Three Tracks to an Investment Banking Career

1. 1

   Make your degree focus on banking. There is no dedicated investment banking major, but many other disciplines (including finance, economics, business, and accounting) can serve as excellent preparation for a career in investment banking. [1]

   • Take courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics, as well as those that introduce you to the fundamentals of personal and corporate finance, tax law, and international business practice and strategy.
   • Take some introductory classes, and then move on to more advanced work in the subjects that really grab your attention.

2. 2

   Seek out a practicum Most people get their first taste of investment banking during a summer internship before they graduate from college. Large, well-known investment banks in cities like London and New York City have longstanding internship programs and host large numbers of interns each year. [2]

   • It may be difficult to gain acceptance into the internship programs at the major investment banks. Nonetheless, smaller investment banks can be found in many different cities and may be more convenient
   • Try to land a summer internship at a regular bank if you can't find a suitable program at an investment bank. Even though it won't give you as much of a head start as an internship at a major investment bank, it can help.

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3. 3

   Get a job as an entry-level worker in the financial sector. Before going on to graduate school, it can be beneficial to work for a year or two after completing your bachelor's degree at an entry level position to gain some professional experience in your chosen field. [3]

   • The majority of IBs have their careers begin in the finance department. Market research and analysis combined with report writing help C-suite executives make informed financial decisions.

4. 4

   Get an MBA Some investment firms do hire recent college grads as associates, but the vast majority of those working in the field have master's degrees in business administration. This can be a sizable outlay, especially if you intend to attend a highly regarded institution of higher learning for business. [4]

   • Think carefully about where you want to get your MBA and don't settle for the first school to accept you. You should not base your decision entirely on the cost of tuition.
   • If you want to get your MBA while still working, you can enroll in one of the many evening or part-time programs offered by reputable universities.

5. 5

   Get in touch with your university's business school's career services office. Interviews for internships and full-time positions at the bank are often arranged through university connections. The career services office is the place to find out about these openings. [5]

   • It is common for the business school to have closer ties to investment banks than the undergraduate career services office.
   • Boutique investment banks aren't as active in campus recruiting as their larger counterparts. You'll have to do some legwork on your own to find a smaller bank to work for.

6. 6

   Make connections with seasoned experts Making professional connections in the investment banking industry is just as important as learning theoretical concepts in a classroom. Networking with investment bankers both virtually and in person can pay dividends. [6]

   • Take part in the school's investment banking club if one exists. They typically host numerous events that serve as excellent opportunities for professional networking.
   • Remove any references to your spring break trip and join a professional social media site like LinkedIn so you can use them to network with investment bankers.
   • Talk to seasoned investment bankers for advice. If they are in your area, give them a call and suggest a lunch meeting, explaining that you would like to pick their brain. The vast majority of experts are happy to pass on their knowledge and experience to those just starting out.

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1. 1

   Restart your education Unless you already have a degree in business or finance, you will stand out more to investment banks if you take specific steps to educate yourself for a career in the financial services sector. [7]

   • Getting a job in investment banking without a degree is extremely unlikely. You may still have a shot if you have an undergraduate degree in a different field and have worked in a related field for a while.
   • You could attend an MBA program at night or on weekends. Mid-career professionals can enroll in these types of programs at a wide variety of top-tier universities, and the majority of investment banks exclusively hire graduates of business schools. [8]

2. 2

   Do some referencing If you switched careers, it's important to have people attest to your abilities and work ethic. Financial institutions are looking for proven leaders in their fields. [9]

   • Find a person with the personality and abilities necessary to succeed in investment banking. You should seek out references from people who understand the key points to be made.

3. 3

   Acquire credentials in your field. Although earning a professional certification often requires more time and money than earning a master's degree, it can set you apart in the job market. [10]

   • Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs) have completed three levels of testing and had four years of experience in the field. Since most exam prep is independent study, you can schedule your studying around your schedule.

4. 4

   Make a point to connect with financiers. Knowing the right people can be more important than having the right skills in the world of investment banking. Especially if you are transitioning into investment banking from another field or profession. [11]

   • Join a trade group or association specifically for investment bankers. Hanging out at cafes and restaurants close to major investment banks is a great way to network with bankers.
   • Maintain consistent communication with the investment bankers you network with. You want to be at the forefront of their minds in case an opportunity arises that could be of interest to you.

5. 5

   Make an offer to work as an intern for free. Internships are used by many investment banks to train new hires, though these opportunities are more commonly available through academic institutions. An unpaid internship might be a good option if you're well past your college days and have the financial flexibility to live without (or significantly less than) your usual income for a few months. [12]

   • The hiring practices of most major investment banks are relatively static and conventional. If you want this concept to succeed, you may need to approach a more modestly sized boutique firm.
   • Share your internship search with everyone in your network. They could possibly assist you.

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1. 1

   Fill out training application forms There are training programs set up by larger investment banks for recent graduates that will give you both classroom instruction and on-the-job experience. [13]

   • It's important to remember that competition for these programs is fierce. Increase your chances by applying to as many positions as possible.
   • Consider the traits of the most recent "class" of associates to get a sense of what an investment bank is seeking in a new associate.

2. 2

   Engage in the process of learning Investment banker training programs are among the most demanding in the world. During training, you can expect to put in anywhere from 12-15 hours a day, the majority of which will be spent under pressure. [14]

   • To become an investment banker and legally trade stocks and commodities on your client's behalf, you will typically need to pass a series of exams. All the knowledge you need to ace these tests is included in the training programs we offer.

3. 3

   Get into character In most cases, investment banking is still conducted in a conventional manner. Dress professionally in a dark suit, like black or gray. You should present yourself in a neat and appropriate manner. [15]

   • Your choice of accessories, if any, should be subtle. Put away all shiny or gaudy objects.

4. 4

   Obtain the necessary authorizations. Investment banking activities, such as buying and selling stock for clients, may require licenses or registration with regulators, depending on what you're doing and the laws in your country. [16]

   • If you're lucky enough to be accepted into a training program at a larger investment bank, they'll equip you with everything you need to ace your licensing exams. If not, you'll have to figure out how to prepare for these tests on your own.
   • You could look up past exams or other study materials online. Search the web or visit the site of the organization that is giving the test to learn more.

5. 5

   Don't slack off on your continuing education. If you want to keep your license or certification current, you'll likely need to take continuing education classes each year for a set number of hours. [17]

   • Verify that your license-issuing agency has your current contact information. They'll use it to inform you of upcoming license renewal deadlines.
   • Instead of waiting until the last minute, space out your continuing education throughout the year. You'll be able to better serve your clients by enrolling in relevant courses that also pique your interest.

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