Are you thinking about how to become an Investment Banker but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, you will get an idea of where to start now with the information here. Investment banking is a prestigious job in finance that needs a lot of skills in analyzing, math, and critical thinking.
Most investment bankers use their finance education to do well in this job. If you want to be one, there are important steps you can take to get ready for it, starting with getting a good education. In this article, we’ll talk about what investment banking is, what these bankers do, and how you can become one if you’re interested in this career.
What Is an Investment Banker?
Investment bankers are money experts who assist companies in getting money by connecting them with investors and aiding in things like initial public offerings (IPOs). They connect private or public companies with investors.
They give advice on which stocks and bonds to offer when to offer them, and at what price. They also help investors buy these securities. Investment bankers also help with things like selling government bonds and with company mergers and takeovers.
What Does an Investment Banker Do
Investment bankers help their clients succeed. Some do lots of different jobs, while others focus on just a few. They all work to raise money for their clients by selling parts of their company or borrowing money. Below you will find Investment Banker Responsibilities.
Responsibilities of an Investment Banker
- Arranging Financing
- Equity Financing
Equity financing means selling different types of ownership stakes in a company, like common stock or preferred stock, to raise money as an Investment Banker. This can change who owns the company and also influence its ability to attract new investors.
As a startup grows and becomes successful, it often goes through multiple rounds of equity financing. Each round may involve bringing in different kinds of investors, and the company might use various equity instruments to meet its financial needs along the way.
- Negotiating Mergers and Acquisitions
When a company wants to join with or take over another company, it usually takes a long time of planning and talking to work it out. Investment bankers, who help with money-related decisions, often help figure out a fair price for the deal.
Sometimes, it involves lots of back-and-forth negotiations between the two companies, with investment bankers from both sides looking at different offers and trying to agree on terms.
- Underwriting Deals
- Arranging Private Placements
- Negotiating Mergers and Acquisitions
When a company wants to join forces with another or buy it out, it usually takes a long time of planning and talking things out. Investment bankers help with this, especially in deciding on a fair price for the deal.
Sometimes, these mergers and acquisitions involve lots of back-and-forth between the companies and their investment bankers, as they weigh different offers and try to come to an agreement.
How To Become an Investment Banker
What do you need to become an investment banker? You have to go to school for several years, get a license, and gain experience by working in the field.
Get a College Degrees
Investment bankers usually begin by getting a bachelor’s degree. This degree often takes about four years to complete and can be in subjects like business, finance, or statistics. Some students also do internships or gain work experience while studying for their degree.
Advanced Your Education Value
Having a bachelor’s degree can help you find a job, but getting a higher degree can make your chances even better. For example, getting a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a more advanced degree in math can make you more attractive to employers. Also, getting a certification like a chartered financial analyst (CFA) can boost your prospects.
Internships in Investment Banking
Internships are like trial runs for students and recent graduates who want to get a full-time job, especially in fields like investment banking. They let you test out the job, understand the work environment, get some hands-on experience, and make a good impression on future bosses.
It’s a great way to kickstart your career. But remember, just like regular jobs, internships in investment banking can be tough to get because a lot of people want them.
Get Licensing
If you want to work in investment banking, you have to get a license from FINRA, which is the organization that oversees financial firms. Usually, in the U.S., you’ll get hired by a company first, and then they’ll help you get licensed.
You might need to get Series 63 and Series 79 licenses, which many companies require, but the exact licenses you need can vary depending on the company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does an investment banker work?
Investment bankers usually work really long hours. They typically work between 60 to 80 hours per week, and sometimes even more. Sometimes, they might end up working over 100 hours in a really busy week.
How long does it take to become an investment banker?
You can kickstart a career in investment banking in as little as 4 years, which is how long it usually takes to finish a bachelor’s degree. If you’re aiming for certain roles, you might need extra time for a master’s degree or to pass professional exams.
Do investment bankers make a lot of money in the USA?
In the United States, an Investment Banker typically earns around $224,823 per year. On top of that, they usually receive extra cash, averaging around $79,231. This extra cash can range from $59,423 to $110,923.
where do investment bankers work
An investment banker works for a bank or financial company. They help these institutions raise money for businesses, governments, or other groups. People like working in investment banking because it usually pays well.