Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Finance & Accounting

Investment Banker

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Investment bankers help companies, organisations, and governments raise capital by issuing shares, bonds, or by advising on mergers and acquisitions. They work for large banks or specialist investment banking firms, often based in major financial centres like London. The job involves analysing financial data, preparing presentations, and negotiating deals. It requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. The role is known for its demanding workload, but it can be highly rewarding both financially and in terms of career progression.

Investment Banker

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average starting salary for an investment banker in the UK is around £50,000 to £60,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning upwards of £150,000, plus bonuses.

Industry Size

The UK investment banking sector employs approximately 50,000 people, with London's financial district being one of the largest global centres.

Working Hours

Investment bankers typically work between 60 to 80 hours per week, especially during busy periods such as mergers and acquisitions.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst

Specialises in advising companies on buying, selling, or merging with other businesses, often conducting financial analysis and preparing detailed reports.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Equity Research Analyst

Focuses on analysing stocks and shares, providing investment recommendations to help clients make informed decisions about buying or selling securities.

Debt Capital Markets Associate

Works on raising funds for companies and governments by issuing bonds and other debt instruments, and provides advice on managing financial risk.

Build Strong Academic Foundations

Choose the Right Subjects at School

Focus on Maths, Economics, and Business Studies at GCSE and A-level.

Investment banking is very competitive, so strong academic results are essential. Maths is particularly important as it helps develop the analytical and quantitative skills needed for finance. Economics and Business Studies provide insight into markets and commercial awareness.

Earn a University Degree

Apply for a degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field at a top university.

Most investment bankers have at least an undergraduate degree, and many banks prefer graduates from top universities. Some people also pursue a master's degree, but this is not always required. Consider joining finance or investment societies at university to build relevant experience.

Gain Relevant Experience

Secure Internships

Apply for summer internships or 'spring weeks' with investment banks during university.

Internships are crucial for gaining real-world experience and improving your chances of getting a graduate role. Many banks offer structured programmes that provide insight into their work and culture. Performing well during an internship can often lead to a job offer after graduation.

Develop Commercial Awareness

Stay updated on financial markets, economic trends, and global business news.

Investment bankers need to understand how markets work and stay informed about current events. Reading the Financial Times, The Economist, and following financial news helps build this awareness. It also gives you talking points for interviews and networking.

Launch Your Career

Apply for Graduate Schemes

Submit applications to investment banks for graduate analyst roles.

Graduate schemes are the main entry route into investment banking. Recruitment usually starts a year before the role begins, so plan ahead. The selection process can include online tests, interviews, and assessment centres.

Develop Key Skills and Gain Qualifications

Build skills in financial modelling, communication, and teamwork. Consider qualifications like the CFA.

Once in the role, you will need to develop technical and soft skills. Some investment bankers pursue professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) to boost their expertise and progression opportunities. Regular training is part of the job.

🎯 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.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An Investment Banker and an Investment Analyst both work within the financial sector, analysing markets, advising on investment opportunities, and making recommendations to clients or their own institutions. The primary difference lies in the level of seniority and scope, but the qualifications needed are quite similar, making the Investment Analyst the closest match in this list.

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

More Information

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

More Information

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:

More Information

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:

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.