Investment Banking Analysts

When people have a problem involving raising capital, who would they consult? Yes, they would go and check with their investment banking analyst. People who are highly fascinated with the investment banking world would be at an advantage if they would actually prepare themselves for a career as possible analysts. Investment banking analysts are normally Bachelor-degree holders or undergraduates, who are planning to obtain their MBAs in order to move up in the company ladder. In reality, these undergraduates typically work for a length of around two or maybe even three years before they do this. Before one could even think of becoming an investment banking analyst, they should first finish their Bachelor’s degree studies and also experience a summer internship prior to their senior year in college. The primary reason for this suggestion is due to the fact that a lot of recruiters employ investment banking analysts who once interned for their organization.

Those who want to become an investment banking analyst should be someone who actually takes pleasure in using a computer. This is because it is usual for these analysts to spend most of their hours at the said technology. What they actually do is they have cordial relationships with traditional and non-traditional financial sources that would be able to help their clients determine which one is ideal for the clients’ situation as well as their needs. These investment bankers could also assist people with raising equity, deal structure, and negotiations.

These analysts also often work at their homes and they even pull all-nighters when it is absolutely necessary. Some of their duties involve creating comps, editing pitchbooks, and building models. The more experienced analysts could even put together pitchbooks and still, there are others who could work their way into those exciting responsibilities like a live transaction type meeting. The analysts’ job details could definitely differ but one thing is guaranteed, their hours are normally long as well as tiring. One’s day might start at 9 in the morning and it could very well end way past midnight, although there are some days that could be considered slow.

Investment banking analysts should be highly proficient with Excel spreadsheets, Bloomberg, Word and PowerPoint as well as be familiar with writing VBA macros. They should also know how to make prospectuses, generate as well as track regular newsletters (or weeklies), get pitch books, run errands, keep schedules, and answer client phone calls, among others. Analysts should be hardworking, thorough, reliable and flexible. Some great tips to become a good analyst is to learn about the market and the finance industry, keep abreast of the business and financial news, start early, and always love the job.

After the analysts have worked for either two or three years, they might now want to pursue their MBA degrees and might or might not even return to the investment banking industry. Those former analysts that have gotten MBA degrees would have the clear-cut edge over others who have not actually worked in this particular field. Simply put, being a true-blue investment banking analyst is similar to proudly earning one’s stripes in the financial industry.

To further widen your horizon and knowledge, read more details on what it takes to be an investment banking analyst.
John Janson writes on a part time basis, exploring learnings in business opportunities, current trends, technologies and home improvements.