investment banking degree

If you have an interest in finance, you may be curious about how to become an investment banker. The first step is usually earning a finance or investment banking degree. However, it’s important to understand that completing an investment banking degree isn’t easy. Before you take the steps to do so, you’ll need to determine if investment banking is right for you. For starters, you’ll need to understand “What is investment banking?”  

In short, investment bankers are advisors in high-stakes financial transactions. The work of an investment banker requires precision, strategic thinking, and expertise on finance subjects. If you are interested in pursuing an investment banking degree, choosing the right school is a critical step towards becoming an investment banker. Top institutions provide access to invaluable networks and recruitment pipelines, while offering investment banking courses that focus on core finance subjects.

This guide is all about how to get into investment banking and how to become an investment banker.

In this article, we will: 

  • Define investment banking and what an investment banker does
  • Discuss how to become an investment banker
  • Introduce different types of investment banking careers and their specialized functions.
  • List the top 15 best finance schools
  • Look at the top 4 investment banking degrees and essential finance subjects
  • Provide steps on how to become an investment banker
  • Review common types of investment banking certifications and what they mean 
  • Look at how graduate investment banking degrees can help advance your investment banking career  

By the end of this “How to Become an Investment Banker” article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to help you build an investment banking career.  

What is investment banking?

Investment banking is an area of finance dedicated to helping clients with significant financial transactions. It focuses on advising organizations on raising capital, navigating complex financial decisions, and executing high-value transactions. 

Investment banks offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of their clients. One of the key services provided by investment bankers are M&As (mergers and acquisitions). In this service, investment bankers guide organizations through the process of buying, selling, or merging with other companies. The process involves valuation, due diligence, and structured deals to maximize value for clients. 

Another key service of investment bankers is raising capital. In other words, they help their clients secure funding. Investment bankers also underwrite securities. Here, investment bankers act as intermediaries between issuers and the market, assessing the risk and price of securities before selling to investors, ensuring efficient capital distribution.

When you work in investment banking, you’ll have a variety of types of clients, including corporations, governments, and other institutions. By providing these critical services, investment bankers help clients achieve their financial and strategic goals.

Completing an investment banking degree will require an understanding of complex finance subjects, methodologies, and analytical techniques. If you’re considering how to become an investment banker, be sure that you enjoy studying finance, business, and economics as your courses will center on these finance subjects. 

What does an investment banker do?

Investment bankers are trusted advisors and facilitators of major financial transactions. Their primary responsibilities revolve around providing strategic advice, managing investments, and executing complex financial deals. 

Now let’s discuss some of the day-to-day activities of an investment banker. One common task includes building financial models to assess a company’s value, project future performance, or evaluate the financial impact of potential transactions. An investment banker also determines the worth of companies or assets. 

Another common investment banking task is creating pitch books. These visually compelling presentations outline strategic recommendations, market insights, and transaction opportunities for potential and existing clients. Due diligence is another regular task of an investment banker. This consists of in-depth research to assess risks and ensure that financial transactions are backed by accurate, comprehensive data.

Before you dive into an investment banking degree, consider that the career is highly client-centric. The job requires frequent interactions between bankers and senior executives of client companies. Investment bankers must collaborate with their clients to tailor financial solutions to meet their goals. These interactions require excellent communication skills, deep industry knowledge, and the ability to foster trust and confidence.

Roles in investment banking

Teams in the field of investment banking operate within a structured hierarchy

Investment Banking Roles

investment banking degree

Investment analysts are entry-level professionals responsible for financial modeling, research, and creating presentations. 

Associates are mid-level roles focused on managing investment analysts, refining financial models, and interacting with clients under supervision. 

Vice Presidents are senior team members who lead client relationships, oversee project execution, and mentor associates and analysts. 

Directors are high-level strategists responsible for sourcing deals, managing client portfolios, and driving revenue growth. 

Managing Directors work to generate business, maintain relationships with key clients, and set the strategic direction for the team.

