How to get into investment banking is one of the most sought-after questions among finance aspirants.
Securing a role in this competitive field demands academic rigour, practical experience and strategic networking.
This step-by-step guide will outline the investment banking career path, providing actionable insights for investment banking beginners, guidance on the CFA for investment banking, and tips on breaking into finance.
Why Pursue an Investment Banking Career?
Investment banking delivers exposure to high-value corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and equity offerings.
According to a 2024 survey by eFinancialCareers, first-year analysts in London see an average bonus of 22 per cent of their base salary, underscoring the sector’s lucrative rewards.
Beyond financial gain, analysts develop advanced skills in financial modelling, deal structuring and stakeholder communication—abilities that remain prized across the entire finance ecosystem.
Moreover, the sector’s steep learning curve and clear promotion paths distinguish it from other finance roles. On average, an analyst is promoted to associate within 2–3 years, faster than most corporate functions.
Key Steps to Break Into Investment Banking
- Excel academically in a finance-related degree
- Gain early internships and participate in finance societies.
- Master technical modelling and valuation
- Build a strategic professional network.
- Obtain industry-recognised certifications
- Hone interview and soft skills.
Step-by-Step Guide for Investment Banking for Beginners
1. Build a Solid Academic Foundation
- Choose the right degree: Finance, Economics, Accounting or Business with quantitative modules.
- Aim high: Strive for a First-Class or 2:1 honours to signal analytical capability.
- Supplementary study: Tackle corporate finance, statistics and accounting papers to reinforce core concepts.
Academic excellence remains the initial filter for most graduate recruitment schemes. Showing strong performance in relevant modules proves you have the mental agility and numerical precision required for complex financial analysis.
2. Gain Practical Experience Early
- Internships: Apply for spring-week and summer-analyst programmes at both boutique and bulge-bracket banks.
- Campus involvement: Join your university’s investment club, pitch ideas in stock competitions or volunteer for student consultancy projects.
- Project work: Collaborate on real-world financial case studies to build a portfolio of analyses.
Hands-on experience demonstrates commitment and gives you concrete examples to discuss during interviews. Many banks convert high-performing interns into full-time analysts.
3. Master Financial Modelling and Valuation
- Excel proficiency: Learn advanced functions, pivot tables, macros and scenario analysis.
- Valuation techniques: Become fluent in discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable companies and precedent transaction models.
- Structured learning: Follow Investopedia’s financial modelling tutorials investopedia to practice real-world case studies.
Technical mastery is non-negotiable. During assessment centres, candidates face modelling tests under timed conditions. Confidence and speed here can set you apart.
4. Build a Strategic Network
- Industry events: Attend finance conferences, alumni panels and bank-hosted webinars.
- LinkedIn outreach: Connect with analysts, associates and recruiters, requesting brief informational interviews.
- Alumni support: Leverage your university network to gain referrals and insider advice.
A strong network often uncovers unadvertised roles and provides practical insights into firm culture and expectations.
5. Obtain Industry-Recognised Certifications
- Specialised training: Enrol in Imarticus Learning’s CIBOP Investment Banking Course for operations-focused roles, complete with interview guarantees.
- Continuous development: Consider additional certificates in advanced Excel or financial analysis to reinforce technical credibility.
Certifications differentiate you from other graduates, signalling dedication to your chosen career.
6. Hone Interview and Soft Skills
- Mock interviews: Practice technical questions (e.g., valuation walk-throughs) alongside behavioural scenarios.
- Presentation skills: Develop clear, concise explanations of complex concepts.
- Team exercises: Engage in group case studies to showcase leadership and collaboration.
Breaking into finance hinges not only on technical prowess but on your ability to communicate, adapt and perform under pressure.
A Fresh Perspective: AI’s Growing Role
Artificial intelligence is reshaping middle- and back-office functions in investment banking. A 2024 industry report found that 65 per cent of global banks are investing heavily in AI-driven analytics to streamline risk assessments and trade confirmations. Familiarity with basic Python or R for data analysis can give candidates an edge, particularly for roles that bridge front- and back-office responsibilities.
| Stage | Action | Duration | Outcome |
| Years 1–2 | Undergraduate degree in finance/economics | 2 years | Theoretical foundations |
| Year 2 | Spring-week intern; finance club participation | 3 months | Practical exposure |
| Year 3 | Summer analyst; stock competitions | 2–3 months | Real-world case studies |
| Postgrad | CFA Level I & CIBOP™ programme | 6–12 months | Credentials & placement support |
| Upon hire | Full-time analyst role | Immediate | Secured investment banker role |
You Can’t Get Into Banking Without These 10 Tips
How To Prep For Investment Banking (1st to 4th Year)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is investment banking?
Advising corporations on capital raising, mergers and financial restructuring. - How important is a finance degree?
It’s the most common background for analysts, though demonstrated skills can offset non-finance degrees. - What skills do banks prioritise?
Financial modelling, valuation, communication, teamwork and resilience. - Is the CFA for investment banking essential?
While not mandatory, it significantly boosts analytical credibility. - How early should I start?
From Year 1: join finance societies and attend careers fairs. - Should I learn programming?
Basics of Python or R aid in data tasks and operations roles. - What do spring-week programmes involve?
Short internships exposing you to daily tasks, often leading to full-summer offers. - What makes CIBOP™ unique?
It combines operations training, real-world simulations and seven guaranteed interviews with partner firms.
Conclusion
Breaking into investment banking demands strategic planning, technical excellence and proactive networking. By following this comprehensive guide—from building a solid academic base and gaining early experience to mastering modelling and pursuing CFA for investment banking—you’ll craft a standout profile.
Key Takeaways:
- Begin early with internships and finance societies.
- Master technical skills in modelling, valuation and basic programming.
- Enhance credentials with CFA and specialised training programmes.
Ready to launch your investment banking career? Enrol in the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional (CIBOP™) program today and secure your pathway into finance.
