How to Get Into Investment Banking in 3 Months: No MBA Needed

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Let’s be real, how to get into investment banking is one of the most searched career goals in finance.

Everyone wants the prestige, the salary, and the status. But few know what it actually takes. The path is steep, but if you play it right, it’s possible for anyone, even without an MBA or Ivy League degree.

In this post, we’ll give you a practical, no-jargon roadmap. No fluff. Just a clear plan for building your investment banking career path with the right tools: education, experience, skills, and smart decisions.

How to Get Into Investment Banking: Know the Career Ladder First

Before you chase roles or send CVs, you must understand how the investment banking career path actually works.

Investment banks offer advisory-based financial services to institutional investors, corporations, governments, and similar clients.

Step 1: Understanding the Investment Banking Career Path

Before sending off applications, take a moment to learn how the investment banking career path really works.

The investment banking market grow steadily through 2025, with expectations of a continued annual increase through to 2030.

Here’s how it typically looks:

  • Analyst
  • Associate
  • Vice President
  • Director / Executive Director
  • Managing Director

Each role comes with more responsibility and higher expectations. Recruiters now look beyond degrees. They want real skills, certifications, and experience. If you skip this foundation, you’ll lose to someone who didn’t.

How to get into investment banking

Step 2: Start with Essential Finance Certifications

Degrees are helpful, but they’re not enough anymore. Today, recruiters want proof you can work in real banking environments. That’s where essential finance certifications give you the edge.

The Postgraduate Programme in Banking and Finance by Imarticus Learning is one of India’s most job-focused courses. It gives you practical experience and a direct route into the BFSI sector.

Step 3: How to Get Into Investment Banking Through Internships

Internships matter. A lot. Investment banking internships give you the real exposure hiring managers look for.

Here’s how to land them:

  • Use your course network (Imarticus offers direct placement support)
  • Contact alumni on LinkedIn
  • Join internship portals and apply to firms too
  • Attend campus hiring sessions

A strong internship on your CV, especially one supported by your course, shows you’re already in the game.

Step 4: Smart Finance Networking Strategies That Actually Work

Your skills matter, but who you know still helps. The right finance networking strategies can get you that call-back or referral.

Start with:

  • Attending online finance webinars
  • Joining LinkedIn groups and commenting on posts
  • Reaching out to industry experts with thoughtful messages
  • Engaging with your mentors and instructors during your course

Step 5: Top Interview Tips for Investment Bankers

Knowing your numbers isn’t enough. You need to perform confidently under pressure. These interview tips for investment bankers work:

  1. Master your personal pitch (education + interest + future goal)
  2. Review basic valuation methods (DCF, comps, etc.)
  3. Know how to read a balance sheet and an income statement
  4. Stay updated on deals, IPOs, and market movements
  5. Practice mock interviews (Imarticus Learning offers this in their prep module)

Being well-prepared gives you an edge that most candidates simply don’t have.

Step 6: Apply the Right Way to Entry-Level Roles

Don’t spray your CV everywhere. Focus your efforts.

  • Start with analyst roles in credit, operations, or sales
  • Use placement connections to reach top employers
  • Tailor your CV to highlight projects, tools, and certifications
  • Use keywords from the job description when applying

The goal isn’t to apply everywhere, it’s to apply smart.

Even after landing your first role, learning must continue. Topics like AML, KYC, and regulatory finance help you move up faster. Other than academic qualifications, they require a good combination of analytical and interpersonal experiences.

The skill set needed usually depends on the target job. To cite an example, brokers should have extraordinary sales skills, and equity analysts must have a keen analytical mind and good communication skills.

How to get into investment banking

Why Imarticus Learning Is Your Gateway to a Job in Finance

The Postgraduate Programme in Banking and Finance from Imarticus Learning covers these through its modules and job-prep immersion phase. Learning doesn’t stop at certification; it’s your long-term asset.

Register for the Postgraduate Programme in Banking and Finance by Imarticus Learning, get certified, trained, and placed in just 3 months. Start your career with top retail banks and financial services firms. Step into entry-level roles offering salary packages of up to ₹6 LPA. Fast-track your journey in just three months.

