- Helping major companies make big money moves, investment bankers play a key role in the world of finance, often earning high salaries in return.
- Start with a Bachelor’s in Finance, Economics, or Business, then boost your chances with internships and possibly a Master’s in Finance or an MBA.
- Certifications like CFA or FINRA exams may be required, depending on the country, and can give you an edge in competitive job markets.
- Internships are the fast track—so start early, build experience, and explore Banking and Finance degrees now on Bachelorsportal.
Investment bankers help companies raise money, handle big deals like mergers and acquisitions, and trade financial products. The job often pays very well and puts you at the centre of major business decisions, but it also comes with long hours and high stress.
If you’re considering this career path, you’re likely interested in Banking and Finance. And that’s exactly what your next step should be: a Bachelor’s degree in a similar field. Read on to learn more about the degree paths, job tasks, and training processes for investment bankers.
What does an investment banker do?
Investment bankers are financial advisors who help their clients with all things money. These clients are usually large companies, governments, or institutions. Tasks may include:
- Buying and selling stocks and bonds to raise money
- Helping companies with mergers and acquisitions
- Helping clients understand complex deals
- Analysing trends and data to predict how companies will perform
- Creating short and long-term financial plans and goals
- Presenting deal plans and pitching new ideas to clients
Browse over 2,000 degrees in Banking and Finance on Bachelorsportal to take the first step. You can also consider joint degrees that combine both disciplines, or another related field like Economics, Mathematics, or Business Management.
Is becoming an investment banker the right path for you?
Investment banking is one of those high-paying careers, especially when you have a lot of experience. We’re talking six figures and sometimes well beyond. That said, it’s also known for its long working hours, which can be a major downside. Investment bankers usually have the following profile:
- Thrive under pressure, tight deadlines, and fast-paced environments
- Like working with numbers and following trends
- Don’t mind long work hours
- Have a competitive personality
- Want to network with high-profile individuals and financial professionals during your career
What tools do investment bankers use?
Investment bankers use a mix of technical tools, software, and platforms. Here are some of the most common ones and what they’re used for:
- Microsoft Excel: Financial modelling, valuations, forecasting, and data analysis
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for preparing pitchbooks and deal presentations for clients
- Bloomberg Terminal: Real-time market data, news, and financial analysis
- FactSet: Company financials, including financial statements and M&A data
- Firm
- Microsoft Teams, Slack, and/or Email: Communication and collaboration tools
What degree do you need to become an investment banker?
There’s no single degree for investment bankers, but a Bachelor’s in subjects like Finance, Economics, Mathematics, and Business Management will give you a strong foundation.
After finishing your Bachelor’s degree, you can start applying for internships or go for a Master’s to improve your skills and stand out. A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), especially with a focus on Finance, is a popular choice if you're aiming for corporate finance or leadership roles in investment banking.
If you’re more into the tech or policy side of banking, Master’s degrees specialised in Financial Technology or Econometrics can open up exciting, fast-growing career paths too.
Training and experience after graduation
There aren’t mandatory internships to become an investment banker. But many graduates choose to do one to gain experience and build their networks. Plus, companies often hire for full-time roles directly from their pool of former interns.
A good way to find an internship? Check out summer programmes! Big banks around the world offer summer internships that usually last 9-12 weeks. If you’re currently studying or about to graduate, check out the careers pages of major banks in your region. Some examples are:
- HSBC
- JPMorgan Chase
- Citigroup
- EY
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
- Deutsche Bank
Even if the internship isn’t exactly in investment banking, it’s still a valuable way to get your foot in the door, build industry contacts, and show recruiters you’re serious about a career in finance.
Registration or certification process to become an investment banker
Licensing requirements for investment bankers depend on the country you’re in. Even if it’s not required in your country, you may want to consider a certification to boost your profile.
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Known worldwide, this one can open up many local and international opportunities
- FINRA: If you’re in the US, you’ll need to sit certain FINRA exams
- Local authorities: Investment banks and finance companies usually need to be registered with local financial authorities. For example, that’s the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and so on
How is becoming an investment banker different around the world
The path to becoming an investment banker is quite similar around the world: first, complete a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, then go for an internship, and finally, get licensed (if needed) and land your first job.
What’s different, though, are hiring timelines, work environments, and client and candidate profiles. The banking blog Mergers & Inquisitions has tons of resources on what investment banking is like in different cities around the world. Here are some key insights based on their articles:
- In New York, you’ll see many candidates from the Ivy League or other top US schools
- London is very international and diverse, with no strict language requirements apart from English
- Frankfurt has a lot of local candidates, requires professional German, and asks very technical interview questions
- Hong Kong has lower taxes compared to the other financial hubs, and requires native-level Mandarin in most cases
Final tips to succeed in your investment banking journey
Summer internships are very common in investment banking, and can even help you land your next full-time role. If you’re enrolled in a degree programme to become an investment banker, ask your university if they have partnerships with any local or international banks. It’s one of the best ways to get your foot in the door.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to become an investment banker?
Becoming an investment banker can take anywhere between 5 and 10 years. That includes your Bachelor’s degree, any summer internships, and a few years in entry-level analyst roles before working your way up to investment banking.
2. How difficult is it to become an investment banker?
Investment banking is not for everyone, as long work hours and intense internships are common. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy working with numbers, and don’t mind the pressure, though, it can be a rewarding and high-paying career path.
3. Is becoming an investment banker a good career choice?
If you’re into finance, like fast-paced environments, and don’t mind a bit of pressure, investment banking can offer great pay and solid career growth.
