Last updated on November 29th, 2023 at 10:35 am
Dreaming about securing a permanent position in the investment banking industry and achieving that goal can be pretty tricky. Since investment banking is a growing sector in finance and business, it is one of the most demanded career paths among students. The promising expansion in investing, selling and trading play a major role in the growth of investment banking. The year 2021 saw a massive upheaval in the Indian investment banking sector and deal-making businesses as there was unexpected flooding of IPOs and stock share sales.
The overall hike was more than three times that of 2020 when investment bankers made only 776.7 crores whereas they scored a whopping 2.000 crores in 2021. It is statistically possible that investment banking in India will grow by 8.5% in 2022. So learn investment banking in the easiest way ever to celebrate your dream and become more aware and skilled in finance.
Technical Skills Required to Become an Investment Banker
There are certain hard skills that an investment banker needs to hone before joining the industry. It is unavoidable to squeeze in the little space left for new bankers without highlighting essential skills on your resume. Investment banking courses that groom students to acquire these skills are the best. Here is a list of some technical skills that will make your investment banking career easier:
Basic Excel
Learning a few basics of Excel like Pivot Table, Data Validation, Look-Up functions, and Macros proves handy when you are aspiring to become a banker. Skills like analyzing clients’ financial data, creating monetary models for them, and forecasting are must-haves in this field.
Python
One of the most suitable programming languages for banking is Python. Learning how to use this simple programming language might come in handy when you are planning to go ahead with investment banking. Python is used to handle tasks like security analysis, risk and trade management, asset management, automated trading, etc.
JAVA
One of the core skills that an investment banking candidate must possess is knowledge and control of Java. Java is the most used programming language for banking tasks as this helps build software programmes that contain humongous volumes of data. Also, this programming language comes with a tight and powerful security management feature that aids in investment banking tasks. Credit, fundamental, or macro funds typically need Java to operate.
C++
C and C++ are two of the most pivotal skills one can acquire to step further above on the ladder of success in the investment banking sector. C++ is mostly used to handle low-latency applications related to automated trading or market making. Bankers deal with C++ when they have to process quantitative-driven funds, quantitative finance and analytics. C and C++ are popular because of their reusability and speed.
C#
C# is essential in building GUI (Graphical User Interface) for the client company. It also plays a major role in creating mobile apps and websites. For investment bankers, C-Sharp is thus a useful language to enhance their skills for brilliant job opportunities.
Ruby
An efficient candidate for an investment banking position would be expected to have a firm knowledge of Ruby. Ruby is a high-level programming language that is mostly used in financial sectors for making payment systems like e-wallets and payment gateways, and monetary dashboards. Also, it covers significant tasks like asset management and Big Data.
Power BI
An important data analysis tool is Power BI by Microsoft. Any type of banking, including investment banking, would require this tool for creating data visualisation. So thorough control over this tool would be an effective skill to have as an investment banker.
Soft Skills Required to Become an Investment Banker
It gets easier if a candidate works on gaining personal skills related to this field while also pursuing related technical skills. Below are the few soft skills that help an investment banker stay rooted in the industry in the long run:
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical and problem-solving skills can save a candidate from getting rejected in mass competition. Data analysis, data visualisation, research, and critical thinking are all part of analytical and problem-solving skills. These soft skills distinguish an amateur from a professional.
Project and Time Management
As an investment banker, one needs to work with investors and client companies to manage the projects given to them. It is crucial to have a balanced perception of how to settle the project within a limited time.
Mathematical Skills
Finance is zero without numbers. So it is compulsory to own a strong calculative mind when dealing with investments.
Conclusion
There are multiple online and offline investment banking courses with placement assistance. But choosing the right can be difficult. Have a firm grasp of the technical and personal skills to become a successful investment banker with the Certified Investment Banking Operations Professional programme.
This course will enlighten you with in-depth knowledge of various product lines, and a better understanding of trade life cycles. Land a precious job at the leading banks with this programme’s efficient placement services and prepare yourself better through mock interviews and resume enhancement.