Complete two months of interactive online training, followed by a one-month intensive Job:

  • Prep through the Imarticus Learning Immersion experience.
  • Engage in real-world simulations, roleplays, and case studies.
  • Build skills in sales, customer service, communication, and banking operations.
  • Earn an ₹8,000 Imarticus Banking Fellowship upon successful completion of the course.

Gain a certified qualification in Banking and Finance, backed by a curriculum crafted by professionals with over 20 years of industry experience. Open doors to various career paths, including Retail Banking, Credit Management, and Banking Operations.

Start your journey with India’s top-rated certification course. Assured placement, ₹8,000 fellowship, expert-led training, and real-world simulations.

Register Now!

FAQ

1. How do you get into investment banking without an MBA?

You can do it with a finance degree and a certified course like Imarticus’ postgraduate programme. An MBA is not mandatory.

2. What are the best finance networking strategies for students?

Start with LinkedIn, webinars, and alumni events. Use your course contacts too.

3. Do you need to do investment banking internships?

Absolutely. They make you familiarse yourself with the business and make your CV look impressive.

4. What are some of the job positions I would be able to secure after doing the Imarticus programme?

Retail bank analyst, credit officer, bank operations manager, and so on.

5. What are the effective interview tips for being an investment banker?

Keep cool, study the basics of finance, track the market, and do a mock interview.

6. What is the value of necessary finance certifications?

This certification indicate that you are employment-seeking and have an interest in the profession.

7. Can the non-finance graduates take this route?

Yes, in case you take a job-oriented course such as that of Imarticus Learning.

The Final Words

Entering investment banking has nothing to do with luck, but rather hard work, proper advice, and decisions. It allows you to have an upper hand in knowing how to enter investment banking, no matter whether you are a new starter or a career switcher.

Whether it comes to developing your skills with the help of critical finance certifications or intelligently employing finance networking tools and passing interviews successfully, every step counts.

In case you are looking to kick-start your investment banking career at an early stage, considering the Postgraduate Programme in Banking and Finance by Imarticus Learning will see you through all you need: actual training, placement, and guidance by professionals.

You are not only getting ready to take a job when you have well-organised learning coupled with industry exposure, but indeed you are beginning your long career.

Sign up today and get a head start on becoming a competitive, job-ready professional in investment banking.

What Is Product Sales? Learn It the Easy Way

Reading Time: 4 minutesHave you ever stood in a store and wondered why one product caught your attention while others faded into the background? It wasn’t an accident. That was product sales at work.

If you’re aiming for a career where strategy meets persuasion, or simply curious about how to sale a product effectively, this post is for you. Many underestimate what is product sales—thinking it’s just about pitching. But you’ll soon realise it’s a mix of planning, positioning, and precision.

You’re about to learn not just what this role involves but how you can do it better than most.

From Cold Calls to Customer Conversations: How Real Product Sales Work

Let’s explain this with an example:

When Anjali joined a fintech firm fresh out of her banking course, she assumed sales meant endless cold calls. But in her first month, she saw something different.

Her mentor explained how every touchpoint—from brochures to demo calls—was part of a structured sales pipeline. One that revolved around understanding not just the product, but also the pain points of customers.

She realised the magic wasn’t in the pitch, but in the preparation.

And that’s exactly what product sales is—bridging need and solution with informed storytelling.

Product sales weren’t about pushing something onto someone. It was about guiding them to a decision that felt right for them. It was about preparation, empathy, and structure. 

What is product sales?

In marketing, a product refers to an object, system, or service created to meet consumer demand. It includes anything offered to a domestic or international market to satisfy a customer’s need or desire.

A sales process follows a structured series of steps that salespeople use to identify prospects, qualify leads, and close deals. It gives a clear framework that guides every stage of the selling journey, from the first point of contact right through to finalising the purchase. 

Core responsibilities in product sales:

  • Understanding the product from the inside out
  • Knowing your customer’s pain points and goals
  • Pitching benefits over features
  • Handling rejections with data, not desperation
  • Collaborating with marketing and product teams

The 7 Essential Steps of Product Sales

  • Understand the Product – Know its features, benefits, and unique selling points.
  • Identify Ideal Customer – Define who your product serves best.
  • Lead with Value – Highlight how the product solves problems or adds value.
  • Listen Before Talking – Emphasise active listening to customer needs.
  • Handle Objections – Show strategies for addressing customer concerns.
  • Close with Clarity – Ensure clear, confident closure of the sale.
  • Offer Post-Sale Support – Include follow-up and customer support for lasting satisfaction.

