How to Break into Investment Banking in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are You Ready to Land Your Dream Job in Investment Banking?

Investment banking is one of the most lucrative yet competitive careers in the finance industry. With high salaries, fast-paced work, and prestige, it’s a dream career for many. But in 2025, how can someone break into investment banking, particularly if they lack a prestigious university degree or a background in finance? Let’s break it down step by step!

Step 1: Understand the Investment Banking Landscape

Before diving in, understand what investment banking is all about. Investment banks help companies raise capital, facilitate mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and provide advisory services. Key players include Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Indian firms like Kotak Investment Banking and JM Financial.

👉 Example: If Tata Motors wants to acquire an electric vehicle startup, an investment bank will handle valuation, negotiations, and financing options.

Step 2: Choose the Right Career Path 

Investment banking has multiple roles: ✅ Front Office – M&A, Capital Markets, Equity Research ✅ Middle Office – Risk Management, Compliance ✅ Back Office – Trade Settlements, Fund Accounting

Decide where your skills fit best before targeting job applications.

Step 3: Develop the Right Skills 

Investment banks look for candidates with: ✔ Financial Modeling & Valuation Skills (DCF, LBO, Comparables) ✔ Excel & PowerPoint Mastery ✔ Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills ✔ Communication & Presentation Skills

Pro Tip: Enroll in online courses on Coursera, Wall Street Prep, or CFA programs to gain a competitive edge.

Step 4: Build a Strong Resume & LinkedIn Profile 

Your resume should highlight: ✅ Education (Finance, MBA, CFA, CA, or related courses) ✅ Relevant Internships (Big 4 firms, Private Equity, Consulting) ✅ Certifications (CFA, FRM, Financial Modeling courses)

🔍 Example: If you’re a BCom graduate, highlight projects like company valuation or stock market research to show your finance expertise.

Step 5: Network Like a Pro

80% of investment banking jobs come from networking. Attend: ✅ LinkedIn Networking Events ✅ CFA Society & Finance Conferences ✅ Alumni Meetups & Webinars

📢 Tip: Connect with IB professionals and ask for informational interviews. A simple “Hi, I’m keen on investment banking, would love to hear about your journey” message works wonders.

Step 6: Master the Interview Process 

Investment banking interviews include: ✔ Technical Questions – Financial statements, valuation techniques, M&A modeling ✔ Behavioral Questions – “Why Investment Banking?”, “Tell me about a time you worked under pressure.” ✔ Case Studies & Brain Teasers – Be ready to solve real-world finance problems.

📌 Example Question: “How would you value a company with negative earnings?” ✅ Answer: Use a revenue multiple or industry Comparables instead of P/E ratio.

Step 7: Apply for Jobs Strategically 

Start with: ✅ Investment Banks (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Kotak IB) ✅ Boutique IB Firms (Avendus Capital, Motilal Oswal IB) ✅ Private Equity & Asset Management Firms

💡 Bonus Tip: Apply for analyst/associate roles and internships first; lateral hiring is common in IB.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Now!

Investment banking is tough but achievable. With the right skills, networking, and preparation, you can break into IB in 2025. Start building your roadmap today!

👇 Did you find this helpful? Comment your biggest challenge in cracking investment banking!