On a scale from 1 to 10, how proficient were you in financial modeling when you began your internship or job?

When I first started my internship, my proficiency in financial modeling was likely around a 4. I had a foundational understanding of Excel and basic financial principles from my academic courses, which provided me with some level of comfort. However, I had limited real-world experience, and many of the nuances of financial modeling—such as building complex multi-sheet models, integrating various financial statements, and predicting market scenarios—were new to me. I spent significant time during my internship improving these skills by actively seeking opportunities to apply what I had learned, asking questions, and learning from more experienced colleagues. This hands-on experience gradually enhanced my proficiency.