Breakdown to Application: Steps for Beginners

Sales teams must rethink the traditional sales approach to match customer preferences for instant, personalised, and always-available service. 

Top-performing teams understand and anticipate customer needs more effectively by working collaboratively, building strong partner ecosystems, engaging across multiple channels, and responding immediately. 

In fact, high performers are 2.9 times more likely than underperformers to strongly agree that their company remains available to customers at all times.

Ready to apply this knowledge? 

Here’s how to sale a product in the real world—step-by-step.

  1. Study the product deeply

Know its features, USPs, use cases, limitations, and how it stacks up against competitors.

  1. Identify your ideal customer

Create buyer personas. Are you selling to busy executives or price-conscious families?

  1. Lead with value

Avoid listing specs. Start with benefits—how does this product solve a real problem?

  1. Listen before talking

Sales isn’t a monologue. Ask, listen, and adapt. 63% of customers say sellers who “listen well” earn their trust.

  1. Handle objections with empathy

Instead of pushing harder, ask what’s stopping them and provide proof (case studies, testimonials).

  1. Close with clarity

Summarise what they’re getting, explain the next steps, and always offer post-sale support.

At this point, you know what is product sales, how to approach them, and why it’s more strategic than people think. Whether you’re stepping into the field, upskilling after a banking course, or managing a team, this foundation sets you apart.

But knowledge without action? That’s just theory.

Let’s take it further.

Comparative Table: Skills Needed vs. Role Demands

Skill / Trait Why It Matters in Product Sales
Product Knowledge Builds trust and answers objections quickly
Communication Skills Clarifies complex points and handles rejections
CRM Software Proficiency Helps track leads and sales activities
Industry Insight Aligns pitches with market demand
Team Collaboration Syncs marketing and product development


If you’re aiming to master the art of persuasion, strategy, and product-market fit, product sales offers an unmatched opportunity. Whether you’re starting out or reskilling after a banking course, the path is clear.

Take the next step and explore how product sales roles can transform your future, guided by experts at Imarticus Learning.

Postgraduate Banking & Finance Programme with Interview Guarantee by Imarticus Learning

The Postgraduate Programme in Banking and Finance by Imarticus Learning features a hands-on, placement-oriented way into the fast-paced environment of retail banking, NBFCs, and FinTech. Created for career-minded professionals, this 190+ hour programme combines technical skills with the necessary soft skills, and aims to position you for a successful career in the financial services sector. 

Recognised as the Best Education Provider in Finance at the 30th Elets World Education Summit 2024, Imarticus Learning is with you for your success with a unique interview guarantee. More than 8,000 learners have so far embarked on their careers through this programme, and many of them have seen a 60% increase in their average pay. 

Students will be job-ready through banking operations, financial products, and customer-facing services. You will learn about retail liability and asset products, NRI banking, tools for investments including mutual funds and equities, and fundamental aspects such as tax, as well as personal finance planning. The curriculum also covers the branch-level operations and changing trends within banking. 

Enrol now in the Postgraduate Programme in Banking and Finance by Imarticus Learning and step into your future with an interview guarantee.

FAQ

  1. What is product sales in simple terms?
    It’s the process of selling a product based on understanding its value, targeting the right buyers, and allowing them to make a purchase.
  2. Is product sales the same as marketing?
    No. Marketing creates awareness; sales convert it into action.
  3. Do I need a banking course in finance for product sales?
    It is particularly useful if you are dealing with financial products such as loans, insurance, or mutual funds.
  4. Can anyone learn how to sale a product?
    Absolutely. With the right training and practice, it’s a learnable skill.
  5. What are the key skills required in product sales?
    Strong communication, empathy, product knowledge, and persistence.
  6. How do product sales differ across industries?
    The core principles remain, but language, tools, and customer expectations shift with each sector.
  7. What’s the future of product sales in India?
    With digital transformation rising, roles are evolving. Hybrid sales, AI-driven insights, and data-backed strategies are the new norm.

