How to Become an Investment Banker 

Some of Hollywood’s most suspenseful, intriguing, and successful films have been about the lives and careers of investment bankers. It’s no surprise since investment banking is at the heart of economic stability both nationally and internationally. To become an investment banker, you will need to focus on getting your bachelor’s degree, securing an internship, and networking with others in the field.

Education to Become an Investment Banker

1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree

The world of finance is by nature intense, it is also highly competitive. For you to become an investment banker in such a highly competitive field, you will need to earn the minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, mathematics, or business administration.  Begin now finding a college to meet your needs. Be sure to research the institutions thoroughly to discern their reputations in the finance community and whether or not they are accredited. Read reviews and look especially for where accomplished and successful investment bankers have gone to college. Online programs are available in abundance from some of the most respected colleges and universities, and of course, there are traditional on-campus options. If you cannot financially afford to attend a four-year degree program right away, consider attending a junior or community college to satisfy your general education requirements. One important thing to remember—make sure any credits you earn from the junior or community college will be transferable to the 4-year college you are interested in eventually attending.

2. Consider a Master’s Degree

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, and would like to enhance your opportunities for employment positions, consider a Master’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a master’s degree in a related field. 

Secure an Internship as an Investment Banker

One of the ways to fast track your success as an investment banker is to have an internship under your proverbial belt. Major financial institutions offer a vast variety of internship programs for undergraduates (during the summer) and those who have completed their bachelor’s degrees. For example, Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company.  They opened their first office in 1935, and today they have offices in 41 countries and employ 80,257 individuals. They offer close to one hundred internships around the world. For example, in 2025 they have an “Investment Management Summer Analyst Program – Real Estate Investing” in major cities, such as San Francisco, California and New York, New York. Their website is helpful in understanding what your internship role and responsibilities would entail:

1. Participate in transactions from the principal perspective across strategies and sectors on behalf of proprietary real estate investment funds, including the North Haven fund series (value-add / opportunistic) and Prime Property Fund (core)
2. Transaction work will include underwriting new investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, executing transactions and developing internal investment presentations\
3. Opportunity to work on multiple deal teams and gain exposure to senior-level financial and strategic decision-makers at some of the world’s largest real estate companies
4. Conduct market and financial due diligence on various real estate opportunities
5. Help execute business development initiatives

The website is also very clear about what qualifications and skills you will need to enter the program. Begin now to meet their list of requirements!

1. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree and will graduate between December 2025 and June 2026
2. Outstanding analytical and quantitative skills
3. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
4. Strong team player, ability to collaborate with colleagues across REI and the broader organization
5. Self-starter with the ability to work independently
6. Driven, highly motivated and results-focused
7. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time efficiently and effectively
8. Detail oriented and have the ability to work efficiently within tight time constraint
9. Proficiency in Excel, and experience with Argus modeling and presentations preferred

Once again, while you are pursuing your degree, create a list of goals and develop achievement strategies to help you secure a valuable internship with a major investment banking corporation.

Network

One way to stay current of requirements and changes in the field of investment banking is to network with others who are already successful in the field. Investigate the many support systems which are available through trade associations and professional organizations. Here is a sampling:

1. The International Association of Investment Bankers (IAIB): The IAIB is a global organization that brings together professionals from investment banks, corporate finance firms, and related industries. It offers networking events, industry research, and educational resources.
2. The Institute of Investment Banking (IIB): The IIB offers training programs, certifications, and networking opportunities for professionals in investment banking and related fields.
3. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute: While not specific to investment banking, the CFA Institute offers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which is highly regarded in the finance industry, including investment banking.
4. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA): SIFMA represents securities firms, banks, and asset management companies. It provides advocacy, research, and educational resources for professionals in the securities industry, including investment bankers. 

Job Outlook As an Investment Banker

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/), Investment Bankers have promising opportunities for the time period spanning 2022-2032. The field is growing by 8% per year, which is slightly faster than the 6% average growth rate. Government experts predict that each year over 40,100 openings will become available (between 2022-2032), due to replacing workers who leave the profession, leave the work force and/or retire. Over the ten year time span (2022-2032) it is projected that a total of 35,600 new positions will be created. In 2022 there were 482,200 individuals working as investment bankers. The median pay per year was $67,480, while the median hourly wage was $32.44. (As a reminder, the “median” amount is not an average, it is the middle value of a dataset. For the U.S. BLS definition go to: https://www.bls.gov/cps/definitions.htm#medianearnings) .

By pursuing your education, participating in an internship, and networking with others in the field, you will be on your way to a prosperous and rewarding career as an investment banker!