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Whether you’re someone who has just graduated with a major in business or finance, or you’re someone who has already spent a few years working within a different industry, if you’re interested in the concept of starting a career within the investment banking sector, then you may be unsure about where to start. Knowing how to get your career in investment banking off of the ground isn’t a simple or straightforward task - there’s a lot that you need to consider.
Although the investment banking industry is highly competitive, the good news is that it’s packed full of highly rewarding opportunities. You will find plenty of useful people within the industry who are willing to share their insights and advice with you about their own successful careers. You will also find that there is plenty of training and support available, when it comes to moving forward within the investment banking sphere.
If you are serious about becoming an investment banker, then the advice below will be invaluable to your career aspiration and success.
Understand the career track
First and foremost, it’s essential that when it comes to building a career as an investment banker, that you take the time to understand the path that you will need to follow. For most investment bankers, the career track begins with an internship or entry-level role - these seemingly menial roles are vital for your success within the investment banking industry. Ensure that any internship or entry-level roles that you apply for, offer the adequate training and career advancement opportunities that you require for a successful investment banking career.
Develop your knowledge
Having a solid understanding of the industry in which you will be working is vital for your success as an investment banker. That’s why it’s crucial that you take the time to develop the knowledge that you have, and properly get to know the industry in which you will be working. You need to properly understand past and present marketing trends, and consider where you specialist knowledge will lay, if you plan on building one, that is.
Build your network
Like all industries, investment banking is as much about who you know as what you know, which is why building a strong, supportive network within the industry is so important. An effective way to build your network is through internships, shadowing, and networking, both in-person networking and virtual networking, via sites such as LinkedIn where you can find key investment bankers, like Australian investment banker Adam Blumenthal, for example. If you want to see success within the investment banking industry, you need to build a strong network of contacts to utilise as and when you need them.
There you have it, a simple guide to how to begin to build a successful career within the investment banking sector. The process isn’t a quick one - it will take time and hard work to make your mark on the industry. However, with the right approach and the right mindset, it is possible to achieve success.