Why the IBA Chose Adventis’s FMC® Program

Many students struggle with traditional study methods like reading technical guides or watching passive video lectures. The FMC® Program provides a hands-on, structured approach, allowing students to build and rebuild financial models until they fully internalize key concepts.

"I’ve never been someone who learns well by reading 140-page documents. I need hands-on experience where I can actually see how things connect. That’s what made Adventis such a great fit for me—and for a lot of students. It teaches technical concepts in a way that's way more engaging than traditional study methods."

— Aiden, Private Equity Analyst at Keystone, UIUC '25

The process students go through in order to earn Adventis certifications is a proven method of internalizing key financial concepts. By repeatedly building financial models and earning Adventis certifications, students develop a deep understanding of financial modeling and technical skills, improving retention and confidence. This structured practice ensures they are comfortable handling complex financial problems and unexpected technical questions in interviews.

IBA leaders recognize that Adventis certifications signal more than technical ability—they demonstrate work ethic, attention to detail, and financial acumen. In short, the FMC Program helps to prepare students for the rigorous demands of investment banking. As a result, the IBA has started using the FMC® Program as a screening tool for membership.

"We tell aspiring IBA members that getting certified prior to the IBA applications isn’t a requirement, but it makes a big impression. It shows us you’re serious, and will help you tremendously in the selection process to become an IBA member, which includes a case competition and interviews."

— Aiden, Private Equity Analyst at Keystone, Former VP of Internal Recruitment for IBA, UIUC '25

In the most recent admission cycle, 70% of newly accepted IBA members were Adventis-certified before entry, and the remaining 30% strongly engaged with Adventis, proving their commitment to excellence.

Elevating UIUC’s Standing in Investment Banking

With 170+ members certified and a 95% certification rate among the last four annual cohorts of students, the IBA has integrated Adventis’s FMC® Program to ensure its members develop elite technical skills. The FMC® Program provides a structured financial modeling curriculum with a certification that signals technical proficiency to recruiters. This commitment to rigorous training strengthens the IBA’s reputation as a top-tier investment banking program and a leading source of finance talent.

Firms recognize IBA members as highly skilled candidates, ensuring they earn positions at top investment banks such as Guggenheim, Bank of America, and Lazard.

How the IBA Scaled FMC® Certification Across Campus

The University of Illinois IBA didn’t just adopt Adventis’s FMC® Program—it built a strategic ecosystem around it to identify and develop top finance talent early. Their success is due to four main strategies: wide promotion, screening, student leadership, and boot camps.

• Wide Promotion to Aspiring Members: The IBA markets the FMC® Program to hundreds of freshmen and sophomores each year as a tool to strengthen applications and gain a technical edge. Through information session and email distributions, the IBA presents the FMC® Program as a launchpad into the world of investment banking. This outreach has built a pipeline of engaged, well-prepared candidates eager to demonstrate their capabilities.

• The FMC® Program as a Screening Tool: The IBA encourages prospective applicants to complete the FMC® Level I Certification before applying. Adventis certification signals a candidate’s financial aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment—traits that align with the rigor of investment banking.

• Developing Student Trainers: Adventis works closely with the IBA to identify students who have excelled in the program and have shown leadership potential, and then puts them through a rigorous training program to become Student Trainers. This peer-led model strengthens the IBA community, fosters leadership skills, and reinforces core concepts for trainers and attendees.

• In-Person Boot Camps Led by Student Trainers: The IBA hosts 3–4 live boot camps per year, open to all UIUC students. These boot camps are led by Adventis Student Trainers, who walk participants through the financial modeling course material in a collaborative and engaging environment.

Why the FMC® Program Works for the UIUC IBA

The IBA manages a rigorous training curriculum that covers technical skills, behavioral interviews, and case studies. By integrating the FMC® Program, organization leaders can focus on higher-level training, knowing that Adventis-certified students have already mastered financial modeling fundamentals.

"The earlier you earn your Adventis certification, the better. Once you’re certified, it’s printed on your brain and influences everything you learn and retain going forward. If you get certified as a second-semester freshman, your finance and accounting classes, conversations, and internship will all be enhanced, allowing you to get so much more out of everything you do."

— Aiden, Private Equity Analyst at Keystone, UIUC '25

The IBA chose the Adventis FMC® Program to help maintain its reputation as a top-tier investment banking training program. Ensuring each cohort earns the Adventis certifications guarantees that UIUC continues to produce industry-ready candidates.

What Other Universities Can Learn from the IBA’s Success

• Prioritize Technical Training: Structured, hands-on learning improves retention and prepares students for real-world applications.

• Leverage Student Trainers: Having certified students lead boot camps enhances peer learning and engagement.

• Align with Recruitment: By encouraging students to earn Adventis certifications before interview season, students gain a competitive edge when it matters most.

"Adventis helps you connect all the dots. Once you're certified, your knowledge base is way ahead of what you're learning in class. It makes everything easier to understand, whether it’s in conversations with alumni or breaking down a deal during a coffee chat. The learning curve really takes off after you complete the program."

— Aiden, Private Equity Analyst at Keystone, UIUC '25