Investment banking is one of the most thriving industries of all times. When it comes to building a career in a finance-related field, IB is the best stream that you can go for. Especially if you are someone who does not wish to follow the basic trend of going to the office at 9 am, sitting in the same chair every day and completing your nine hours shift before the watch tell you that it is time to go home.
Investment banking is about taking risks. Most people find it intriguing because of the thrill attached to it. The job is about making money from money. So, you can imagine how exciting it can be to work as an investment banker. In no way am I suggesting that Investment Banking is all play and no work. As a matter of fact, the fast pace at which things go around in IB is unparalleled to any other sector.
The life of an investment banker is simply dedicated to their job since they have to spend more time at work than at home. No IB professional works for less than 60-70 hours a week. And, all that time is spent in managing someone else’s money, so the hectic quotient expands majorly. Therefore, anyone planning to go into IB must think twice to analyze if they are ready of that much pressure.
What do Investment Bankers do?
Investment banking is all about making the expectations of two parties meet – one who own money and the other who needs it. But, it is definitely as easy as it sounds right now. As investment banking professionals, you have to advise your clients on various money matters. You can be providing your advisory services to individuals as well as institutions over every phase of a project’s life cycle.
From handling stock market listings to maintaining ideal valuation, IB professionals have to be involved in a plethora of matters. This is the reason why top notch banks and companies prefer hiring professionals who hold relevant certifications in investment banking since they are expected to have a solid grip over market-related knowledge which is immensely required for offering the correct advice to clients on issues like acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures and so on.
Being a banker in IB is not everyone’s cup of tea. Though many institutions and independent vendors are trying to maintain a good supply of smart professionals to the market by offering well-designed banking professionals certifications, only a small bunch of people are actually able to create their niche in this industry.
There is a myriad of important qualities that one must possess to attract success as an investment banker and being an innovative thinker, a troubleshooter with a strong analytical mind and a robust anticipator of market trends are just a few of those traits. In order to build a decent career path for yourself in the IB sector, having an understanding of math, stats, economics and business studies are essential prerequisites.
