Why did you choose to be an investment bank?
Some generic themes to draw on for your answer to “Why Investment Banking” could include: Fast-paced environment. Exposure to high profile transactions. Surround myself with intelligent and motivated people.
Investment banking offers the opportunity to become an expert at building large, complex financial models at the earliest stage of your career. While bankers aren't necessarily great investors, they do spend a lot of time on valuation work, and this can be an excellent way to start your career.
Investment banks are best known for their work as intermediaries between a corporation and the financial markets. That is, they help corporations issue shares of stock in an IPO or an additional stock offering. They also arrange debt financing for corporations by finding large-scale investors for corporate bonds.
The purpose of investment banks is to bring together 1) parties who have money and looking to invest their money to earn a return and 2) parties who need money and are offering investment opportunities.
Sample Answer:
The banking industry is lucrative and plays an important role in our economy. It offers challenging roles and opportunities to develop skills and knowledge. The dynamic nature of the industry and its relevance in the economic scenario is why I want to pursue a career in the banking sector.
Investment banking is essentially a financial service provided by a finance company or a banking division to help large multinational corporations in their investment plans. Along with large companies and organisations, this service also helps high net worth individuals and governments to raise or create capital.
Key Takeaways. The critical difference between the two types of banks is who they provide services to. Commercial banks accept deposits, make loans, safeguard assets, and work with many small and medium-sized businesses and consumers. Investment banks provide services to large corporations and institutional investors.
Investment banking is an exciting and lucrative career, but it isn't right for everyone. You may have a desire to earn over $100,000 a year as a first-year analyst in New York City, but you need to remember that investment banking is not just a high-paying job, but is also a high-stakes, high-pressure job.
Investment bankers meet with clients, prepare offers, run financial projections, and work on pitchbooks, that help generate new clients. The work is lucrative but the days are long and stressful. Superior social skills are required for success in the field.
An investment banker performs three basic functions: underwriting, distributing, and advising.
Is investment banking interesting?
Yes. The lifestyle in investment banking can be incredibly challenging (long hours with tight deadlines and a lot of responsibility) but also extremely rewarding (chance to work on interesting projects and learn a lot while working with a lot of people your age who can become close friends).
Even with education, experience, and enthusiasm, investment banking might not be for you. Investment bankers work long hours and often earn a high income. Lack of work-life balance is one reason to avoid becoming an investment banker. Investment bankers must also be able to manage high-pressure situations.
One of the best things about financial services is the opportunity to expand your knowledge on important topics that are prevalent in the industry. From fund management to financial planning, responsible investing, and digital assets, there's something new to learn every day.
To introduce yourself professionally in an interview, start with a polite greeting, state your full name, mention your educational background and relevant work experience, highlight key skills and strengths, briefly share your career objective, and express gratitude for the opportunity.
Investment banking is an extremely intense and laborious industry. It's very common to work 75+ hours per week in investment banking because of the culture and job expectations.
The path to starting a career in investment banking can be as short as just 4 years — the typical length of a bachelor's degree program. Depending on the specific job you want, more time may be needed to complete a master's degree program or professional registration exams.
Generally, there are three categories of investment banks - bulge bracket banks, middle-market banks, and boutique banks. These banks often include regional boutiques and elite boutique banks.
Investment banking recruiters look for relevant skills and experience that demonstrate you're capable of handling the job. Highlight transferable skills, such as teamwork, communication, or analytical abilities. Showcase relevant experience, such as internships or relevant coursework.
What is the best investment banker resume format? Reverse chronological is the ideal format for investment banker resumes. Hiring managers will always be most interested in your recent experience, which places those jobs at the top of your document. Avoid functional resume formats here.
JP Morgan is exceptional and if you fail to show that you are in touch with their uniqueness through your cover letter, your application will fail. If you have researched JP Morgan then this section will not be an issue.
What investment banks look for?
You should be comfortable working with numbers and be an analytical thinker. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are needed in order to work successfully with clients and team members.
The difference between commercial banking vs. investment banking is that investment banks typically raise money by selling securities (like stocks and bonds). On the other hand, commercial banks use consumer deposits to fund loans and mortgages, and the interest on those loans becomes profit for the bank.
- Extended Work Hours: Investment bankers frequently grapple with long working hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet stringent deadlines. ...
