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Finance & Accounting

Investment Banker

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Investment bankers help companies, governments, and other groups plan and manage large financial projects. They advise clients on raising money, such as through issuing shares or bonds, help with mergers and acquisitions, and provide analysis for major financial decisions. The job can be demanding, with long hours and a fast-paced environment, but it offers high salaries and opportunities to work on major deals. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are important in this career. Most investment bankers have degrees in finance, economics, or related fields, and internships are highly valued.

Investment Banker

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📊 Statistics

Average starting salary

Entry-level investment bankers in the UK typically earn between £40,000 and £60,000 per year, with bonuses often making up a significant part of total compensation.

Experienced professional salary

With several years of experience, investment bankers in London can earn over £120,000 per year, with managing directors earning in excess of £250,000, excluding bonuses.

Number of positions

There are over 30,000 investment banking professionals working in the UK, mainly concentrated in London.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst

Specialises in advising companies on buying, selling, and merging with other businesses, focusing on financial analysis and deal structuring.

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Equity Capital Markets Associate

Works with companies to help them raise money through the stock market, involving the preparation and management of public offerings.

Debt Advisory Analyst

Focuses on helping organisations manage their borrowing needs, including arranging loans, bonds, and other forms of debt finance.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

Choose Relevant A-Levels

Select A-Levels such as Mathematics, Economics, or Business Studies to prepare for a finance-related degree.

Investment banks value strong analytical and numeracy skills. Taking subjects like Mathematics and Economics will help you develop the essential skills for understanding financial markets. Some universities may also require specific subjects for finance or economics degrees, so it is important to check entry requirements early.

Pursue a Finance-Related Degree

Apply for a university degree in subjects such as Finance, Economics, Business, or Mathematics.

A strong academic record at a reputable university is important for investment banking. Many candidates choose degrees that focus on finance, economics, or mathematics. Some universities also offer specific courses in banking or investment. Consider joining finance societies to build your network.

Gain Experience and Skills

Apply for Internships

Seek out internships or work experience with investment banks during your studies.

Internships are essential for breaking into investment banking. They give you practical experience and a chance to showcase your abilities. Many investment banks offer summer internships to university students, and successful interns often receive job offers upon graduation.

Develop Technical and Soft Skills

Improve skills such as financial modelling, Microsoft Excel, communication, and teamwork.

Technical skills like financial analysis and modelling are crucial in investment banking. You can learn these through university courses, online platforms, or practical experience. Additionally, strong communication and teamwork skills are vital, as you will work in teams and present to clients regularly.

Secure a Graduate Role

Apply for Graduate Schemes

Apply to graduate programmes at investment banks during your final year at university.

Most investment banks have structured graduate schemes with rigorous application processes. Be prepared to complete online assessments, interviews, and assessment centres. Research each bank’s recruitment process and tailor your application to demonstrate your motivation and relevant experience.

Build Your Professional Network

Attend networking events and connect with industry professionals to increase your chances of success.

Networking can help you learn more about the industry and find opportunities that are not advertised. Attend university career events, finance conferences, or reach out to alumni working in investment banking. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and references.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Investment Banker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

An Investment Banker and an Investment Analyst both require strong financial knowledge, analytical skills, and an understanding of markets. While their responsibilities differ in scope, both roles involve analysing financial data, assessing investment opportunities, and providing advice related to finance and investments.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree at upper second class or higher. Most degree subjects are accepted, but you may find these particularly useful:

  • economics
  • maths
  • business studies
  • accountancy
  • finance

If your degree is not related to business or finance, you could do a relevant postgraduate qualification like a master's in business administration (MBA).

A course with a placement year or a summer internship with give you valuable experience and an advantage when applying for work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a senior investment and commercial banking professional degree apprenticeship. This is at level 7, which is equivalent to a master's qualification.

This will usually take about 18 to 24 months to complete. You will take professional exams as part of the apprenticeship and at the end you will be able to apply for membership of the relevant professional body.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Other Routes

You could start as a graduate trainee in an investment bank or a stockbroking firm. Trainees must pass an exam that is recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority. These include:

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Career tips

You may find it useful to have knowledge of a specific industry for some jobs, for example experience in areas like energy, engineering or life sciences could be helpful.

Language skills, particularly French, German or Japanese, can also be useful if you're working with overseas clients and markets.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join organisations like the CFA Institute and Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an investment analyst from:

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