How do I set myself up for success on my journey to get into investment banking?

Alright so I am 23 years old, first-year community college student in California. I was previously in the military so that is why I am a 23 year old freshman. I will be going into my second year of college starting January 2024 (I started college this year in January). So I have done some research about investment banking and I am aware of the "crazy hours" investment bankers work and people talk about, so I know that I will be getting into a demanding field which I don't mind because I like fast paced work and I know working those long hours is part of what the job entails. I am passionate about being a businessman. I can see myself help facilitate transactions with companies and high net worth individuals. I enjoy the grind and doing business. With going into investment banking, my goals are obtaining my MBA from a top business program, working in investment banking and working my way up to a senior level. Eventually I would like to exit and go into Private Equity, Venture Capital that kind of thing. I want to eventually be a VC and have an investment firm for example and invest in companies, start-ups, I basically want to become an investor. Anyways these are ideas that I have just to give you a bit of a background about me.

So, for those who are successful investment bankers currently, what can I do starting now to set myself up for success so I can land investment banking internships and a full time offer? And once in investment banking, how do I stay in and progress and become good at my job so I can get promotions. How do I go about exiting and getting into PE and/or Venture Capitalism? I am driven to be successful in this field and for me this is it. It's either this or nothing. This is what I see myself doing and do not imagine myself doing any other type of work. I am ready to grind and make a name for myself. Also, I am single and don't really have any real friends currently so the social aspect doesn't matter to me.

 

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