What is the best course of study with respect to gaining an in-depth comprehension of corporate finance?
Work experience is always the best teacher, but I found the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) to be a helpful foundation here. Bonds, equities, general debt, and other corporate finance vehicles are covered in great detail (because most of the securities industry is focused on corporate financing vehicles – that’s what almost all securities are). It can be hard to find a sponsor unless you actually plan to enter the industry (and you can’t take the test without sponsorship) but it definitely adds a lot to your background and could be worth going through even if you can’t take the final test. (Or you could go find a day trading firm that will let you open a “Prop” account for $15k, sponsor you for the test, then you just don’t trade.) Beyond that, the NYU program does look very good. In conjunction with a program like that, I’d recommend contacting some of the Big Banks in NYC about internship programs. Depending on your timing, you may find that they’re willing to offer you
