How to Become an Investment Banker in 2025 as a FRESHER | All you need to know!

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares a step-by-step process to secure a front-end job in investment banking. Emphasizing the importance of communication, sales, and Excel proficiency, the video guides viewers through essential skills like financial modeling, valuation, and understanding financial instruments. The speaker also highlights key soft skills, analytical abilities, and the value of practical experience through live projects. Networking, starting with small firms, and leveraging LinkedIn profiles for reverse engineering are recommended strategies. The video concludes by discussing the demanding work hours but high pay, urging viewers to consider business analytics as an alternative lucrative career.

Takeaways

• 💼 Over 15 students have secured front-end investment banking jobs through Finn Ladder.
• 🧑‍🏫 The video focuses on a practical, step-by-step guide to becoming an investment banker, not an explanation of what investment banking is.
• 🗣️ Communication and sales skills are the most important for investment bankers.
• 📊 Excel proficiency, especially using spreadsheets without a mouse, is essential for success.
• 📈 It's important to have knowledge beyond stock markets, including bonds, treasury bills, and derivatives like options.
• 🎓 Improving financial acumen is crucial, with recommended courses like NCFM's 'Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management'.
• 📉 Financial modeling and valuation skills are key to understanding company revenues and expenses, helping with future projections and market trends.
• 📝 Practical experience through live projects can strengthen your resume and attract recruiters.
• 🔍 Participating in case competitions and solving case studies can improve problem-solving abilities and prepare you for interviews.
• 🤝 Networking and studying profiles of professionals in investment banks on LinkedIn can help reverse-engineer their success.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide a step-by-step guide on how to secure a job in investment banking, including the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.

What are the essential soft skills mentioned for a career in investment banking?

The essential soft skills mentioned for a career in investment banking are data communication and sales. Good communication is emphasized as a critical skill for investment bankers.

Which hard skill is highlighted as particularly important for investment banking?

Excel spreadsheets are highlighted as a particularly important hard skill for investment banking, as it is fundamental to the job and the ability to use spreadsheets effectively is crucial.

What is the significance of understanding different financial instruments in investment banking?

Understanding different financial instruments such as treasury bills, bonds, derivatives, and options is significant because it provides a comprehensive knowledge of how various financial markets operate, which is essential for making informed decisions in investment banking.

What does the speaker recommend to improve financial acumen?

The speaker recommends improving financial acumen by studying investment analysis and portfolio management, specifically suggesting courses like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) for those who are not financially qualified.

Why is financial modeling and valuation important in investment banking?

Financial modeling and valuation are important in investment banking because they allow analysts to forecast a company's future performance and determine its value based on current market trends and financial data.

What does the speaker suggest for enhancing problem-solving and analytical skills?

The speaker suggests participating in case competitions and studying case studies to enhance problem-solving and analytical skills, which are crucial for decision-making in investment banking.

What is the advice given for someone looking to break into investment banking without an MBA?

The advice given for someone without an MBA looking to break into investment banking is to start with a small firm or boutique firm, gain experience, and then transition to larger firms.

How does networking play a role in getting a job in investment banking according to the script?

Networking plays a significant role in getting a job in investment banking. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to people, checking LinkedIn profiles of those already working in investment banks, and learning from their profiles to improve one's own.

What is the importance of live projects in the context of the script?

Live projects are important as they allow individuals to practically implement their skills and create valuable models that can be showcased to recruiters, enhancing their resume and increasing their chances of securing a job in investment banking.

What is the speaker's view on the difficulty of entering the investment banking field?

The speaker views entering the investment banking field as somewhat challenging but achievable with the right skills, knowledge, and persistence. They also mention that while the work is demanding, the compensation is good, making it a lucrative career option.