Investment banking is one of the most exciting and high-paying careers in finance. Many students in India ask how to do investment banking, but they often don’t find a clear answer. Here’s the simple truth—anyone can become an investment banker with the right skills. education, and planning. If you want to work on big deals, help companies raise funds, or manage financial risks, investment banking is a great option. This career gives you the chance to work with top firms and learn from global markets. Investment bankers help businesses grow, make profits, and take strategic decisions.
What is Investment Banking?
Investment banking means helping companies raise money and make financial decisions. This job is very different from regular banking. Here, you work on things like IPOs (initial public offerings), mergers, acquisitions, and big investments. Investment banks act like financial advisors for big businesses and even governments. They help manage risk and raise funds by selling shares or bonds. Roles and responsibilities include:
- Raise capital for companies.
- Advise on mergers and acquisitions
- Handle IPOs
- Analyze financial data and market trends.
- Help with company restructuring
- Conduct valuations and due diligence.
What Education and Background You Need for Investment Banking
Every student who wants to become an investment banker must first know the kind of education needed for it. Most investment banks in India hire candidates with finance-related degrees. However, engineers, statisticians, and economics graduates also get jobs in this field if they understand finance and investments well.
Academic Courses and Degrees
One can start with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Students from Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), or Chartered Accountancy (CA) backgrounds also qualify. Those who pursue an MBA in Finance from top Indian colleges like IIMs, ISB, FMS, or XLRI get a better chance to get placed in big investment banks.
Some students also prepare for international qualifications like
These certifications give an edge during interviews. A CFA Level 1 candidate already shows commitment to finance.
Engineering Background with Finance Skills
Many engineers enter this field through MBA. Banks value engineers who can understand data and build financial models using Excel, Python, and VBA. IIT students often join IB firms through internships and pre-placement offers.
A strong academic background, high CGPA, and active participation in case competitions increase selection chances.
Skills You Must Learn to Succeed in Investment Banking
Students must build technical and communication skills for investment banking. Knowing how to use Excel and build models is key. Strong speaking and writing skills are equally important. Hard work and detail focus matter in this career. Practice and mock interviews help sharpen these skills.
Hard Skills for Investment Banking
- Financial Modeling: Students must learn to create models for mergers, acquisitions, valuations, DCF, and LBOs.
- Valuation Techniques: Learn DCF, comparables, and precedent transactions thoroughly.
- Accounting Knowledge: Solid base in income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow is necessary.
- Excel Mastery: Banks expect fast, formula-based Excel work. Macros and pivot tables are common.
- PowerPoint and Pitchbook Creation: Investment bankers make presentations daily for clients. Clear, visual PPTs are must-haves.
- Data Analysis: Use of Bloomberg, Capital IQ, or Refinitiv gives an extra advantage.
- Programming Basics: Python and SQL are useful in modern finance teams.
Soft Skills That Set You Apart
- Communication: Clear English speaking and writing are very important.
- Attention to Detail: A single error can cause losses worth crores.
- Teamwork: Investment banking is never a solo job.
- Time Management: Bankers work 12–16 hours a day during deals.
- Confidence and Presentation: Convincing CEOs and CFOs needs sharp presentation.
Students must practice real-world case studies. Solving M&A case studies or making models for listed Indian companies helps improve skills. These skills take 6–12 months to learn well.
How to Get Internships and Jobs in Investment Banking?
Internships are the first step to getting a full-time job in investment banking. Students should apply early and build a strong resume. Networking on LinkedIn and alumni support helps a lot. Interview rounds test both your knowledge and your attitude. A good internship often leads to a job offer.
Steps to Get IB Internship
- Start early in college, preferably from the second year.
- Learn Excel and basic valuation methods.
- Make a CV with academic scores, projects, and case study wins.
- Apply for summer analyst roles at companies like Kotak, Avendus, or E&Y.
- Reach out to alumni and professionals on LinkedIn for referrals.
- Attend finance club events and stock market competitions.
Top Indian colleges like IIMs, IITs, SRCC, St. Xavier’s, and NMIMS send students for internships in global banks. However, students from tier-2 or tier-3 colleges also get selected through cold emails and networking.
Interview Process for IB Roles
- Resume Screening: Only sharp and relevant resumes get shortlisted.
- Aptitude and Finance Tests: These test logical thinking and finance basics.
- Technical Interviews: Questions come from accounting, modeling, and recent deals.
- HR and Fit Interviews: Banks check passion, attitude, and confidence.
Banks test not just knowledge but also how a candidate handles pressure. Students must stay updated on stock market news, RBI policies, M&A deals, and global trends.
What a Day Looks Like in an Investment Banking Job?
An investment banker’s day is long and full of tasks. The job needs handling numbers, meetings, and client calls. Pitch decks and Excel work take most of the time. Late-night hours are common during live deals. Despite pressure, the job gives great rewards and fast growth.
Work Tasks During a Day
- Morning: Review emails and update models.
- Midday: Team discussions, making decks, client calls.
- Afternoon: Number crunching, Excel, valuation work.
- Evening: Revisions, client feedback, and last-minute changes.
Analysts work under vice presidents and associates. Workload becomes heavy when deadlines are close. Weekend work is common, especially in equity raising and M&A teams.
The job is rewarding financially. Fresh analysts earn ₹12–20 lakh per year in India. With experience, vice presidents can earn over ₹1 crore annually. However, the job needs discipline and patience.
Career Growth and Exit Options After Investment Banking
Many career paths open up after investment banking. Private equity, VC, and corporate roles are common next steps. Some go for MBAs in top foreign universities. Salary grows fast with each promotion in banks. The experience gained helps in many other finance fields too.
Career Options After IB
- Private Equity (PE): Analysts join PE funds like Blackstone and KKR.
- Venture Capital (VC): They invest in startups and growth firms.
- Corporate Finance: Some move to CFO office roles in big companies.
- MBA: Analysts go for MBA in top global B-schools.
- Entrepreneurship: Some start their own finance or tech firms.
Banks also offer global mobility. Indian analysts get roles in Dubai, Singapore, or London after good performance.
How to do Investment Banking FAQs
1. What is the answer to how to do investment banking?
Students should complete finance-related degrees, learn financial modeling and valuation, gain internship experience, and build strong networking to enter investment banking successfully. Focus on skills and real-world knowledge.
2. Can students from non-finance backgrounds do investment banking?
Yes, students from engineering, law, or economics can join investment banking. They must learn finance skills through self-study, online courses, or MBA programs.
3. Which cities in India have most investment banking jobs?
Mumbai is the investment banking hub. Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Hyderabad also offer jobs in boutique banks, M&A firms, and startup-focused advisory firms.
4. Is CFA necessary to become an investment banker?
CFA is not mandatory, but it helps in learning valuation and analysis. Level 1 of CFA shows commitment. MBA from a top college or CA qualification can also help.
5. How long does it take to get into investment banking?
With focused study and the right approach, students can enter IB in 3–4 years. Starting early in college, building skills, and gaining internships improve the chances of success.
