Many students dream of working in finance. One of the best ways to start that journey is by becoming an investment banking analyst. This job helps you enter the world of big deals, stock markets, and business planning. An investment banking analyst works closely with clients, prepares reports, studies company data, and supports financial deals like IPOs and mergers. This role is fast-paced and comes with high learning, good pay, and strong career growth.
You research, plan, and support large financial actions. You build models in Excel, write reports, and talk to other teams. You also help your seniors in preparing for meetings, pricing company shares, and making pitch books. It is a high-pressure job, but it teaches you more in one year than many jobs teach in five.
Download Investment Banking Analyst PDFWho is an Investment Banking Analyst?
An investment banking analyst is a junior professional who supports financial deals. These deals may include raising money, buying companies, or helping firms sell shares. Analysts do deep research, create financial models, and prepare documents for clients and investors. They also collect data, analyze trends, and make sure all parts of a deal are ready. Analysts work at the start of their finance careers. Most of them join after completing their graduation or post-graduation in commerce, finance, or related fields. They usually work under associates or senior bankers. The role needs strong maths, finance knowledge, and clear communication. Investment banking analysts help clients make big decisions. They give numbers, facts, and forecasts that guide these decisions. They play a big part in the success of any deal.
Work of an Investment Banking Analyst
The life of an analyst is busy. Each day is full of tasks that support deal-making. Analysts start their day by checking emails, updating market news, and reviewing models. Then they move on to building reports, making presentations, and working on live deals.
Analysts work in teams. They support associates and vice presidents by giving the data, models, and insights needed for client meetings. The job needs long hours, attention to detail, and the ability to learn fast.
- Build Excel models to study how companies earn money.
- Create pitch books with graphs, charts, and key data.
- Study past deals and find patterns in M&A or IPOs.
- Update data in databases and compare industry trends.
- Attend team calls, client meetings, and training sessions.
Analysts may work for 12–14 hours a day, especially during live deals. They need to stay alert, calm, and quick at solving problems.
Key Skills Needed to Become an Investment Banking Analyst
An investment banking analyst needs a mix of technical and soft skills. The job is about numbers, logic, and clear thinking. But it also needs teamwork, communication, and time control. You must learn these skills before or during your training.
Most analysts build these skills in college, internships, or online courses. Strong Excel and financial modeling are basic. You also need to understand how companies earn, grow, and face risk.
- Financial Modeling: Build full models using Excel, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flows.
- Valuation Methods: Learn DCF (Discounted Cash Flow), comparables, and precedent transactions.
- Excel & PowerPoint: Use formulas, charts, and tools to present data clearly.
- Accounting Basics: Understand revenue, cost, assets, liabilities, and how they affect each other.
- Communication: Write emails, reports, and explain numbers clearly.
- Attention to Detail: Avoid mistakes, follow formats, and double-check data.
Most of these skills can be learned through practice and courses. Many Indian students also take CFA, CA, or MBA to gain an edge.
How to Become an Investment Banking Analyst?
To become an investment banking analyst, you must first study commerce, economics, finance, or business. Most banks prefer students from top colleges, but others can enter by showing strong skills. After college, you can apply directly or join a course like CFA, MBA, or PG in investment banking. Internships also help you learn the work and get full-time offers.
- Complete graduation in finance, commerce, or economics.
- Take courses in financial modeling, Excel, and valuation.
- Do internships with investment banks or finance firms.
- Build a strong resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Apply for analyst roles in Indian or global banks.
- Clear technical interviews and case studies.
Colleges like IIMs, NMIMS, Delhi University, and St. Xavier’s often help students find analyst roles. But any hardworking student can enter with the right skills and preparation.
Career Growth for Investment Banking Analysts
An analyst job is the first step in the investment banking ladder. If you work well, you can get promoted to associate in 2–3 years. From there, you can become vice president, director, and even managing director over time.
You can also move into other finance jobs like private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, or corporate finance. Many analysts go for MBA after 2–3 years and return at higher levels.
|
Level |
Time to Reach |
Responsibilities |
|
Analyst |
Entry Level |
Models, research, and support tasks |
|
Associate |
2–3 years after Analyst |
Lead deals, manage analysts |
|
Vice President |
5–6 years |
Manage clients, close deals |
|
Director/Executive Director |
8–10 years |
Grow firm business, mentor teams |
|
Managing Director |
12+ years |
Bring clients, lead big transactions |
This path gives fast growth, high income, and global work chances.
Salary of Investment Banking Analysts in India
Investment banking offers one of the highest salaries in India. Even freshers earn well. The salary depends on the bank, city, and your education.
Big global banks pay the most. Indian banks also give good packages. Analysts also get bonuses based on performance and deal success.
|
Bank Type |
Base Salary (Yearly) |
Bonus (Approx) |
Total Compensation |
|
Global Banks (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan) |
₹15–25 lakhs |
₹5–10 lakhs |
₹20–35 lakhs |
|
Indian Banks (ICICI, Kotak) |
₹8–15 lakhs |
₹2–5 lakhs |
₹10–20 lakhs |
|
Boutique Firms |
₹6–10 lakhs |
₹1–3 lakhs |
₹7–13 lakhs |
Bonuses vary every year and depend on how well the firm performs. This makes investment banking one of the most rewarding careers.
Tools and Software Used by Analysts
An investment banking analyst must use tools that help them work faster and better. Excel and PowerPoint are the most used. But some also use advanced tools for valuation, research, and data tracking.
- Microsoft Excel: For modeling, calculations, and forecasts.
- PowerPoint: For creating pitch books and reports.
- Bloomberg Terminal: For live market data and company info.
- FactSet/Capital IQ: For research, comparables, and data analysis.
- Tally/ERP Systems: For some internal company reports.
Learning these tools gives you speed and better results.
Download Investment Banking Analyst PDFInvestment Banking Analyst FAQs
- What does an investment banking analyst do?
They support deals like IPOs and M&A by building models, doing research, and preparing reports. - What should I study to become an investment banking analyst?
You can study finance, commerce, economics, or do courses like CFA, MBA, or PG programs in investment banking. - Is this a stressful job?
Yes. It includes long hours and deadlines. But it also gives high rewards, growth, and job satisfaction. - How can I prepare for interviews?
Learn Excel, modeling, and valuation. Practice case studies and read finance news daily. - Do I need an MBA to become an analyst?
No. You can join after graduation and build your way up. But MBA helps you grow faster later.
