coaching Institute for Both At RBei Classes, we combine the best of both worlds: Job-oriented Financial Modelling Course to build strong technical skills. Practical Investment Banking Course to give students real-world exposure. Industry-focused training with live case studies, DCF models, M&A deal practice, and pitch book preparation. 1-on-1 mentorship to crack IB interviews and placements. That’s why students call RBei Classes the best coaching institute for Investment Banking and Financial Modelling courses in India. Final Take – Investment Banking vs Financial Modelling Investment Banking = Career path. Financial Modelling = Skill needed across finance roles. Investment Banking Salaries > Financial Modelling Salaries (but FM gives flexibility). Both are complementary, not competing. If you are a beginner, start with a Financial Modelling course to build your technical foundation. Then, move towards Investment Banking
Excel Tips & Tricks for Financial Modelling Beginners
When it comes to Excel for Financial Modelling, beginners often feel overwhelmed by the endless formulas, shortcuts, and functions available. Yet, mastering Excel for financial modelling is the most essential skill for any aspiring financial analyst, investment banker, or corporate finance professional. From valuation models to M&A deals, Excel forms the backbone of financial decision-making. The right Excel formulas for financial modelling and structured use of shortcuts can drastically improve efficiency, accuracy, and confidence while building models. In this blog, we will cover everything a beginner needs: the best Excel formulas for financial modelling, powerful Excel shortcuts for finance, practical modelling with Excel functions, common mistakes to avoid, and advanced tips used by real analysts. By the end, you’ll have a solid toolkit to make your models faster, cleaner, and more professional. At RBei Classes, we train students with real-world case studies and industry-level projects to ensure you not only learn Excel but also apply it in the context of financial modelling. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide. Why Excel is Essential for Financial Modelling Beginners Financial modelling involves forecasting, analyzing, and valuing companies using structured frameworks. While tools like Python, R, and Power BI are rising in popularity, Excel for financial modelling continues to dominate the finance world. Here’s why Excel is a must-learn: Universality – Every company uses Excel, making it a global financial language. Flexibility – Whether it’s building a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, M&A model, or leveraged buyout (LBO), Excel adapts to your needs. Speed – With the right Excel shortcuts for finance, you can build and audit models 2x faster. Transparency – Unlike black-box tools, Excel allows full visibility of every assumption and calculation. Before you aim to become an investment banker, equity analyst, or corporate finance professional, mastering Excel formulas for financial modelling is your first step. Also read: Top 10 Skills Required to Master Financial Modelling Best Excel Formulas for Financial Modelling Beginners Core Formulas Every Financial Analyst Must Know When you start with modelling using Excel functions, it’s important to focus on practical, finance-relevant formulas rather than learning everything. Below are the best Excel formulas for financial modelling every beginner should know: SUM / AVERAGE / COUNT Used for basic aggregations (revenues, expenses, headcount). Shortcut-friendly and widely used in every sheet. IF / Nested IF Helps build scenarios and conditions in models. Example: IF sales growth < 10%, reduce marketing spend by 5%. VLOOKUP / HLOOKUP / XLOOKUP Used to fetch specific data from large sheets. Essential when linking assumptions to calculations. INDEX + MATCH More flexible than VLOOKUP; can search across rows and columns. Common in advanced financial analyst Excel skills. PMT, IPMT, PPMT Critical for loan repayment and interest schedule modelling. NPV / IRR / XNPV / XIRR Used for valuation and investment decision-making. Example: Calculating NPV of a project cash flow. TEXT / DATE Functions (EOMONTH, YEAR, MONTH) Perfect for time-based forecasting in financial models. ROUND / ROUNDUP / ROUNDDOWN Avoids messy decimal outputs in reports. These are not just random functions. They are the backbone of valuation, M&A, and corporate finance models. Why Shortcuts Matter in Financial Modelling When you’re working on large valuation models, speed is everything. Professionals can’t afford to waste time clicking menus when a shortcut saves seconds on every step. Over a 200-sheet M&A model, those seconds add up to hours. Here are the most important Excel shortcuts for finance: CTRL + SHIFT + L → Apply filters instantly. ALT + E + S + V → Paste values only. CTRL + SHIFT + + / – → Insert or delete rows/columns. F4 → Repeat last action or lock references in formulas. CTRL + ARROW Keys → Jump to the end of data ranges. SHIFT + SPACE / CTRL + SPACE → Select entire row/column. CTRL + T → Convert data into a table (cleaner modelling). CTRL + ALT + F9 → Force full recalculation in large models. Memorizing these shortcuts can make you 2x faster, which is why every top analyst swears by them. Practical Tips for Modelling with Excel Functions Structuring Your Model Always separate assumptions, calculations, and outputs into different sheets. Use consistent color coding: Blue (inputs), Black (formulas), Green (links). Apply named ranges for key assumptions like growth, discount rate, etc. Building Scenarios Use IF formulas or scenario managers to test multiple cases: Base Case: Normal growth. Upside Case: Aggressive growth. Downside Case: Recession scenario. Linking Sheets Efficiently Always link assumptions instead of hardcoding numbers. Use INDEX-MATCH for dynamic referencing instead of static cell links. These habits make your model professional and audit-proof. Mistakes Beginners Make in Excel for Financial Modelling Even with the best formulas and shortcuts, beginners often make errors that cost them job interviews or credibility. Here are the most common mistakes: Hardcoding numbers into formulas Example: =100 instead of linking to assumptions. Overcomplicating formulas Long nested IFs make auditing impossible. Inconsistent formatting Different colors, no naming convention. Ignoring error checks Professional models always have error checks like balance sheet balancing. Not documenting assumptions Future analysts must know why a certain rate was chosen. At RBei Classes, we emphasize avoiding these mistakes by teaching structured modelling practices. Also read: Financial Modelling Case Studies: Real-World Examples You Must Learn Advanced Excel Tips for Aspiring Financial Analysts Once you’ve mastered the basics, step into advanced techniques to stand out: Dynamic Charts with Named Ranges – To present financial data clearly. Macros & VBA Basics – Automating repetitive tasks. Sensitivity Analysis with Data Tables – Testing how assumptions affect valuation. Power Query & Pivot Tables – Cleaning and analyzing large datasets. Error Traps (IFERROR) – Keeping outputs clean and presentation-ready. These advanced techniques give you a competitive edge in finance job interviews. How RBei Classes Helps You Master Excel for Financial Modelling At RBei Classes, we don’t just teach theory — we focus on practical exposure to Excel in real financial modelling projects. Our students build live case studies on valuation, M&A, and IPO modelling. Here’s why students