- Heightened Stress Levels: The fast-paced nature of investment banking often results in elevated stress levels.
On average, investment bankers rate the meaningfulness of their work a 2.4/5. The majority of investment bankers struggle to find any sort of meaning in their work, likely resulting in less satisfaction with the career overall.
- You will be judged from day 1. ...
- Be careful with the Seamless. ...
- Sign up and go to the gym when you can. ...
- Always print your work and check it. ...
- Start thinking about the buyside from day 1. ...
- Never ever complain. ...
- Admit to your mistakes, especially if you are working on a live deal.
References
- https://groww.in/banking
- https://www.simplilearn.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-in-a-job-interview-article
- https://www.naukri.com/blog/how-to-answer-why-do-you-want-to-pursue-a-career-in-finance/
- https://congrapps.com/blog/jp-morgan-successful-cover-letter-example-the-ultimate-guide-2022/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionals/111715/day-life-investment-banker.asp
- https://iimskills.com/investment-banking-job-interview/
- https://www.mhanational.org/deal-better-hard-times
- https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/career/why-investment-banking/
- https://www.resumebuilder.com/investment-banking-resume-examples/
- https://www.turing.com/blog/strengths-and-weaknesses-for-job-interviews/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/082415/7-reasons-investment-banking-not-you.asp
- https://www.naukri.com/blog/banking-interview-questions-and-answers/
- https://resumegenius.com/blog/interview/what-makes-you-unique
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/are-investment-bankers-happy/
- https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investment-banker-salary
- https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/careers-in-banking
- https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/pdf/top-reasons-to-open-a-bank-account.pdf
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/business/how-to-become-investment-banker/
- https://www.touchdownmoney.com/jobs-that-pay-1-million-dollars-a-month/
- https://www.5paisa.com/stock-market-guide/stock-share-market/what-are-the-types-of-investment-banking
- https://www.thewallstreetschool.com/blog/why-choose-career-in-finance/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-bank-mission-statement-chris-nichols
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/too-big-to-fail.asp
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investmentbank.asp
- https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/handled-difficult-situation
- https://www.careerera.com/blog/what-is-the-hardest-part-of-investment-banking
- https://www.peakframeworks.com/post/investment-banking-culture
- https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-can-investment-bankers-manage-stress-levels-ibr5c
- https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/advice/career-advice/job-interview-tips/what-interests-you-about-role-best-answer-examples
- https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/why-are-you-suitable-for-job
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/one-way-video-interview
- https://byjus.com/ias-questions/what-are-the-5-most-important-banking-services/
- https://mondo.com/insights/how-to-answer-where-do-you-see-yourself-in-5-years-interview/
- https://medium.com/@thewallstreetschool/the-pros-and-cons-of-pursuing-a-career-in-investment-banking-55d1fd3208cc
- https://interviewer.ai/12-banking-interview-questions/
- https://www.ambitionbox.com/interviews/hdfc-bank-question/why-should-we-hire-you-iPfnR31T
- https://growthequityinterviewguide.com/how-investment-banks-make-money
- https://www.naukri.com/blog/how-to-answer-how-do-you-handle-difficult-customers/
- https://tnbankers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Why-a-career-in-banking-TN.pdf
- https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/career/how-to-get-job-investment-banking/
- https://diversitasfp.org/industry-information/5-reasons-to-work-in-financial-services/
- https://www.10xebitda.com/what-is-an-investment-bank/
- https://testbook.com/bank-exams/self-introduction-for-bank-interview
- https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banking-fit-questions/
- https://proschoolonline.com/blog/what-do-you-need-to-become-an-investment-banker
- https://status.net/articles/answer-makes-unique-examples-tips-winning-job-interview/
- https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/list-of-example-weaknesses-for-interviewing
- https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banking-career-path/
- https://www.buysidehustle.com/how-much-do-people-in-finance-make-lets-just-say-millions/
- https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/Series/Back-to-Basics/Banks
- https://www.circlesquare.co.uk/blog/blog/how-to-answer-the-question-please-tell-me-your-strengths-and-weakness-in-an-investment-banking-interview
- https://training-you.fr/the-most-and-least-stressful-jobs-in-banking-and-finance/
- https://www.naukri.com/blog/why-do-you-want-this-job-sample-answers-for-freshers/
- https://lazyapply.com/interview-answer/why-do-you-want-to-work-at-US-Bank
