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Explore Investment Banking Careers & Associated Degrees

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Investment bankers are the rock stars of the finance industry, meaning their jobs are high profile, high pressure and high status. A career in investment banking careers is not for the faint of heart, as the profession demands long hours, working weekends and an often stress-filled, competitive working environment.

With all of the career's mystique, it's easy to lose sight of what investment banking is actually all about.

Essentially, these high-flying finance professionals help companies raise money by creating securities—stocks, bonds and other financial entities—to be sold in capital markets.

Investment bankers also structure the complex financial details that accompany a business's choice to buy and sell assets or to acquire or merge with other companies.

Learn about the different paths to a career in investment banking, and what you'll do at each tier.

Paths to a Career in Investment Banking

Entry Level
Types of Roles:
Investment banking analyst
Getting There:
  • Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting
  • Strong mathematical and analytical skills
  • Knowledge of different types of equity transactions
  • Technology skills and experience (specifically in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint)
Description:
  • Support senior investment bankers
  • Provide research and analysis
  • Contribute to fairness opinions
Mid Level
Types of Roles:
Associate investment banker, vice president
Getting There:
  • All entry-level requirements
  • A master's degree or MBA with a focus in finance, analytics or economics
  • Strong industry relationships and knowledge
  • Experience pitching and presenting to clients
Description:
  • Analyze financial and operational performances of target businesses
  • Build financial models of deal structures
  • Create client presentations
Senior Level
Types of Roles:
Director, senior vice president, management consultant
Getting There:
  • All mid-level requirements
  • Experience sourcing, executing and closing different types of transactions
  • Solid sales and negotiation skills
  • National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Series 7, 24 and 63 licenses
Description:
  • Create and manage network of corporate relationships
  • Oversee and troubleshoot large transactions
  • Lead teams of people