To better understand the positions you can obtain upon completing your investment banking degree, students can take advantage of investment banking internships while in school. These opportunities will boost your investment banking resume and give you an understanding of what it’s like to work in this demanding industry. Some investment banking internships can even lead to a full-time position upon graduation. 

Types of investment banking

Investment banking is a diverse field, and there are various types of investment banking. However, all of these divisions work together to meet the needs of clients, whether they are corporations, governments, or investors.

4 Types of Investment Banking

investment banking degree

1. Corporate Finance

First up is corporate finance. This division is dedicated to helping organizations raise capital and navigate complex financial decisions like mergers and acquisitions. 

2. Sales and Trading

Another one of the key types of investment banking is sales and trading, which focuses on the buying and selling of financial securities, like stocks and bonds, on behalf of clients. Key roles in this division include sales teams, which help to maintain relationships with clients by understanding their investment needs, and traders who work to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients while managing the bank’s risk exposure.

3. Equity Research

Research and due diligence are vital parts of how to become an investment banker. In this division, investment bankers work to provide in-depth analyses of companies, industries, and market trends to guide investment decisions by considering stock analysis and industry insights. 

4. Asset Management

Finally, asset management is one of the types of investment banking that involves management of financial assets on behalf of clients to maximize returns and minimize risks. Key aspects include portfolio management and risk mitigation. 

As you can see, each of these types of investment banking contributes to the overall success of an investment bank. When considering the question, “What is investment banking?”, you’ll need to look at all different aspects of the field. Investment banking degrees will introduce you to these various types of investment banking. 

Top investment banks

If you’re wondering how to become an investment banker, then you might be curious about the places you could work. Within the world of investment banking, there are three main categories of banks, ranked from largest to smallest:

Main Types of Investment Banks

investment banking degree

Bulge Bracket Banks


These are the largest global investment banks. Examples include JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Bulge bracket banks typically work with large multinational corporations and offer many different services, like mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets, asset management, and trading. Due to their size and global presence, they provide extensive opportunities for careers.

Middle-Market Banks


Middle-market banks, such as Jefferies, Baird, and Raymond James, are smaller in size than bulge bracket banks but still provide significant investment banking services. These banks focus on mid-sized companies and transactions. They often have a regional focus and provide services like M&A advisory, capital raising, and restructuring. Careers in middle-market banks may offer more client-facing opportunities and exposure to various industries.

Elite Boutique Banks


Elite boutique banks, including Lazard, Evercore, and Moelis, are specialized investment banks that focus on high-value advisory services, particularly in M&A, restructuring, and strategic advisory. These banks often work with large corporate clients and high-profile deals, but maintain a smaller, more specialized operation. Careers in elite boutique banks typically involve more in-depth exposure to strategic advisory and financial analysis.

The categorization of banks is primarily based on their size, services offered, client base, and reach. For example, larger banks have vast resources and global operations, allowing for extensive networking and training. Smaller banks often provide more intimate settings, enabling professionals to take on greater responsibility early in their careers.

Understanding these differences can help you with your investment banking degree and choosing a career path aligned with your skills, interests, and long-term goals.

Top 15 Investment Banking Target Schools

If you’re interested in how to become an investment banker, then you’ll probably be interested in the top schools to earn an investment banking degree. We’re going to look at the top investment banking schools, which in many cases are also the best undergraduate business schools. We will highlight some of the key features like relevant finance subjects, investment banking courses, alumni networks, recruitment events, and opportunities related to the investment banking degree.

Here is a list of the top 15 best schools for students pursuing an investment banking degree:

15 Best Investment Banking Schools

investment banking degree

1. University of Pennsylvania Wharton School

Wharton is renowned for its finance subjects and offers extensive investment banking courses in finance and accounting. The school has one of the strongest alumni networks in the industry. Unique opportunities include networking and recruitment events with top-tier banks such as JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs.

2. Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business

Located in Washington, D.C., the McDonough School of Business offers proximity to financial hubs and policy-making bodies. This program provides a strong focus on investment banking courses like ethics in finance. 

