Late 20s Breaking into Banking

Hello Guys

I am in my late 20s and I want to break into banking. After a rough couple of years personally and wanting a switch in my career, I started my my masters in finance at a good university in London.

Most of my cohort are in their early 20s.

Is it too late for me to enter IB?

What roles do I have the best chance of getting?

Does anyone have any advice?

4 Comments
 

It would be ideal if you could provide some more information.

Are you from the UK, or studying abroad in London (i.e., will you need visa sponsorship)?

What experience do you have from your early and mid-20s?

 

Hi bobmarley22

Thanks for the reply.

I am from the UK (so no need for visa)

I worked in tech consulting and in house M&A team/corp development for 2 years

Now working as a research analyst for 3 years

 

Hey there!

First off, it's never too late to chase your dreams. Age is just a number, and in your late 20s, you're still in a great position to break into banking.

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that your background and current situation could actually be beneficial. Having a master's degree in finance from a good university is a strong asset. Plus, your life experience could provide a unique perspective that sets you apart from younger candidates.

As for roles, it really depends on your interests and skills. Investment Banking is a broad field with many different roles. You could look into areas like Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets, or Corporate Advisory, as mentioned in some of the WSO threads.

My advice would be to start networking as soon as possible. Reach out to alumni from your university who are working in banking, attend industry events, and don't be afraid to ask for informational interviews.

Also, prepare well for your interviews. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of the job, but also be ready to answer behavioral questions and show that you're a good fit for the company culture.

Remember, it's not just about getting a job in banking, it's about building a career. So take the time to think about what you really want, and then go for it with all you've got. Good luck!

Sources: An old man looking for advice, Advice on career and the switch into investment banking, Am I too old/poor to get into investment banking?, Is it too late to start networking/applying to IB 2020? Which roles/banks are still recruiting

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

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