Why should I learn investment banking?

Investment banking can be an incredibly lucrative career that gives you the opportunity to work on high-profile, complex banking transactions. These include things like mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and company valuations. If you enjoy a fast-paced work environment, learning investment banking may be for you.

How long does it take to learn investment banking?

Most investment banking jobs require a four-year bachelor's degree in an applicable field like finance, business administration, or accounting. It may then take a few more months to complete additional courses and/or certifications to hone in on particular skills and knowledge specific to investment banking. Additionally, many investment banking positions require professionals to complete internships in the field before they are deemed fully qualified for the role.

How hard is it to learn investment banking?

Investment banking can be challenging to learn, as the field deals with complex financial transactions, and degree programs in related fields tend to be heavy on math, accounting, and finance. Additionally, the competitiveness of the job market can make it difficult to amass the real-world experience needed to succeed.

Learn investment banking

Create an account

Investment Banking | Introduction Image Description

What is investment banking?

Investment bankers work at banks that handle mergers, acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), and raising capital for companies at different stages of growth. It's a dynamic and challenging field that rewards hard work and dedication.

Generally, you'll be required to have an undergraduate degree to get started as an investment banker, which will take you roughly four years to earn. The most popular degree programs include finance, business administration, and accounting. Additionally, you may be required to complete an internship to get your foot in the door due to the competitive nature of the profession.

Maximize Your Potential

Sign up for special offers, career resources, and recommendations that will help you grow, prepare, and advance in your career.

Browse online Investment Banking Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

Choosing the right investment banking program for you

Due to the highly competitive nature of investment banking, it's important to select the right program. Here are a few tips to consider.

Prestigious schools may give you a leg up in the hiring process. Research your opportunities.
Find a school that helps with internship placement, as these are critical to joining the investment banking pipeline.
Introductory courses may be helpful to determine if this career path is for you before committing to a full degree program.

Here are a few of the different learning paths available:

Courses

Investment banking courses can help you build an initial base of understanding or hone in on a particular set of skills you want to learn or improve.

Certifications

Certain certifications can help you to prove your skills and expertise in a particular field to prospective employers.

Executive education programs

For executives looking to better understand the investment banking process, executive education programs are a solid supplementary option. This path tends to be a better choice for industry veterans looking to earn a promotion or move into a new role.

Degrees

As most investment banking jobs require at least an undergraduate degree, these programs can help you start that process or build on your existing studies.

Jobs in investment banking

The career path for investment bankers is pretty standardized across the industry. You'll typically start as an intern, become an analyst, become an associate, and then ideally move into upper-level management opportunities. Each of these steps can take two to four years, depending on the company, availability of positions, and your performance.

While showcasing top performance will generally be the strongest path to growth, higher-level education and certifications can help. The most common higher-level degree is a master's in finance, and the most common certification is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) through the CFA Institute.

Once you complete the outlined pipeline, you may have the opportunity to move into more senior-level roles with an investment bank. These include vice president, senior vice president, and managing director.

Here are a few positions that having experience with investment banking may help you qualify for, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):