The Impact of Data Visualisation in Business Decision-Making

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The power of data visualisation in decision-making

Businesses heavily rely on data analysis to make informed decisions. However, interpreting raw data can be overwhelming. With the help of data visualisation, this process can be simplified. The raw data can easily be converted into understandable visual material using the methods of data visualisation. In this blog, we will explore the importance of data visualisation and how it aids in effective decision-making.

Overview of data visualisation

Data visualisation involves using charts, graphs and visuals to represent complex information. It transforms raw data into easy-to-understand visuals, making it accessible to all within an organisation. This visual approach improves comprehension, analysis and interpretation.

Importance of data visualisation

1. Simplification of complex data: One of the key benefits of data visualisation is its ability to simplify complex datasets. By representing large volumes of information in a visual format, it becomes easier for individuals to identify patterns, correlations and anomalies that may otherwise go unnoticed.

2. Improvement in understanding and communication: Visuals have a powerful impact on human cognition. When presented with well-designed charts or graphs, individuals can quickly grasp trends, comparisons and insights from the data. This not only improves understanding within a team but also facilitates effective communication across departments.

3. Quick decision-making: Data visualisation enables faster decision-making by providing real-time updates on key performance indicators (KPIs) and business metrics. With interactive dashboards or reports that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, stakeholders can make timely decisions based on accurate information.

4. Facilitation of data-driven insights: Visual representations make it easier for analysts to spot trends or outliers in the data quickly. By identifying these patterns promptly through data visualisation tools, companies can gain valuable insights that drive strategic decision-making processes.

Financial Analysis Course

How does data visualisation help in decision-making?

1. Identifying trends and patterns: Data visualisation helps decision-makers identify trends, patterns and relationships within datasets. For example, a financial analyst utilising data analysis in a finance course can use visualisations to assess how different variables such as market trends, customer behaviour or economic indicators impact their organisation’s performance. By understanding these correlations, they can make more informed decisions to maximise profitability.

2. Spotting anomalies and outliers: Visual representations allow decision-makers to quickly identify anomalies or outliers that may indicate potential risks or opportunities. For instance, in sales data visualisation, sudden spikes or dips in revenue could indicate the need for further investigation into the underlying causes.

3. Comparing performance metrics: Data visualisation enables easy comparison of different performance metrics across various time periods, departments or products/services. Decision-makers can assess how different variables impact their business’s overall performance and make necessary adjustments accordingly.

4. Predictive analytics and forecasting: By leveraging historical data and applying predictive analytics techniques through interactive visualisations, businesses can forecast future trends with greater accuracy. These forecasts aid decision-making by providing insights into potential outcomes under different scenarios.

Driving successful decision-making with data visualisation

Data visualisation plays a pivotal role in modern business decision-making processes. Its ability to simplify complex information, enhance understanding and communication, enable quick decision-making and facilitate data-driven insights makes it an invaluable tool for organisations across industries.

If you want to enhance your skills in data analysis and become a proficient financial analyst, consider enrolling in Imarticus Learning’s comprehensive financial analyst course with a job guarantee. This course covers various aspects of data analysis in finance and equips you with the necessary skills to excel in this field.

5 key points to consider before beginning your career in finance

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Navigate the Finance field: 5 key points to know

Before pursuing a career in finance, it is crucial to consider several key points. Gaining a solid understanding of finance principles and concepts is essential. You can achieve this through formal education or certifications. You should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It is also important to have a solid understanding of economic trends and market conditions. These factors greatly impact the financial industry. A career in finance often requires long hours and the ability to work under pressure. Read on to learn more about the key points to consider for a career in finance.

Career in Finance: Things to consider

A career in finance can be rewarding and lucrative, but it’s important to consider a few things before diving in. It is important to have a strong foundation in math and analytical skills. Being comfortable with risk and uncertainty is also important. The financial industry can be volatile. Networking and connections are crucial in the finance industry. The finance industry is constantly evolving. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. A career in finance can be exciting and rewarding. Consider these factors before making a decision:

Examine various finance specialisations

It’s crucial to examine the different specializations within the finance field. From investment banking to financial planning, there are numerous paths to choose from. Understanding your interests and strengths can help you identify the area that best suits you.

Find your niche in the industry

Once you have narrowed down your options, it’s important to find your niche within the industry. This involves researching and understanding the different roles and responsibilities within each specialization. Gain a clear understanding of what each role entails. So you can make an informed decision about the path to a career in finance.