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

3. Harvard University

This Ivy League university provides students with a liberal arts background while setting them up for a top-tier placement in banking. Harvard’s majors and investment banking courses include economics and business economics. Pursuing an investment banking degree at Harvard provides opportunities for elite alumni connections with strong representation in bulge bracket banks and private equity firms.

4. Columbia University

Students interested in a career in investment banking can start by studying a Bachelor of Arts in Finance. Various concentrations in business management and finance provide students with the fundamentals of investment banking. Columbia also offers an MSFA and investment banking certifications to expand your investment banking knowledge after completing your undergraduate degree. 

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

5. NYU Stern School of Business

With its excellent location in NYC, the Stern School of Business provides students with direct access to Wall Street. There are plenty of opportunities for year-round investment banking internships and fostering relationships with industry-connected faculty. Key opportunities to consider are recruiting events with elite boutique banks like Evercore and Moelis.

6. Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

The program at Cornell is notorious for combining a rigorous curriculum with a focus on practical skills. Unique opportunities include investment banking degree-focused clubs and Wall Street trek events.

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

7. University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business

This particular program is known for its quantitative and analytical focus. This is ideal for M&A and trading roles as well as investment analyst roles. At the Booth School of Business, students have the opportunity for career treks, and there is a strong alumni presence in Chicago and New York City.

8. University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business

This school offers hands-on learning opportunities through programs like the Ross Global Finance Initiative. Pursuing an investment banking degree at the Ross School of Business offers students a strong recruitment pipeline with middle-market and bulge bracket banks.

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

9. University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business

This program is a top choice in the south for an investment banking degree. Graduates of McCombs School of Business will have strong connections to energy banking in Houston. Here, students can attend networking events and join investment banking clubs.

10. Princeton University

Another Ivy League university makes the list. Princeton offers majors and investment banking courses in economics, finance, and public policy. The program focuses on critical thinking and analytical skills. Small investment banking degree course sizes foster personalized mentorship. A key feature of the program is the vast amount of alumni that hold high-ranking roles at top investment banks.

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

11. University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business

This school is known for its strong ethics-based education and alumni network. At the Mendoza College of Business, students have the opportunity for frequent campus recruitment by bulge bracket and middle-market banks.

12. Yale University

This Ivy League investment banking degree program focuses on critical thinking and interdisciplinary studies. Key features and opportunities at Yale include excellent alumni connections in finance and private equity.

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

13. UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

What sets this program apart is its strategic location near Silicon Valley and focus on tech and finance. In fact, many graduates of the Haas School of Business receive job placement in tech-focused investment banking roles. 

14. Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business

Duke’s investment banking degree program is known for its strong analytical focus and collaborative culture. At the Fuqua School of Business, students have the chance to join active investment banking clubs and make invaluable connections with alumni in leadership positions.

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

15. University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business

This program offers strong finance subjects with practical case studies. Additionally, the Darden School of Business provides its students with robust recruitment pipelines. In fact, many internships turn into full-time jobs upon graduation.

These schools are among U.S. News’ best undergraduate business schools and consistently produce top candidates for investment banking. With rigorous academics, extensive alumni networks, and various career-building opportunities, any one of these schools will set you up for success in investment banking. Whether you want to focus on M&A or become an investment analyst, gaining an investment banking degree from a top university will help prepare you for this competitive field. 

How long does it take to earn an investment banking degree?

Investment bankers must earn a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years to complete. This is the foundational step for entering the field, as investment banks seek candidates with strong academic credentials. There are also options for advanced investment banking degrees like a Master’s in Finance. Of course, if you plan to pursue a Master’s in finance, you can generally expect to study another two years after completing your undergraduate program.


Investment banking courses will vary by school and by major. While pursuing your bachelor’s degree, you should balance your general education requirements with your major-specific investment banking courses. Common majors for investment banking degrees include finance, economics, business administration, and accounting.

