Preparing for a career in IB

Hi everyone, I am currently a sophomore in high school. I have grown my interest in Investment banking only few weeks ago and I have been trying to research what having a career in investment banking industry is like and how to be prepared for it. Despite my effort, I couldn't really find any invaluable information on internet from a person that has been through processes like mine in their life. Most of the articles tell me the same things and I really wanted to get some advice from someone who has been in the industry. I have a fairly good glimpse of what life as an investment banker is like, however I still do not fully understand how to prepare for a career as an investment banker. For me, to start preparing myself, I have started reading basic economy books from my school's library. Specifically, I would love to know what kind of universities I should aim for, if any graduate degrees help, what the recruitment processes are like, and if the investment banking industry would be reasonably strong by the time I would be trying to work in it. Thank you!

 

You could start exploring economics & finance by yourself but that's not really the priority at the moment. Keep studying, got a stellar GPA, high SAT score, and involved in extracurricular activities. Get into target schools.

Array
 

"For me, to start preparing myself, I have started reading basic economy books from my school's library"

^ Most of what you study in Economics don't apply much in the real world, except maybe supply and demand. I have a degree in Economics so yeah.

FYI, study Finance, specifically, analysis and valuation (DCF, Comparables, etc.)

Google helps too.

 

Necessitatibus quia ut praesentium voluptatem. Eveniet in consequatur nihil. Pariatur quia nihil quis iste sit.

Saepe officia in rerum illum. Aut esse sed ex eveniet molestias dolores ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”