What do they do?

On an everyday basis, an investment banker constantly has to think about his clients who are called institutional investors, to call with an idea. The ideas as well as the products they come up with must be competitive compared to other banks.

An investment bank gives out franchises and there's very limited middle management. It is a huge machinery for executing transactions and deals but the bankers effectively work independently and they are completely focused on business. The term to describe this process is revenue responsibility. Besides advising their clients on high level issues of financial organization, Investment Bankers are also required to manage bonds execute strategies for taking over and merging with other companies and handle selling a company's stock to the public.

The chief motivation among most of the people who join the profession is to earn a lot of money, as the entrepreneurship route is widely considered to be the best way to achieve large scale richness. However, there is also a downside to the deal, as this route is beset with risks as well as pitfalls. Hence the optimal choice is to choose a career which is just as lucrative but less risky than entrepreneurship.

Investment bankers are also presented with a lot of opportunities for travelling and working with clients all over the country as well as possibly overseas, to pitch ideas and suggest possible strategies. So if you have the astuteness of a banker and the soul of a traveller, this is the job for you.

Skills Needed

You are expected to have a combination of strong interpersonal and analytical skills. You need to be great with your communication skills, with really strong people skills.

You should have a good understanding of market trends as well as the political environment. Having the ability to get things done is also important.

If you're good with mathematics, you can pursue an advanced degree in a technical field like differential equations, and then an advance finance course in options pricing or bond evaluation.

How do I get there?

You definitely need a Master in Business Administration (MBA). But, if you're a college graduate, you can just apply to be an entry level analyst to decide whether you're are up to the task. Here, you can get the chance to accompany your mentor to client meetings, observe pitches and selling ideas. 

Having studied Economics or Statistics at the college level can be an added bonus.

Typical day in the life of a Investment Banker

Being an investment banker comes with its perks, however, you have to work twice as hard as anyone else. You're expected to put in 90-100 hours per week in the first year. Some days can also involve over 20 hours of work, and you're expected to be well equipped with dealing with the same.

Investment Bankers are one of the best paid in the industry, so if you choose to delve into this profession, you must learn to adapt the critical work pressure. If you want to be a successful investment banker, make sure you are updated on the economy conditions, both domestic & international to determine which way the tide is rising. Having a good financial budgeting sense pays off.

Pros & Cons about this career