When I landed my first job as a financial analyst, I thought I was ready. I had the degree, the internship, the Excel shortcuts memorized. But nothing truly prepares you for the real world like walking into your first 9 AM meeting and being asked, “Can you build a cash flow model — by EOD?”
Here’s what I really learned in my first year:
1. Excel Is a Language – and You’d Better Be Fluent
I thought I was good with spreadsheets. But in finance, Excel is your second brain. Learn the keyboard shortcuts. Master VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and pivot tables. It’s not about being flashy—it’s about being fast and accurate.
2. Your First Model Will Be Wrong
And that’s okay. Accuracy improves with experience. The important part? Document your assumptions and be ready to explain your logic. People value clarity more than perfection.
3. Ask Questions – Early and Often
Trying to figure everything out yourself is noble… but inefficient. Asking good questions isn’t a weakness—it’s how you grow. The best analysts are curious and coachable.
4. Numbers Matter, But The Story Matters More
It’s never just about the numbers. It’s about what they mean. Learning to communicate financial insights to non-finance people is one of your most valuable skills.
5. Take Notes. Seriously.
Every meeting, every piece of feedback, every mistake—write it down. You’ll thank yourself later.
Final Thought
My first year was challenging, humbling, and incredibly rewarding. If you’re just starting your career in finance, be patient with yourself. Growth comes from doing the hard things, asking the “dumb” questions, and staying open to learning.