How to Prepare for a Career in Investment Banking as a College Freshman

I want to learn as much as possible this year to build a strong foundation for investment banking. I feel like I’m decently personable, but my technical skills are lacking, and I don’t fully understand all aspects of banking yet.

I know what investment banking entails, but I want to develop a deep understanding of the technical side—not just surface-level knowledge. Where should I start? Accounting? DCF?

If accounting is the best starting point, how should I approach it to fully master the concepts and be well-prepared for the actual job? Any advice on structuring my learning process or specific resources would be greatly appreciated.

Also, how should I approach networking at this stage? Since I’m still learning the technicals, I don’t want to come across as unprepared, but I also want to build relationships and learn from others in the industry. Any tips on how to reach out, what to ask, and how to make the most of these conversations?