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There's no doubt getting into investment banking is hard primarily because it is the most prestigious job in the Financial Services Industry. Traditionally, companies hire from elite universities and colleges for their entry-level position, but things are changing as banks understand the need for diversity and different backgrounds. Here are some of the usual, and unusual paths, to an Investment Banking career and some tips on how to secure that lucrative job. Entry Level Analyst Investment Banking Opportunity: This is when you join an Investment Bank after finishing your undergraduate degree. Most Bulge Bracket investment banks will take part in the placement rounds at various colleges. This work experience will set you up for a good MBA which can then help you secure a job in the field. Entry Level Associate Investment banking Opportunity: This is perhaps one of the most popular ways to get into an investment bank and usually involves joining them as an associate after a few years of experience and an MBA with a specialisation in Finance. The great part about this route is that even if you didnt go to an ivy league college, your MBA will now stand you in good stead since most Investment Banks prefer this route over most. Most bulge bracket and boutique banks are part of placement rounds in well recognised MBA schools globally and in India. Lateral Roles Investment Banking Opportunity: Finance professionals working in the corporate field can often join an investment bank a few years into their career by way of bringing their sector and domain expertise to the job. Finance professionals from the Private Equity field sometimes move to Investment Banking, even though the reverse is more common. Corporate Investment Banking Unit: Many aspirants tend to forget about the route, but if it is experience and role that's important, this is perhaps as good as working in an Investment Bank with respect to responsibilities and role without having to do business development or secure clients. The caveat lies in the fact that it is a support function and perhaps won't have the dynamism and scope of working on the sell side since you will be restricted by your firms corporate strategy and sectors your company wants to focus on investing in. While salaries are good, they might not be on par with working in a pure play Investment Bank.