How to Become an Investment Banker

An investment banker is an individual who works with both large corporations and smaller companies to develop business deals. This includes applying for corporate loans, finding investors and selling stock shares. Investment bankers also handle the transfer of ownership between companies. To become an investment banker, you need to prepare yourself for long hours of meticulous work. A clear understanding of the business world and stellar analytical and communication skills are also required.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Bachelor's degree

1. Earn your Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Choose a major in a finance-related field, such as business administration, economics, marketing or math.

2. Sharpen oral communication skills with course work in speech or broader communications classes. Become a confident speaker, as investment bankers make frequent presentations to clients to attempt to gain their business.

3. Take classes specializing in business or proposal writing. One of your tasks as an investment banker may be writing proposals to outline how a business deal will progress.

4. Follow trends in the investment banking industry by reading financial newspapers and journals. This is a good way to find current job postings as well. Knowing the environment and especially the history of a company with which you are interviewing is more likely to make a good impressions on the interviewer.

5. Think traditional and conservative when preparing to apply and interview for investment banking jobs. Print your resume, cover letter and thank you letters on unadorned resume paper. Wear appropriate business attire when meeting with a prospective employer.

6. Consider entering the field at an entry or lower level position such as an analyst. It is difficult to break into the industry of investment banking, but gaining some solid work experience at a large, reputable firm may make it easier.

7. Continue your education if you are not satisfied with the results of your job search. While not necessary for every investment banker position, a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) is quickly becoming a requirement for some highly sought-after jobs and is highly recommended.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to apply for or update your passport if your company had international offices or affiliates. Many investment bankers travel around the world to complete business dealings with clients.

• Investment banking is a very high stress, high risk field. In many cases, deals being created are worth millions of dollars. Making even one minor mistake can cause a deal to fall through. This usually means the commission-based bankers will not get paid for their work and may even jeopardize their jobs. Be sure that you can deal with work stress effectively and in a healthy manner if you plan to work as an investment banker.