Python, R, Tableau in IB?

Hi all, There seems to be an increased focus on learning Python, R and other data analysis skills for better placements in Finance. I want to know what scope of work in IB requires such skills. I am a student with no prior experience in Finance and am wondering how crucial it is. If anyone can give me some examples of their field of work and if it is relevant to them, it will be cool. Do you reckon someone working in M&A or Leverage finance would have much work with such skills?

7 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I continue to be amazed by how much this sort of question pops up. At least in terms of IB, I've never had to use any of these languages nor have I ever seen anyone talk about or use them.

While I'm sure they can be useful to learn to increase your logical / critical thinking skills, you will not get any material value from learning these languages. I would spend this time focusing on understanding financial / technical concepts or learning advanced things in Excel, which is a "language" you will be using extensively in IB.

Also, can someone please tell me who is spreading this rumor that knowing these languages will give you a leg up in IB?

 

Well, there is no exact mention that its helpful for IB specifically. However, I do see a lot of masters(Finance) courses teaching Python and R as a part of the curriculum to enhance student's prospects of landing a job in Finance. So, i just wanted to know if the touted "Finance jobs" entailed IB roles. And fin meme pages that tout these skills as increasingly relevant for Finance. I know, I could have been more prudent when considering the source, but nevertheless, thanks for the info.

 

Very good answer A2! Agree 95% but there are situations where knowing a little python can be helpful and its a good super power if you know how to lever it. Not mandatory and excel/ppt/vb more important but if you are technically inclined its not a bad skill to develop. but not major programming. mostly some quick data analysis or automation. ignore R and focus on python!

 

Agree on ignoring R. Picked up R in college at analytics classes, but never really used it, unlike Python.

“Destiny is a gift. Some go their entire lives, living existences of quiet desperation, never learning the truth that what feels as though a burden pushing down upon their shoulders is really a sense of purpose that lifts us to greater heights. Never forget that fear is but the precursor to valor, that to strive and triumph in the face of fear is what it means to be a hero. Don’t think. Become.”
 

I have built a BI solution using Tableau for a local stock exchange prior to moving to ER, and I also used Python sometimes when I worked for a stock exchange. Now I am doing ER and IB (IPO, DCM) at an MM IB since the beginning of 2020, and did not have any chance to use neither Tableu nor Python yet. You simply don't need it here. Your time will be better spent learning Excel and modeling.

“Destiny is a gift. Some go their entire lives, living existences of quiet desperation, never learning the truth that what feels as though a burden pushing down upon their shoulders is really a sense of purpose that lifts us to greater heights. Never forget that fear is but the precursor to valor, that to strive and triumph in the face of fear is what it means to be a hero. Don’t think. Become.”
 

Tableau is very simple. You can probably learn it in 1-2 days. There is a lot of online courses. It is not a coding language, unlike Python and R, two powerful languages especially for data science. If you are a math or stats major, you should have had some experience with R already.

For IB, you really don't need any programming skills. However, for the sake of your future, I recommend learning some programming languages. Python is a good place to start.

Persistency is Key
 

Est est aut velit. Illo qui vero et aut eum et in. Sapiente recusandae dignissimos totam ad illum alias itaque. Ab voluptates molestiae id ut ullam error. Nihil dolores nisi illo veritatis dicta dicta eius.

Non ducimus ullam nemo saepe sapiente. Aut molestiae ipsa dolores labore et. Ad accusamus beatae maiores ratione nesciunt. Dignissimos molestiae qui dolorem labore at qui.

Hic quia doloremque aut omnis ea voluptatem. Et voluptas possimus iste voluptatum similique eum aut. Pariatur molestias eos ab quis asperiores. Sunt ad ipsam fugiat dolore.

 

Velit culpa quos tempora omnis illo excepturi vero. Qui libero sed modi quis. Magnam architecto velit ipsam quo earum tempora reiciendis. Consectetur blanditiis expedita doloribus minus deserunt. Ad soluta et veniam laudantium et vitae perspiciatis alias. Praesentium sed ut ab minus voluptas consequatur voluptates. Est adipisci tempora cumque quos.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”