How to Get into Investment Banking with a Master's Degree

Investment banking offers a challenging and lucrative career opportunity. To take advantage of the most investment banking has to offer, you will have to earn a Master's in Business Administration degree. While this certification will help you net top jobs in the industry, the process of earning your degree can also expose you to valuable information and connections that can help you get your foot in the door in the investment banking industry.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a Master's of Business Administration, or MBA, program that specializes in finance. Although any MBA will help you break into investment banking, a specialized one in finance, which involves heavy coursework in that discipline, will give you a competitive edge.

2. Network with your classmates and use school connections to solicit internships and entry-level jobs. Your classmates are going to be future investment bankers, bank managers and finance professionals. Maintaining your relationship with them can be useful when it comes time to break into the industry. Graduate programs also give you access to professors with experience and connections in the industry, as well as access to events where bankers speak. Use these opportunities wisely to develop a pool of connections.

3. Secure a summer internship through your graduate school. Many graduate programs offer students resources to find internships in investment banking or feature placement programs that link students with firms. Internships are essential; many investment firms and banks recruit directly from their pool of interns.

4. Solicit your school connections after you graduate for jobs in financial institutions or at investment banks. Connections are one of the top ways to secure your first entry-level job or internship. Don't be afraid to come out and ask your professors and school contacts whether they know any firms that want to hire someone with your set of skills.

References

• Education Portal: Learn Investment Banking: Education and Career Roadmap
• MadeMan; How to Become an Investment Banker; John Stone; 2010
• Careers in Investment Banking: Investment Banking: Skill and Talent Requirements
• Education Portal: Investment Banker: Job Description and Requirements for a Career in Investment Banking