Rigorous Training Program

At Bruin Asset Management, we pride ourselves on offering the most advanced and comprehensive undergraduate finance training program on campus. Our curriculum is designed to take students from foundational concepts to interview-ready technical mastery, combining hands-on modeling, interview preparation, and real-world stock pitches. With a defined structure and personalized mentorship, BAM equips its members with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to excel in competitive recruiting and beyond.

The program spans the first two quarters of the school year and includes meetings throughout your freshman summer. We cover accounting, valuation methodologies, and modeling. Each participant finishes with both a final stock pitch and exit interview, to simulate real-life situations and ensure that each member of BAM is ready to recruit.

Quarter 1
    
      WeekTopicDescription
4Introduction to Finance & Career PathsOverview of financial markets, buy-side vs. sell-side, key roles in finance.
5How to Land Finance InternshipsOverview of the boutique recruiting timeline, resume walkthroughs, cold emailing, and networking strategy.
6Behaviorals & Networking PracticeSTAR method, mock behavioral interviews, and networking etiquette.
7Basics of AccountingIncome statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and interconnections.
8Equity Value vs. Enterprise ValueCore valuation concepts, capital structure, and enterprise value adjustments.
9DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) AnalysisTime value of money, unlevered free cash flow, terminal value, WACC.
10Public Comparables & Precedent TransactionsRelative valuation, trading comps, deal comps, multiples, and benchmarking.

Quarter 2
    
      WeekTopicDescription
4LBO (Leveraged Buyout) ModelingCapital structure in LBOs, IRR, debt tranches, returns attribution.
5Merger Model & Accretion/DilutionStock vs. cash deals, synergies, pro forma modeling, accretion/dilution effects.
6Advanced Modeling WorkshopCase-based session using Excel — integrate DCF, LBO, and merger models.
7Stock Pitch Framework & Case PrepHow to structure a pitch: thesis, catalysts, valuation, risks. Compare long vs. short frameworks.
8Independent Work SessionNo formal lecture — dedicated time for students to research and build their own pitch (mentors available).
9Mock Interviews & Pitch Draft FeedbackStudents present rough versions of their stock pitches, and undergo mock technical interviews.
10Exit Interview & Final Stock Pitch PresentationEach student completes a final technical interview and presents a stock pitch to the executive team.

Capstone Week
    
      ComponentDescription
Exit Interview30–45 minute one-on-one technical interview covering accounting tie-ins, walkthrough of DCF, comps, LBOs, merger models, conceptual and applied valuation logic, and scenario analysis.
Final Stock PitchEach student presents a 5–10 minute stock pitch built from scratch. Must include a clear investment thesis, 1–2 valuation methods, catalysts, risk factors, and defense under Q&A.

Advanced Summer Training Program
    
      WeekTopicDetails
1Advanced Accounting & Equity/EVDeferred taxes, working capital traps, non-cash adjustments. Treatment of minority interest, operating leases, equity method investments. Advanced Equity vs. Enterprise Value bridge questions.
2Deep Dive: DCFComplex DCF modeling assumptions (cyclicality, reinvestment, mid-year conventions). Advanced terminal value critiques and sensitivity analysis. WACC pitfalls: beta adjustment, optimal capital structure.
3M&A + Merger ModelingAdvanced accretion/dilution math without Excel. Purchase accounting, goodwill creation, deal structure effects. Strategic vs. financial buyers, hostile vs. friendly deals.
4LBO Case MechanicsBuild assumptions from scratch (entry/exit multiple, cap structure, EBITDA bridge). Cash sweep mechanics and debt waterfall. IRR sensitivity and return attribution (multiple expansion vs. deleveraging vs. growth).
5Comps, Precedents, & Valuation DefensibilityAdjusting multiples for one-time items and capital structure distortions. Private vs. public comp issues, choosing the right peers. Precedent transaction nuance: control premium, synergies baked into price.
6Technical Mock Interviews + Pitch Rehearsals30-minute technical mock interviews with behavioral + technicals. Peer and mentor feedback for verbal clarity, valuation logic, and delivery.

Final Deliverables
    
      DeliverableDescription
Technical ReadinessPrepared for technical screens and superday-level questions.
Stock PitchHave a working interview-ready stock pitch.
Valuation ConfidenceDemonstrate ability to structure and defend advanced valuation cases.