Things You'll Need:
- MBA or other related graduate-level degree
- Network of contacts
- Company research
- Resumé
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Step 1
Look to the larger companies located in the financial capitals of the world to find your place in the "bulge" bracket. Companies such as Merrill Lynch and others make up this sector, which offers investment services to large-scale clients such as multinational corporations and governments.
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Step 2
Tune your job search down a little and look to the regional investment banks which operate within the middle markets. Your skills as an investment banker may be used in these jobs on a smaller scale, helping small businesses advance financially and assisting individual investors.
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Step 3
Consider job hunting for a boutique firm to work for if you have a specialized interest such as bond trading or financial analysis. These firms are smaller and offer very specialized services so it is essential that your skill set match the job description precisely before you consider submitting your application.
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Step 4
Use resources published by well-known financial educational institutions such as the Harvard Business School to identify companies you might wish to work for.
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Step 5
Follow up your research into individual companies with a request for an informational interview, especially if you are just leaving school and looking for your first job. You may find out more information about the company's training program as well as any internship opportunities which may be made available to you.
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Step 6
Use a networking service or website to make connections within the investment world. You can tap into resources such as alumni clubs, investment banking seminars and other outlets to help broaden your contacts within the industry.
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Step 7
Do some research before you walk through the door of your first investment banking job interview. Competition for these jobs is fierce and interviewers will be looking for candidates with practical knowledge and the ability to apply it in a variety of circumstances.
