Financial Analyst Program

Curriculum

Curriculum

The FAP Security Analysis class provides MBA-level coverage of valuation, financing, business model assessment, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and more.  In addition to covering key concepts underpinning financial analysis, we delve into important features of financial markets, including the IPO underwriting process, the structure of debt contracts, how corporate bankruptcy works, the steps involved in a corporate acquisition, and the organization and compensation of private equity funds.  Students will have opportunities to practice applying the tools of financial analysis through Harvard Business School cases and other assignments.  We will also use insights from the course to gain a better understanding of important recent and current events and trends in financial markets.

FAP Practicum (FIN 366P) – Fall of senior year

The FAP Practicum offers students exposure to the practice of financial analysis.  Approximately half of the class sessions are devoted to outside speakers, many from the FAP Advisory Council.  Speakers in the practicum describe the practice of financial analysis in their areas of expertise, discuss actual investments they have been involved in evaluating, offer career advice based on their own experiences, and much more.  Talks cover topics including private equity, hedge fund, and venture capital investment, distressed investing, undertaking an entrepreneurial endeavor, blockchain/cryptocurrency, and post-graduation recruiting and career planning. 

Students work as analysts supporting the $17.1 million MBA Investment Fund as part of the practicum.  This is an opportunity to learn the tools that equity analysts use to conduct financial analysis as well as how to present financial analysis in a professional setting.  Students also prepare their own stock pitches, with advice from assigned MBA Investment Fund managers, and present these stock pitches to the class. 

The FAP practicum also involves a number of other activities.  We will cover one-off advanced topics such as corporate governance and executive compensation and discuss academic research on various subjects, including the performance of portfolio managers (such as mutual funds) and the implications of private equity buyouts for various stakeholders.  Students will get a chance to obtain certifications and to work on financial modelling skills under the tutelage of FAP alumni.