If you’re considering getting a dual degree, it’s important to recognize that this may extend your timeline due to the increased course load. Balancing your investment banking courses with an extra major could extend your time in undergrad. However, a dual degree can benefit your long-term career by making you a more versatile, unique candidate. If going this route, keep in mind that planning and academic advising are key to effectively managing your additional requirements.


Beyond your academic courses, there are some additional things you can do to build your investment banking resume. Gaining practical experience and building a professional network are essential to securing career opportunities and boosting employability. Some key investment banking resume boosting activities include summer investment banking internships, extracurricular involvement in clubs, and professional investment banking certifications.    

Balancing the undergraduate course requirements and pursuing professional investment banking certifications ensure students are well-prepared for this competitive field. 

What skills do investment bankers need?

Success in investment banking requires a combination of hard skills, which demonstrate technical expertise, and soft skills, which are more telling of personal and interpersonal capabilities. Both are crucial to making the most of your investment banking degree and learning how to become an investment banker.

Hard skills for investment banking

Investment bankers rely on a strong foundation of technical and analytical competencies in the principles of corporate finance. This foundation is built while completing an investment banking degree.

Investment Banking Hard Skills

investment banking degree

Quantitative Analysis:

Ability to interpret numerical data to identify trends, assess risks, and evaluate financial outcomes.

Financial Modeling:

Building and analyzing detailed models to forecast financial performance.

Data Analysis:

Using tools like Excel and Python to process large datasets for insights that guide decision-making.

Principles of Corporate Finance:

Understanding concepts such as weighted average cost of capital, discounted cash flow analysis, and valuation metrics.

Knowledge of Capital Markets:

Familiarity with equity and debt markets, including IPOs, bond issuances, and market trends.

Financial Accounting and Reporting:

Proficiency in analyzing financial statements, understanding GAAP/IFRS standards, and preparing detailed reports.

Soft skills for investment banking

Equally important are soft skills that enable investment bankers to communicate, manage stress, and navigate complex business relationships.

Investment Banking Soft Skills

investment banking degree

Communication and Presentation Skills:

Clearly conveying complex financial information to clients through verbal and written communication.

Strong Work Ethic:

Demonstrating dedication and a willingness to work long hours to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Addressing unique client needs with innovative solutions and sound judgment.

Time Management:

Balancing multiple priorities under tight deadlines and maintaining productivity.

Resilience and Stress Management:

Thriving in high-pressure environments and managing stress effectively to maintain performance.

Leadership and Team Management:

Coordinating tasks, motivating team members, and fostering collaboration.

Attention to Detail:

Ensuring accuracy in financial models, reports, and presentations.


Students can build these hard and soft skills through investment banking courses, investment banking internships, case competitions, leadership roles in student organizations, and professional networking. Both sets of skills are critical for setting your investment banking resume apart in the competitive field of investment banking. However, if it looks like a lot to learn, don’t panic! You’ll hone these skills while completing an investment banking degree. 

Common investment banking courses

A comprehensive education is key to any plan for how to get into investment banking. In order to prepare for an investment banking internship or an investment banking career, you will need to take several courses during your undergraduate years. Investment banking courses range from finance subjects to business classes. All of the best finance schools and best undergraduate business schools will offer these courses, which include:

  • Financial Accounting 
  • Corporate Finance 
  • Investments
  • Valuation
  • Capital Markets
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Asset Management
  • Financial Derivatives 

These investment banking courses, combined with experience gained from investment banking internships, help to build your investment banking resume. Students who are interested in how to become an investment banker should ideally begin studying these finance subjects in their first year of college. 

Top four investment banking degrees

Students interested in an investment banking career often earn an investment banking degree in one of four fields. These include finance, accounting, business, and economics. These four investment banking degrees prepare students for many different types of investment banking. Each shows company recruiters that you have the knowledge of finance subjects required to thrive in this career field.

