An analysis of over a million CVs from investment bankers involved in capital markets or M&A/Advisory reveals a concerning trend: investment bankers today are less qualified than their predecessors. This shift primarily affects younger candidates as banks increasingly prioritize early recruitment.
Educational Pathways to Investment Banking
Undergraduate Degrees: It is possible to enter and succeed in investment banking with just an undergraduate degree. Banks primarily recruit from undergraduate programs, and spring internships are gaining importance over summer internships. A consistent and significant portion of bankers in the analyzed database held only undergraduate degrees, reflecting this trend.
Master’s Degrees: Master's degrees, particularly in finance, are popular among students seeking to extend their university years and improve their chances of securing internships. These degrees provide an opportunity for students who narrowly missed securing an internship during their undergraduate years to reapply with additional experience.
MBAs: The prevalence of MBAs among investment bankers has significantly declined, dropping from over 14% to below 7%. This decline is partly due to the preference for recruiting younger candidates straight from undergraduate programs. MBA holders are not as highly regarded as those who have climbed the ranks from analyst positions, reflecting a broader shift towards early recruitment.
PhDs: PhDs have never been common among investment bankers and have become even rarer. Banks prefer to recruit earlier in candidates' careers, and those with PhDs often end up in investment banking later, clustering among the most experienced professionals.
CFAs: Despite the CFA's popularity among international students, its relevance has waned. Banks prioritize hiring undergraduates, reducing the motivation to pursue the CFA. However, it remains a useful credential for leveling the playing field for graduates from less recognized institutions.
Accounting Qualifications: Once a common pathway, accounting qualifications are less popular for entering investment banking today. Although accountants were in demand during the post-pandemic deal boom, many did not stay, and those who did are often more experienced hires.
The Role and Skills of Investment Bankers
Investment bankers are crucial in connecting businesses, investors, and financial markets. They facilitate IPOs, manage mergers and acquisitions, and provide financial advisory services. The job demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, confidence, decision-making capabilities, and a thorough understanding of ethics and compliance.
Path to Becoming an Investment Banker
Aspiring investment bankers typically start with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. Pursuing internships during this period can be beneficial. While not mandatory, a graduate degree such as an MBA can lead to higher-level positions. Practical experience, often gained through on-the-job training, is essential. Additionally, investment bankers must be licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), requiring a series of qualification exams and continuing education.
In summary, while the pathways to becoming an investment banker are diverse, the trend towards earlier recruitment and the declining importance of advanced degrees and qualifications highlight the industry's evolving nature.
Forbes Advisor. (n.d.). How to become an investment banker. Forbes.
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