Choose the right finance degree or certification

Choosing the right finance degree or certification is another important step. There are various options available, including bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and professional certifications. Research the curriculum, reputation, and career outcomes associated with each program. This can help you make an informed decision about which degree or certification is best suited to your goals.

Set career goals before beginning

Setting career goals before embarking on a career in finance is essential. This involves considering where you want to be in the next five, ten, or twenty years and what steps you need to take to get there. Having clear goals can help guide your decision-making process and keep you focused throughout your career journey.

Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions

Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can be extremely beneficial. This allows you to apply the knowledge gained in your education to real-world scenarios, developing important skills and building a professional network. Practical experience can also help you determine if a career in finance is truly the right fit for you.

Boost your career in finance with a course

Taking a course in finance can greatly boost your career prospects. Whether you are just starting or looking to advance in your current job, gaining knowledge and skills in finance will make you a valuable asset in any company. By enrolling in a finance course, you can learn about financial analysis, investment strategies, risk management, and much more. This will not only make you more confident in your job but also open up new opportunities for growth and advancement. So, don’t hesitate to invest in your career by taking a finance course – it will pay off in the long run!

If you are looking to build a career in finance, Imarticus Learning is the perfect platform for you. We offer a wide range of courses specifically designed to equip young professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the finance industry. With experienced faculty and industry-relevant curriculum. The programs ensure that you are well-prepared and ready to excel in your finance career. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your career prospects. Visit Imarticus Learning today and take the first step towards a successful future in finance.

Why Is Banking and Finance Important?

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhy Is Banking and Finance Important?

As the world economy recovers from one of the worst pandemics of our time, a lot of us might be considering a career in banking. While the negative effects of the pandemic were severe, one of the few good effects of it was, the time it gave us to consider all aspects of our lives and decide which direction we want to proceed in the future.

If you have decided to pursue a career in banking and finance in the post-pandemic world, then the question of why banking and finance is so important in modern society must have crossed your mind.

Thus in today’s blog post, we will answer exactly that. Let’s get started.

  • The Modern Economy: In order to properly understand why banking and finance are so important on a larger scale to the economy, one of the first aspects you need to understand is how the modern economy works. If you have previously attended a Banking and Finance Courses, you know that the economy we know today can be simplified into two main categories, first, there is credit, and then there is debit.Organizations like banks and financial institutions are the ones who extend the credit, and customers, either direct individuals or companies, take this credit and thus become debited to the institution.The whole cycle of this modern economy is based on lending and taking credit, and thus banks and other financial institutions are very important to keep the wheels turning. Just like how a well functioning economy is important for a country to reach new heights, banks and financial institutions are important to keep the functioning of the economy stable and safe.
  • Responsibilities of Banks and Financial Institutions: Now that you have a fair sense of understanding as to why banking and finance is so important for an economy, let us take a look at some of the many responsibilities that banks fulfill on an on-going basis:
  • Securing Customers Money: One of the first and most important responsibilities of a bank is to safeguard the investments of its customers. The modern economy is one that is rapidly shifting to a paperless transaction model, and this can only be done through banks.One of the easiest ways of understanding this can be found in how your employer sends your monthly earnings directly to your bank account and how you spend that money every day for various utilities, either through electronic payment or through the use of your debit and credit card.
  • Investing Customers Money: While saving and securing a customer’s money is the first and most important responsibility of a bank, the second is to help the customer invest their money and then provide returns on the same.Banks and other financial institutions around the world offer one of the simplest and most convenient ways for customers to invest their hard-earned money, and while it may sound simple and unnecessary to a professional like you (who has undergone a Banking and Finance Courses), millions of people depend on these services each year.
  • Providing Loans and Credit Lines: The third most important role of a bank or financial institution is to provide loans and extend a credit line to its customers. No matter how much money a person has saved, there comes a time when each and every one of us needs to take out a loan to facilitate either an emergency spend or to finance our dreams. And the modern economy is designed in such a way that the best loans can only be provided by banks and no one else.

Conclusion

The importance of banks in modern society is huge, and as we continue to progress, their importance will only grow with time. So if you want a future career in the banking industry, make sure you enroll for Online Banking and Finance Courses today.