Top 4 Investment Banking Degrees

investment banking degree

1. Finance

The first pathway for how to become an investment banker involves getting a finance degree. This could be an undergraduate degree from one of the best finance schools, or for some students, it might be a Master’s in Finance. A finance degree involves a wide range of investment banking courses and provides opportunities for students to develop mathematical and analytical skills. 

2. Accounting

Accounting is another popular undergraduate major for those looking to pursue an investment banking career. The field of accounting focuses on how to properly manage money, invest capital wisely, and analyze markets. Accounting is one of many important finance subjects that students need to take for all types of investment banking degrees.

3. Business

A business degree is yet another pathway for how to become an investment banker. This pathway is especially effective for those looking at corporate finance or those wanting to provide financial advice to businesses in a particular industry. An MBA is often more desirable than an undergraduate business degree, even one from the best undergraduate business schools. Many students complete investment banking certifications while gaining experience through their MBA. This helps them leverage their advanced investment banking degree after they graduate.

4. Economics

Finally, students can enter the investment banking field with an economics degree. Students can expect to learn about market theory and analytical models in their economics programs. As with other investment banking degrees, students should look to bolster their resume by taking on investment banking internships and exploring courses in finance subjects.   

How to get into investment banking

If you are a high school student interested in an investment banking degree, you can tailor your college search to target schools. These are top schools that are known for turning out successful investment bankers. You can find a table of hiring statistics for students with an investment banking degree at several top schools here! Of course, it’s important to consider personal fit alongside rankings and outcomes. 

You can also explore programs like Teach Me Wall Street, which educate high school students about how to get into investment banking and the different types of investment banking that are out there. These programs help strengthen your college application to top finance schools and build your investment banking resume.

Students who are curious about how to become an investment banker should start investigating what is investment banking early. Taking introductory finance subjects allows you to see whether this career path fits with your skills and interests. After that, it is important to secure a major in a related discipline such as finance. This will allow you to continue to build your academic foundations as you work toward your investment banking degree.

In addition to earning strong grades in investment banking courses, students should also begin networking as soon as possible. Investment bankers spend considerable time working face to face with clients, so good communication and emotional intelligence are important qualities to demonstrate.

Think about joining some extracurricular organizations to build a more robust investment banking resume and meet people who can help advance your career. Many types of investment banking companies offer workshops and job fairs to students interested in how to become an investment banker. Take advantage of the opportunities your school offers to connect with industry professionals and learn more about “what is investment banking.”

Internships and extracurriculars

investment banking degree

Beyond grades and networking, students who want to know how to become an investment banker should secure internships to gain real world experience in the field. You do not need an MBA or a Master’s in Finance to pursue these internships, as many are open to undergraduate students pursuing an investment banking degree. You can shadow an investment analyst, learn firsthand about the principles of corporate finance, and gain valuable experience to boost your investment banking resume. Many types of investment banking companies, including top firms like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase, offer internships to top candidates.

When it comes to how to become an investment banker, landing an internship is an absolute must. Attending career fairs and taking advantage of on-campus networking opportunities are two effective ways to impress recruiters. Another good way to get your name and investment banking resume out there is cold emailing. Sending short messages to employees at investment banking firms regarding internship opportunities shows proactivity and can lead to further opportunities. See this guide for more information about cold emailing, including a helpful template you can customize to fit your needs.

In addition to internships, students interested in how to get into investment banking should explore extracurricular organizations on campus that fit their interests. These could include finance clubs, student run investment funds, business fraternities or sororities, and more. Participation in extracurricular activities shows teamwork and leadership skills, which are extremely important for how to get into investment banking. Even clubs that are not finance related can demonstrate these skills provided that you are passionate about the subject matter!

Investment banking internship interview questions

Before landing an investment banking internship, students must go through a rigorous application and interview process. During the interview, you will be asked many types of investment banking questions designed to test your knowledge of finance subjects. These questions also help recruiters determine whether you are a good fit with the firm’s culture. The questions can be broken down into three types: technical questions, fit/behavioral questions, and logic questions.

