Investment Banking Analyst Career

How to Become an Investment Banking Analyst?

Are you thinking of becoming an Investment Banking Analyst or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become an Investment Banking Analyst, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Investment Banking Analyst job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become an Investment Banking Analyst

An investment banking analyst reviews and analyzes investment banking transactions and creates presentations. If you are self-motivated and have strong researching skills, you might consider a career as an investment banking analyst. In this article, we cover the steps required to become an investment banking analyst.
Contents
1

Earn a bachelor's degree.

Most employers that are seeking an investment banking analyst are looking for someone who has at least a bachelor's degree. Common majors include math, finance, business administration, economics, and accounting. You should complete courses in finance, statistics, economics, business administration, and accounting.

What type of degree should you pursue to become an Investment Banking Analyst?

92% of people working as an Investment Banking Analyst earned a Bachelor's Degree

What skills do you need to be an Investment Banking Analyst?

  • Degree IN Finance
  • Budgetary
  • Methodology
  • Written Communication
  • Administering
  • Schedules
  • .NET
  • Microsoft EXCEL
Based on resume data from Glassdoor users who reported working as an Investment Banking Analyst in the United States.
2

Complete an internship program.

One of the best ways to get real-world practical experience is through an internship. The skills and experience you can gain through an internship make you more attractive to potential employers. Also, when the internship ends, you might make such a lasting impression that the company will consider you for future employment opportunities whenever you're finished with school. You might also gain connections and build your network by meeting and working with people at your internship.

3

Register and pass applicable securities exams.

To work as an investment banking analyst, you are required to register as a representative with your bank via the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FIRA). Also, depending on what type of work you plan to do, you might need to pass securities licensing exams. The most common type of credential is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), which is offered via the CFA Institute. To become a registered member, you must have at least four years of investing experience and complete the CFA program, which is a three-part course that covers investment valuation, portfolio management, and company analysis.

4

Land an entry-level associate investment banking analyst position.

After you complete your bachelor's degree program, gain experience, and certification, you can begin work as an entry-level associate investing banking analyst. It typically takes at least two years of working in this position before you can garner enough experience and education to receive a promotion to an investment banking analyst. You might also be able to enter this field as an associate after working in another industry and earning a graduate degree. While in this entry-level position, try to refine your skills and take on leadership roles to prepare you for more complex roles.

5

Obtain a master's degree.

Although it's not required to work in this industry, some employers might want you to have a master's degree. Also, if you're looking to advance your career from associate investment banking analyst, consider obtaining a master's degree in business administration or finance. Certain high-profile or larger banks and firms might make a master's degree a requirement. These programs feature coursework heavy in options trading and pricing, risk management, tax laws, and bond valuation. Some analysts also opt to earn a Juris Doctor, which allows you to learn more about the legal aspects of finance.

Investment Banking Analyst Career Path

Investment Banking Analyst

2 - 4Years of Experience
$101K - $176K /yrMost Likely Range
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28% advanced to

Senior Investment Banking Analyst

2 - 4Years of Experience
$125K - $218K /yrMost Likely Range
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Lead Investment Banking Analyst

5 - 7Years of Experience
$100K - $173K /yrMost Likely Range
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Total Pay Trajectory

Investment Banking Analyst Career Path

Summer Intern Investment Banking Analyst
Investment Banking Analyst
Senior Investment Banking Analyst
Lead Investment Banking Analyst
Principal Investment Banking Analyst
Associate Vice President of Investment Banking
Vice President of Investment Banking
$70K
$168K
$266K
$364K
$560K
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Related Careers in the Finance & Accounting Industry

Interested in other Finance & Accounting careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Investment Banking Analyst skills. Discover some of the most common Investment Banking Analyst career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Equity Research Specialist
0% skills overlap
19% transitioned to Equity Research Specialist