Does the Financial Industry Interest You? Enter the Field of Investment Banking for a Smart and Lucrative Career
You might be an MBA aspirant or perhaps you are already armed with the coveted MBA. Your options thereafter are plenty. But, if you are really looking out for a career that offers you challenges and good pay, then try entering the field of investment banking. Moreover, if you are heavily inspired by the high energy and hard work that the bankers on Wall Street are known for, then this field is definitely the one for you.
Investment banking is a field in finance, particularly in the banking sector that helps companies or individuals buy funds. Investment bankers offer advice on the engagement of deals and offer their services that may include raising capital through equity or debt securities, facilitating mergers and underwriting. Basically, you can expect to do a lot of consulting with your clients and act as a mediator between the investor and issuer while you assist the company is raising capital.
There are a number of areas within the field of investment banking. Corporate finance is one of the most popular areas in recent times that have many people vying for the job. Investment bankers also exist in international sales, retail banking, private and public investment banking systems, analysis banking and commercial investments.
To get into this field, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or in any other finance-related field. Opting for an MBA degree in marketing and finance is your best bet. It’s important to remember that there is a lot of competition for investment banking jobs in India and around the world. So, while education is important, try and also get yourself an internship at an investment bank to get you into this field.
You will also get a chance to hone your analytical skills, really taking with you a lot of on-the-job experience. Networking with industry honchos at such an early stage will also help you secure a job in the future.
As for qualities, those who wish to get into the field of investment banking need to have a strong mental and emotional prowess. A good amount of stamina of the mental and physical kind is also desirable.
Investment bankers get into the field because they enjoy the field of finance. Furthermore, the pay package is great! However, since this is such a competitive field, those who are experienced professionals are more likely to earn themselves a better pay package. While the benefits are indeed bountiful, the job does come at a price.
Investment bankers are required to put in a lot of hard work and function over and above their usual job timings, often in the wee hours of the night. After all, the job of an investment banker is to offer sound financial advice to his or her clients. A fair bit of travelling is also quite common in this field that can be a boon for some but a bane for many, especially those who have a family.
Let us look at some of the topmost institutes and universities that offer banking and finance degrees
Course Canvas
- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A)
- Symbiosis Institute of Management, Pune
- SP Jain Institute fo Management Studies, Mumbai
- Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
- The University of Reading, UK
- The University of Dundee, UK
- ESSEC Business School, France and Singapore
- UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, US
So if you are headstrong about entering the finance sector, a good career option would be investment banking.
