What preparation would help me move from a non-quantitative finance role into a postgraduate financial-modelling course?
Build confidence in quantitative basics, including algebra, statistics, percentages, and time value of money, then revise financial statements, accounting, valuation, and corporate finance. Practise advanced Excel and, where relevant, Python or VBA by creating models from public company data. Review the course prerequisites and complete preparatory modules or short courses if you need to strengthen gaps.
Key points
- Practise model structure, assumptions, scenario analysis, sensitivity testing, and clear documentation.
- Refresh spreadsheet skills such as formulas, lookup functions, error checking, charts, and possibly macros.
- Use annual reports or other reliable public data to build a small portfolio of simple models.
- Check the programme’s entry requirements, software expectations, mathematics level, and any diagnostic or bridging options.
Things to check
- Requirements and the balance between finance, mathematics, statistics, Excel, and programming can differ by course and country, so confirm details in the official course information.