Career advice and course recommendations for IB

Hello guys,
I am in my final year of college from a recently turned tier 2 college(not quite top tier 2 yet) in India and I had internships at a local branch of a big bank in Wealth Management Department(Commercial Bank).
I also have a one month remote internship in Equity Research at an EduTech firm that also deals with Equity Research.

I want to break into Investment Banking despite being from a non target school.
I know it'll be hard for me but I want to first break into a relevant finance role(not necessarily IB related) after graduation so that I can atleast have a base to leverage from.
I also plan to do my Master in Finance in Germany after 2-3 years of work experience.

Moreover,I want to learn industry grade modeling from scratch(3 statement,DCF & other valuations,M&A,LBO) through courses;enough to give me confidence to work on public companies on my own but I want it to be structured,step by step and not all over the place.
I am specifically interested in M&A a lot and want to learn more.

I am currently building models of some companies from my previous modeling experience and knowledge from coursera while also studying the Rosenbaum Investment banking book(first edition so no access to templates)

I recently came across WallStreet School,Quintedge and Wizenius and they claim they provide placement support (although not mandatory for me but would be nice and worth the ROI if it's really helpful) since most entry level jobs here require CA/CFA/MBA or 1-2 years of work experience even at small firms.

I tried paying for the Financial edge training before but couldn't due to currency acceptance issues.

I'd like to know more about the courses you guys recommend and the steps and career trajectory I should take up inorder to break into Investment Banking in 5-7 years.

2 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

O

5mo

Breaking into Investment Banking (IB) from a non-target school is challenging but absolutely achievable with the right strategy, skills, and persistence. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a structured plan and course recommendations tailored to your situation:

1. Career Trajectory and Steps

Short-Term (0-2 Years Post-Graduation):

Target Relevant Finance Roles: Since IB roles are competitive, aim for roles in corporate finance, equity research, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), or boutique M&A advisory firms. These roles will help you build transferable skills.
Networking: Leverage LinkedIn, alumni networks, and cold emails to connect with professionals in IB and related fields. Networking is critical, especially from a non-target school.
Certifications: Consider pursuing CFA Level 1 or FRM to enhance your profile. These are well-recognized globally and can help you stand out.

Mid-Term (2-5 Years):

Master’s in Finance (Germany): Your plan to pursue a Master’s in Finance is excellent. Target top programs like Frankfurt School of Finance & Management or WHU, which have strong placement records in IB.
Internships During Master’s: Use your time in Germany to secure internships at investment banks or consulting firms. European banks often value local experience.

Long-Term (5-7 Years):

Breaking into IB: With relevant experience, certifications, and a Master’s degree, you’ll be well-positioned to transition into IB roles, especially in M&A, which aligns with your interests.

2. Course Recommendations

To build industry-grade modeling skills and confidence, structured courses are essential. Here are the top recommendations:

WSO Elite Modeling Package

Why It’s Perfect for You: This package includes six comprehensive courses covering 3-statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, and more. It’s step-by-step, structured, and designed for beginners to advanced learners.
Key Features:
- Financial Statement Modeling (3-statement mastery)
- DCF Modeling
- M&A Modeling (your area of interest)
- LBO Modeling (critical for private equity and advanced IB roles)
- Excel and PowerPoint for finance
Bonus: Includes templates and real-world case studies, which will complement your Rosenbaum book.

M&A Modeling Course (WSO)

Why It’s Relevant: Since you’re specifically interested in M&A, this course dives deep into buy-side and sell-side processes, valuation techniques, and deal structuring.
Key Features:
- Over 60 lessons covering M&A fundamentals and advanced topics.
- Practical exercises to build confidence in analyzing public companies.

Modeling & Valuation Bootcamp (Live Public Training)

Why It’s Useful: This 2-day bootcamp covers Excel, M&A, 3-statement modeling, DCF, and LBO. It’s ideal if you prefer live, interactive learning.

Private Equity Master Package

Why It’s a Good Add-On: While focused on private equity, it includes advanced LBO modeling and deal processes, which overlap with IB skills.

3. Placement Support and ROI

While placement support is not mandatory for you, platforms like WallStreet School, Quintedge, and Wizenius can be helpful if they have strong alumni networks and proven placement records. However, WSO courses are globally recognized and focus on skill-building, which is critical for long-term success.

4. Additional Tips

Build a Portfolio: Continue building models of public companies and document your work. This can serve as a portfolio to showcase your skills during interviews.
Leverage Free Resources: WSO offers free financial modeling lessons and templates. These can be a great starting point if you’re on a budget.
Stay Persistent: Breaking into IB takes time, especially from a non-target background. Stay consistent with networking, skill-building, and applying for roles.

By following this roadmap and leveraging the recommended courses, you’ll be well on your way to breaking into Investment Banking within your desired timeline. Keep pushing forward—your determination will pay off!

Sources: Intro to Investment Banking, Law to Investment Banking (One Monkey's How-To Guide), Top Financial Modeling Courses - List of Top Financial Analyst Courses, Advice on career and the switch into investment banking, Career Bankers: Coverage vs M&A

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