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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. The problem with this approach is that unless you go to these colleges being part of these placement rounds is quite tough, especially since many boutique banks do not hire in large numbers
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
Lateral Roles Investment Banking Opportunity: While the bulk of Investment Banking roles get filled at Associate level through MBA placements, many roles are filled via lateral movements from different professions in various industries. 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.