Get a Job in Investment Banking
Getting a job in investment banking is a highly competitive process. Generally, the most successful candidates are ones that make a good impression while coming across as professional, relatively experienced, and ready to learn.
Steps
Start with an Internship
- Find a Banking Job Internship. It's unlikely that you'll be able to plunge directly into an investment banking career. You'll need to complete one or two internships first. Most banks will hire interns only after their junior year of college, but some have programs for sophomores or even high school students. However, you can show interest and get noticed early by being present at recruiting events and asking questions.
- Work hard. Remember: An internship is the best way to get a full-time offer. If you're an exceptional intern, you could have a full-time offer plus a sign-on bonus by Thanksgiving of your job search season. Even if there isn't the prospect of a full-time offer, though, having the people that you intern with speak highly of you will be a huge benefit in the future.
Make a Good Impression at Recruitment Events
- Dress professionally. Wear grey, navy, or black. Don't worry about dressing to be remembered. You will be. It's the recruiter's job to remember the candidates. Therefore, leave the bright colors and strong fragrances at home. You want to show the recruiters that you'll fit in at the office.
- Always come to interviews and recruiting events in professional business attire. This means a suit with a jacket for men, and a skirt or suit with a jacket for women. Avoid unusual hair styles and make sure you're well-groomed.
- Sell yourself. Make sure you're able to communicate your strengths in a confident way without seeming arrogant.
- Effectively communicate your weaknesses. Show the recruiters that you are aware of the places that you need to improve by having a solid answer if you're asked about your weaknesses. You should also have a plan for improving in those areas.
- Ask questions. Raising well-thought-out questions or concerns (i.e., not something that could be answered with minimal research) is a good way to show the recruiter that you're interested and would like to learn more about the prospect of a job with their company.
- Follow up with a "thank you" email. As soon as possible after the event, send a thank you email to the recruiter. This will create a one-on-one bond with the recruiter and show him/her that you understand the importance of following up, being courteous, and adding closure to your meeting. It also offers you one last chance to tell them how much you want the position.
- Speed is key. Although hand written notes are more personal, the advantage can be lost in the days it takes for the note to be delivered by mail.
- Double- and triple-check your email for typos. It's important to come off as well polished and error-free in your communications. In investment banking, one typo can cost someone a huge sum of money!
