Career in Investment Banking | How to Get Investment Banking Jobs in India | IIM Jobs | @seekho_ai5134

Summary

This video explores how to break into investment banking in India, addressing common questions such as whether undergraduates can join, the importance of professional qualifications like CA or CFA, and the process of landing a job after business school. It outlines key criteria, including academic consistency, relevant work experience, and deep interest in finance. The video also details the interview process, which includes technical, sector-specific, and HR rounds. The speaker hints at future content covering salaries, job responsibilities, and working hours in investment banking.

Takeaways

• 🏦 There's no specific right or wrong time to enter investment banking in India; it's possible as an undergrad or post-MBA.
• 🎓 Top B-schools, especially in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta, significantly increase your chances of getting into investment banking.
• 📚 Consistent academic excellence is a must, and having a degree from a prestigious institute is beneficial.
• 📈 Professional courses like CA or CFA can boost your chances of getting shortlisted, but they are not mandatory.
• 💼 Relevant work experience in fields like mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, private equity, or equity research is highly valued.
• 📊 Market tracking and understanding of financials and operations of various sectors is essential to showcase interest in finance.
• 💼 Participation in workshops and courses on financial modeling or valuation techniques can enhance your profile.
• 🗣️ The interview process at B-schools for investment banks includes technical rounds on corporate finance, sector prep, and HR discussions.
• 💼 Investment banks are interested in candidates' long-term commitment and alignment of interests with the banking field.
• 💰 Upcoming videos will cover investment banking salaries, job responsibilities, working hours, and more.

Q & A

What qualifications are necessary to get into investment banking in India?

You don't need specific qualifications like CA or CS to enter investment banking. However, graduating from a top institute, especially a top 7 B-school, and having great academic scores increases your chances. Professional courses like CA or CFA can help, but they are not mandatory.

Can someone enter investment banking as an undergraduate in India?

Yes, it's possible to enter investment banking as an undergraduate, but it may take more time compared to someone with an MBA. Having relevant experience and meeting other criteria can help expedite the process.

Which firms only hire from top B-schools for investment banking roles?

Firms like JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs often hire only from top B-schools in India, such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta.

What kind of work experience is considered beneficial for getting into investment banking?

Relevant work experience includes fields like mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, private equity, or equity research. These areas help build a strong background for investment banking.

How can someone demonstrate an interest in the finance domain when applying for investment banking roles?

You can demonstrate interest by tracking markets and understanding the operations and financials of different industries or sectors. Pursuing relevant courses, such as financial modeling or valuation techniques, can also help, but they must be backed by real-world experience or knowledge.

What are the different interview rounds conducted for investment banking roles at B-schools?

There are typically three interview rounds: (1) A technical round focusing on corporate finance and valuation techniques, (2) A sector-specific round where you discuss market players and industry dynamics, and (3) An HR round to assess long-term interest and fit for the firm.

Why is market tracking important for a career in investment banking?

Market tracking helps you understand the operations, financials, and competitive landscape of various industries, which is crucial for performing well in interviews and in the role itself.

What should be avoided when listing finance courses on your CV for investment banking roles?

You should avoid listing finance courses merely for CV points. Recruiters prefer to see courses backed by relevant work experience or knowledge, not just as standalone qualifications.

How should you prepare for the sector-specific interview round in investment banking?

Choose a sector of interest, research the key players, understand their financials, competitors, and management structure, and be able to discuss industry-specific dynamics like market competition and economic drivers.

What kind of questions are asked in the HR round of an investment banking interview?

In the HR round, you may be asked about your long-term interest in investment banking, your career plans, and how your background aligns with the field. They want to ensure that you're committed and not likely to leave after a short period.