Technical questions

Technical questions help the interviewer assess the knowledge you have gained in your investment banking courses. You may be asked to show knowledge of finance subjects, such as the difference between cash based accounting and accrual based accounting. You may also be asked more general questions about how to value a company and how to calculate net debt.

The best way to prepare for these questions is to pay attention in your investment banking courses and take good notes on the concepts discussed. You should also look up popular interview questions online and make sure you are prepared with answers to questions that are highly likely to appear.

Behavioral/fit questions

Behavioral/fit questions are more subjective and designed to get to know the candidate on a more personal level. Because people with an investment banking degree often work in close knit teams for long hours at a time, it is important to show you are capable of fitting in with the employees at the company you are interviewing with.

You will likely be asked to walk the interviewer through your investment banking resume and discuss any investment banking certifications you have earned. You may be asked to talk about your strengths and weaknesses and the reasons why you decided to pursue an investment banking degree. The best way to prepare for these questions is to plan your answers in advance and prepare a set of relevant anecdotes you can describe quickly. You should also research the company you are interviewing with to understand their culture and values.  

Logic questions

Some investment banking firms also ask logic based questions to assess candidates’ reasoning skills and explore how they approach solving challenging problems. Because finance is a highly quantitative discipline, these questions are often mathematical in nature, such as a complex equation or a statistical problem. They may involve logic, such as how to measure 4 liters of water with only a 3 and 5 liter bucket.

Because these questions are about common sense and problem solving rather than information from investment banking courses, they are more difficult to anticipate and prepare for. Again, researching the company and talking to those who have successfully interviewed there is a helpful strategy!

Investment banking certifications

After earning your investment banking degree and obtaining an entry-level position, such as investment analyst, you may need to get additional investment banking certifications. Investment banking certifications are not always required for how to become an investment banker, but they do help current professionals advance their careers.

Certifications for Investment Banking

investment banking degree

Securities Industry Essentials

This exam is administered by FINRA. It is often the first exam that securities professionals and investment bankers take after earning their investment banking degree. The SIE exam is a prerequisite for many other FINRA examinations which are more specialized for different types of investment banking. The exam covers information from investment banking courses as well as ethics and best practices in enforcement and regulation. Students must correctly answer at least 70 of the 75 questions to pass.

Series 63 Exam

Another FINRA exam, the Series 63 certification is for securities professionals and investment bankers who sell financial products or commodities. It is a common investment banking certification and one that most industry professionals obtain early on in their careers. It consists of 60 multiple choice questions. Candidates must correctly answer at least 43 of them in order to pass.

Series 7 Exam

The Series 7 exam, also known as the General Securities Representative exam, is another second level investment banking certification. Students must have passed the SIE in order to take this exam. The exam covers knowledge needed for the selling and brokeries of securities transactions and contains an extensive 125 multiple choice questions. The vast majority of the questions cover financial subjects including asset transfer, record keeping, and investment recommendations.

Series 79 Exam

This exam, also known as the Investment Banking Representative exam, is very important for how to become an investment banker. The exam covers financial subjects such as mergers and acquisitions, data collection/analysis, and restructuring. A passing score on this exam requires answering 73% of the 75 multiple choice questions correctly.  

Chartered Financial Analyst

To become one of 200,000 Chartered Financial Analysts, candidates must pass three different exams and demonstrate professional work experience in the finance industry, which they can do before or after taking the exams. The CFA investment banking certification shows both a commitment to ethics as well as a standard of professionalism that makes candidates attractive to large financial firms. On the three exams, students must achieve at least the Minimum Passing Score (between 60-70%) in order to successfully complete the exam. 

Advanced degrees for investment banking

After earning an undergraduate investment banking degree, some students might decide to pursue further education instead of, or in addition to, entering the workforce right away. The two most common graduate investment banking degree programs are a Master’s in Finance and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). These advanced investment banking degrees are not strictly required for getting a job, but they can make you a more attractive job candidate

A Master’s in Finance is a graduate level investment banking degree offered by many of the best finance schools in the country. Students take more advanced investment banking courses covering topics like principles of corporate finance, business valuation, statistics, investment theory, and more. Many schools also offer additional investment banking certifications alongside the Master’s degree for students looking to specialize in more specific types of investment banking.

