Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Top Investment Banking Professional

Investment banks are financial institutions that serve corporations, institutions, hedge funds, governments, etc., by providing services like underwriting, sales and trading, equity research, and merger & acquisition advisory services. They act as an intermediary in large financial transactions and cater to the investment needs of big entities.

The career path of an investment banking professional progresses in a fairly standard way, and there are many specialized job titles and positions depending on requirements and skill sets. Basic positions at the various levels can be as follows: 

• Entry Level: At this level, you will work as an analyst and oversee Excel and PowerPoint work along with administrative tasks such as managing the data room, tracking buyers and suppliers, and responding to clients' requests. This position requires a Bachelor’s or Masters’s degree, and full-time experience of 1-2 years is also preferred. There are multiple exit opportunities available, which include hedge funds, private equity, asset management, corporate development and finance, venture capital, and more.
• Intermediate Level: Typically, after 3 to 4 years of experience, you can be promoted to an Associate with responsibilities like increased client interaction, managing teams of analysts, and dealing with more complex models and presentations. Usually, an analyst is promoted to this position; however, MBA pass outs can also be recruited. Exit opportunities at this level are restricted, but corporate finance and corporate development are viable options. Besides, one needs to be proactive and target small firms for private equity or hedge fund positions.
• Expert level: This level includes top positions like Vice President, Senior Vice President, and Managing Director. An Associate with good performance and 3-4 years of experience can be promoted to the position of Vice President. VPs are generally tasked with getting more client interaction and calling potential buyers to pitch, apart from managing multiple projects. Directors' or Senior VPs' tasks are a mix of VP and MD roles; however, the role differs depending on the bank and group. They maintain healthy client relationships and ensure operational efficiency at each hierarchy level below.

Investment banking is a dynamic, challenging, and exciting area to work in. As a professional in this industry, you will learn as you pave your career path. As the domain of finance and banking is transitioning, demand will only continue to grow with the changing landscape, and you can seal a good position in this sought-after industry through structured learning and nurturing the required skills.