- https://www.indeed.com/hire/interview-questions/banker
- https://www.naukri.com/blog/how-to-answer-why-did-you-choose-this-career-sample-answers-included/
- https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/business/how-to-become-an-investment-banker
- https://www.schweser.com/cfa/blog/career-information/what-do-investment-bankers-do
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-why-are-you-interested-in-this-position
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/investment-banker/personality/
- https://www.quora.com/Do-did-you-enjoy-working-in-investment-banking
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/banker-interview-questions
- https://byjusexamprep.com/bank-exam/where-do-you-see-yourself-after-5year-in-banking-sector
- https://www.peakframeworks.com/post/investment-banking-hours
- https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/financial-weaknesses-and-how-to-overcome-them
- https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-tell-me-about-yourself
- https://www.annuity.org/personal-finance/banking/
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/why-this-company-interview-question
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/asimq_i-was-recently-asked-if-most-investment-bankers-activity-7133780785127387136-JEkv
- https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banker-salary/
- https://vault.com/professions/investment-bankers/requirements
- https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banking-interview-questions-and-answers/
- https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/career-development/how-to-answer-whats-your-expected-salary
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/careers/career-in-banking-10-skills-required-to-become-a-banker/articleshow/106048053.cms
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/top-millionaire-jobs
- https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/our-firm/investment-banking/
- https://time.com/charter/6184458/goldman-sachs-unlimited-vacation-pto/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-bank
- https://www.indiabix.com/hr-interview/what-are-your-strengths-and-weaknesses/
- https://homework.study.com/explanation/true-or-false-an-investment-banker-performs-three-basic-functions-underwriting-distributing-and-advising.html
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-it-like-to-work-at-Goldman-Sachs-Do-most-people-who-work-there-actually-like-their-job-or-are-they-just-trying-to-make-a-lot-of-money-Is-it-difficult-or-stressful
- https://www.streetofwalls.com/finance-training-courses/investment-banking-overview-and-behavioral-training/investment-banking-interview-questions/
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dgajsek_have-you-ever-heard-of-goldman-sachs-15-activity-7130970280331542529-lfCY
- https://eller.arizona.edu/news/9-essential-things-include-your-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-answer
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Moelis
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/how-many-vacation-days-do-you-get-as-an-investment-banker/
- https://www.joinleland.com/library/a/navigating-networking-challenges-as-an-introverted-investment-banking-analyst
- https://www.joinleland.com/library/a/stand-out-among-investment-banking-applicants-tips-for-differentiation
- https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/what-makes-you-unique
- https://www.fedfinance.ca/en/news/why-choose-accounting-as-a-career
- https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/investment-banking-sleeping
- https://careers.publichealth.iu.edu/blog/2023/05/11/what-are-your-strengths-15-greatest-strengths-with-sample-answers/
- https://www.buysidehustle.com/top-10-investment-banking-analyst-tips/
- https://novoresume.com/career-blog/what-is-your-greatest-weakness
- https://www.reeracoen.sg/articles/top-10-traits-to-look-out-for-in-top-bankers
- https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/career/investment-banking-fit/
- https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/how-to-answer-what-motivates-you-examples/
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/investment-banker/satisfaction/
- https://www.naukri.com/blog/why-do-you-want-to-join-our-company/
- https://growthequityinterviewguide.com/why-investment-banking
- https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/what-is-your-greatest-weakness
- https://www.peakframeworks.com/post/investment-banking-coffee-chat-questions
- https://mergersandinquisitions.com/weakness-interview-question/
- https://testbook.com/bank-exams/strength-and-weakness-for-bank-interview
- https://cleartax.in/glossary/investment-banking
- https://www.careerprinciples.com/resources/investment-banking-hours
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionals/091615/career-advice-investment-banking-vscommercial-banking.asp
- https://leverageedu.com/explore/career-counselling/bank-interview-self-introduction/
- https://bstrategyhub.com/u-s-bank-mission-statement-vision-core-values-analysis/
- https://igotanoffer.com/blogs/finance/investment-banking-interview-tips
- https://www.theforage.com/blog/careers/commercial-banking-vs-investment-banking