An MBA is the other common pathway for how to become an investment banker, though it is not required for entry-level jobs. Students interested in investment banking should look for MBA programs with a concentration in finance or investment banking in order to take the most relevant courses for their career. To make the most of your investment banking degree, continue to network within your MBA program and take advantage of opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

When considering a more advanced investment banking degree, look at the qualifications needed for the positions you want and choose a school with a strong track record of sending graduates to those firms. Additionally, consider the types of investment banking you’re most interested in and what degree will help you reach your career goals.

5 tips on how to become an investment banker

The path to earning an investment banking degree and becoming an investment banker isn’t necessarily easy. But, with some motivation and hard work, it’s certainly possible! Here are five tips for how to become an investment banker.

5 Tips to Becoming an Investment Banker

investment banking degree

1. Excel in academics

The most important step for how to become an investment banker is to perform well in your undergraduate courses. Strong grades, especially at one of the top target schools for investment banking degrees, are one of the first things companies look for on any investment banking resume. Plus, your investment banking courses are where you’ll learn the technical knowledge and expertise necessary for securing internships and jobs.

2. Develop technical skills

In addition to classwork, students should focus on building the skills necessary to succeed in the investment banking field. Students can practice investing using their own portfolios or research trends in the field by reading finance journals and keeping up with financial news. Soft skills like negotiation and communication are often overlooked in investment banking courses, so look for ways to develop those skills outside of the classroom. Joining finance extracurricular activities is a great way to get hands-on experience and improve your knowledge outside of a classroom or internship setting.

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

3. Gain relevant experience

Seeking out internship opportunities should be a top priority for anyone interested in how to become an investment banker. While an investment banking degree is necessary, having real-world experience is crucial to successfully entering the job market after graduation. During your internship, learn as much about the company as you can and try to establish connections with current employees. They may even provide you with a letter of reference or a future full time position!

4. Network relentlessly

Investment banking is a very people-centered career, so networking is an essential part of how to become an investment banker. Make sure you do research in advance so you know who you are talking to and practice your “sales pitch” well in advance of any meetings. Think of a short list of questions you might like to ask and don’t forget to ask about any open positions or internships that you can pursue. You can view more tips for networking in this guide!

investment banking degree
investment banking degree

5. Prepare for interviews

The interview is your chance to make a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. If you want to put your best foot forward, you’ll need to do extensive preparation. Research the kinds of questions you might be asked and prepare your answers to them ahead of time. This will help you deliver concise and confident responses during the real interview. Many career centers conduct mock interviews with students pursuing an investment banking degree, so be sure to take advantage of any assistance provided by your school.

Investment Banking Degree and Beyond: Understanding How to Become an Investment Banker – Takeaways

Investment banking is a lucrative and exciting career, and students with an investment banking degree have excellent job prospects and high earning potential. To those looking at how to become an investment banker, our advice is to start early. We encourage you to look at guides to the best finance schools or best business schools so you can find the university that is the best fit for you. Be sure to research investment banking-specific opportunities and resources offered at the schools you are interested in.

While in college, find as many networking opportunities as you can and look for prestigious internships to get work experience. Build up your investment banking resume with extracurricular activities and investment banking certifications that are relevant for the careers you want to pursue. Remember that investment banking is as much about people as it is about numbers, so don’t forget to practice for interviews and review your content knowledge to make a good first impression.

Take the first step

If you are interested in learning more about what is investment banking and how to kick-start your career, we at CollegeAdvisor.com are here to help. Our team of advisors and admissions experts can assist you at every stage of the application process. We have advisors with experience in the investment banking industry who can help you decide on a major and find the right college for your goals. Sign up here to get started with one of our advisors today!

investment banking degree

This article was written by Bailey Bennett and Alex Baggott-Rowe. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.