How do I get into investment banking?
Becoming an investment banker requires several years of higher education in addition to licensure. It also requires strong mathematical and analytical capabilities, which may be challenging for some people. In addition to a bachelor's degree, investment bankers may need a master's in finance or an M.B.A.
The lucrative and fast-paced career of an investment banker is a highly competitive one. For instance, in a recent year, 236,000 applicants competed for roughly 3,500 internships at Goldman Sachs. This is common across the industry where acceptance rates for programs are typically less than 2%.
To become an investment banker, consider earning a finance degree, getting real-world experience through an internship or entry-level position, and obtaining professional licensure.
Internships provide a path for students and recent graduates to land full-time employment in many professions, including investment banking. An internship gives you an opportunity to try out your desired field, gain exposure to the culture, get work experience, and impress potential employers.
Aspiring investment bankers in India typically need to complete secondary education, secure high ranks in entrance exams for their desired degree programs, earn a Bachelor or Master's degree in a related field, and potentially seek additional certifications or a doctorate.
The typical investment banker has a graduate degree in business from an Ivy League school or other top-tier university and superior educational credentials [i.e., excellent grades (minimum 3.50 GPA), active participation in business and investment clubs, and participation in at least one internship or summer program at ...
| Position Title | Typical Age Range | Total Compensation (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst | 22-27 | $140-$190K |
| Associate | 25-35 | $225-$425K |
| Vice President (VP) | 28-40 | $450-$650K |
| Director / Senior Vice President (SVP) | 32-45 | $550-$750K |
For those seeking a career in investment banking, a bachelor's degree in finance is a prerequisite. Other potential acceptable majors include bachelors in economics or bachelors in business supplemented with a minor in finance.
Age Range: It's nearly impossible to reach this level before your early 30's, so we'll say 35-50 for the range. Few MDs continue working until the official retirement age (65-70); it's a stressful, high-pressure job, and past a certain net worth, it's just not worth it.
Investment banks impose a high fee based on the amount of the offering (usually 2-8% of the total deal). They earn millions of dollars in commissions as a result. They are also paid for setting an appropriate price and assembling a solid network of enthusiastic investors about the company's long-term prospects.
Can I get into investment banking at 30?
But if you're 30, graduated from university at 22, and have 8 years of full-time experience, along with a mid-level position at a large company, it will be more difficult. It's still possible, but the success probability is much lower.
Investment bankers are financial advisors to corporations and, in some cases, to governments. They help their clients raise money. That may mean issuing stock shares, floating a bond issue, negotiating the acquisition of a rival company, or arranging the sale of the company itself.
Essential Qualities for an Investment Banker
Aside from a high tolerance for stress, you also need to have an aptitude for math and a keen interest in the financial markets.
The demand for coveted positions in investment banks consistently exceeds the available supply, making it a highly selective field. Statistics indicate that acceptance rates for top investment banks, such as JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, typically range between a mere 3% to 5%.
How long does it take to become an investment banker? One can become an investment banking analyst directly after earning a bachelor's degree, but it can take two or more years of working experience plus a graduate degree to advance to associate status at an investment bank.
Generally, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in a finance-related field to enter this field, but there are many opportunities to advance and develop your skills on the job. The following steps outline the typical path many investment bankers take.
Goldman Sachs does not give a specific minimum GPA requirement, though some sources suggest a GPA of at least 3.6 is preferred. Additionally, you may need to show relevant coursework and hard skills for certain programs.
Most of the investment banking target schools are Ivy League schools and top liberal arts colleges. However, you may be surprised to know senior bankers at investment banks tend to recruit candidates from the schools that they attended!
Goldman Sachs is one of the oldest and most prestigious investment banks on Wall Street. With hundreds or thousands of applicants for every job opening, getting into this company is notoriously hard.
Ways to make a lot of money in this world
Sure, anybody can make a good living being a doctor or a lawyer or an investment banker where you can make ~$200-500K per year a few years after you finish with your studies, but you hit a ceiling very quickly unless you start your own practice (aka start your own business).
Do investment bankers do a lot of math?
To become an Investment Banker, you'll need a Bachelor's degree. While investment banks look for a diverse skill set in their workforce, there's a particular focus on mathematical reasoning and ability.
Investment bankers work notoriously long hours, with the typical work week filling in 60-80 hours per week, and the occasional high-intensity work week that can push a banker to 100+ hours.
Master's in Finance: MIT, Princeton (more of a quant program), UT Austin, UVA, Vanderbilt, WashU, Notre Dame, USC, Claremont-McKenna, and maybe a few others (best to look at employment reports here). MBA: The M7 schools, Yale, Stern, Haas, Ross, Tuck, Fuqua, Cornell (Johnson), and possibly a few others in the top ~20.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, jobs in the investment banking and securities dealing industry are growing faster than the average occupation, meaning that competition is fierce due to increased demand and a lack of skilled labor.
Finance degrees are generally considered to be challenging. In a program like this, students gain exposure to new concepts, from financial lingo to mathematical problems, so there can be a learning curve.
