Investment banking is one of the most lucrative career options. People who are eager to pursue a career in this field are often very curious about the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of an investment banker. The job has been popular ever since the capital markets started flourishing; the high pay and perks attract a lot of young people who try hard to make a successful career in this domain.
Your journey gets a little easier if you have someone to lead the way. This is true in professional aspects as well. The big question that people have in mind before opting for the investment banking industry is what is the best course of action to become an investment banker & how exactly to become an investment banker. Think about the job role & figure what are the best questions to ask an investment banker.
The best advice would come from someone who is already living your dream of becoming an investment banker. The investment industry is very dynamic and is evolving with the hour. There are a lot of grey areas that are not addressed in books and courses and require a more pragmatic approach to learning about the subject.
What questions to ask an investment banker?
What questions to ask an investment banker and what will be a good question vary greatly. It depends significantly on your motive behind starting the conversation and what you are looking to gain from it. You need to set your objective straight, whether you are looking to get a job or whether you are using the connection to build your network and make a connection.
The second important factor to keep in mind before considering questions to ask an investment banker is what stage of your career you are in. Are you a college student who wants to pursue higher education and then join the industry? Are you a working professional who is looking to switch to this industry, or do you just want to upgrade your skills and land a job as an investment banker? While asking your question, you should try to be as specific as possible and tailor it according to your requirements, any information that could be found online is probably not the best one to enquire about.
Here is a list of some interesting questions to ask an investment banker:
What type of investment banker are they?
When it comes to the important questions to ask an investment banker, this is one of the most important ones. Here is the answer-
In the investment banking industry, bankers are categorized into two groups: product group and industry. Some of the mainstream product groups include Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate restructuring, etc.
How to build and maintain long-term professional relationships with clients?
Working as an investment banker requires more than just industry knowledge and financial know-how. Your soft skills are equally important as your hard skills, and having good interpersonal skills is key to surviving within this industry.
What would you do differently to reach your present level?
If you are a beginner who is looking to learn from other’s mistakes, this question will certainly help you in your endeavors. It will help you to build the perfect road map for your dream job and will also help you avoid some common mistakes made by people in this industry.
What will be the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Investment Banking Industry? There are talks of Robot Advisors, how will this impact growth and career prospects in the field?
AI has transformed various industries and has also helped automate many repetitive tasks that earlier required the human workforce. In the digital age, everything is run on data, and AI-powered Machine Learning techniques have already adapted human intelligence in some regards. There are driverless cars being made with the help of this technology, which might have a severe impact on the investment industry as well.
Why was your motivation behind choosing a career in this field?
This question would be fruitful if you want to know the investment banker on a more personal note and you want to listen to his inspiration and his point of view on the investment banking industry. It can help you develop a fresh perspective as to why you should join this industry.
What are some key skills that you look for in a candidate at your organization?
This question will help you understand the hard and soft skills needed to have a successful career in the industry. If you are interested in joining the particular organization, it will be very informative and insightful to crack the interview.
The above are the most important questions to ask an investment banker. Make sure that you confirm all the required details with them once you get some time with them. It’ll not only enhance your own knowledge but also prepare you for your potential future in this stream.
A dedicated investment banking course can provide a valuable advantage for those looking to break into the field of investment banking. These courses equip you with the technical skills and financial modeling expertise that investment banks look for in candidates. They can also offer networking opportunities and help you better understand the industry culture. If you're serious about launching your investment banking career, a course can be a strategic investment in your future.
