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, governments, and other groups raise funds by issuing shares, bonds, and advising on mergers and acquisitions. They play a key role in financial markets by helping organisations to secure capital for expansion, manage risk, and undertake complex financial transactions. Investment bankers analyse financial data, prepare presentations, and negotiate deals, often working long hours under tight deadlines. The role requires strong quantitative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Most positions are based in London, but there are also opportunities in other major UK cities.

Investment Banker

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Graduate investment bankers in the UK typically start with salaries between £40,000 and £60,000 per year, often with significant bonuses.

Experienced Salary Range

With experience, investment bankers can earn between £80,000 and £150,000 per year, with senior positions exceeding £200,000, plus potential bonuses.

Industry Size

There are approximately 40,000 people working in investment banking and related activities in the UK, with London being the main hub.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst

A specialist who advises companies on buying, selling, or merging with other businesses, handling deal structuring and negotiations.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Equity Capital Markets Analyst

A professional focusing on helping companies raise funds by issuing shares and assisting with initial public offerings and stock market listings.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Debt Advisory Specialist

An expert who advises organisations on borrowing strategies, managing corporate debt, and arranging loans or bond issuances.

Achieve Strong Academic Qualifications

Gain Good GCSEs and A Levels

Achieve high grades in subjects like Maths, Economics, and Business Studies at school.

Investment banks look for candidates with strong academic backgrounds. Aim for at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including Maths and English. For A levels, subjects such as Maths, Economics, or Further Maths are highly valued. Consider taking subjects that improve your analytical and communication skills.

Pursue a Relevant University Degree

Apply to university for a degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Business, or a related field.

Most investment bankers have at least a 2:1 degree from a top university. Degrees in Finance, Economics, Maths, or Business are especially relevant. Some universities offer courses specifically related to banking or financial services. Consider joining finance or investment societies at university to build your network.

Gain Work Experience

Apply for Internships or Insight Days

Seek internships or placements with investment banks or financial institutions during university.

Internships are highly competitive but essential for building experience and making industry contacts. Major investment banks offer summer internship programmes, spring weeks, or insight days for students. Use these opportunities to learn about the industry and demonstrate your interest.

Develop Key Skills

Improve skills in teamwork, communication, and analytical thinking through extracurricular activities and part-time work.

Investment banking demands strong numeracy, analytical ability, and communication skills. Get involved in student societies, debating clubs, or sports teams to develop teamwork and leadership. Part-time work or volunteering can also help you gain valuable transferable skills.

Apply for Graduate Roles

Apply for Graduate Schemes

Submit applications to investment banks for graduate analyst programmes in your final year of university.

Most investment banks recruit new analysts through structured graduate schemes. These programmes typically last two to three years and provide training on the job. Application processes usually include online tests, video interviews, and assessment centres. Research each bank’s deadlines carefully and tailor your applications.

Network and Prepare for Interviews

Attend careers fairs, networking events, and prepare for technical and competency-based interviews.

Networking can help you find out more about the industry and stand out in the application process. Practice common interview questions and technical exercises, such as financial modelling or case studies. Consider speaking to alumni or professionals already working in investment banking for advice.

🎯 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 require strong financial analysis skills, in-depth knowledge of financial markets, and the ability to evaluate investment opportunities. They often work closely together within the finance and banking sectors, with the analyst providing the research and assessment that supports the Investment Banker's decision-making processes.

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.