What's Investment Banking actually like? A Graduate Analyst explains...

Most people associate Investment Banking (IB) with a lucrative career with an exciting and steep learning curve. But the costs, in working hours and stress, are also well-known. Yet the role keeps having that grandiose aura and keeps receiving the highest number of applications compared to any other graduate role.

I will explain to you, from the inside, my thoughts on who it is for, why I chose it, and if I see myself being an Investment Banker forever.

🤔 Is Investment Banking for everyone?

The hours and the stress are the biggest factors that most people would undermine, compared to the upsides. And it is important to highlight them in advance.

The hours are longer than you think or have ever experienced. Even as a Summer Investment Banker, you'll get to experience that first-hand. So I'd actually recommend going through that and experiencing it for a few months, before committing to a graduate scheme so that you can find if it's for you or not.

These are the longest work hours and the highest stress you will have probably experienced in any work environment, and you can't find out if you can do it until you try it.

🧭 How do I recommend navigating a role in IB?

If you are still interested in this role - my recommendation would be to treating the experience like an education program. The role can be intense with a steep learning environment, but worthwhile if you know what you are getting into. You will learn things that aren't available in any other career path, and develop a strong corporate network that can help you later in your career.

⏳ Do I want to be an Investment Banker forever?

While I aim to become an Investment Banking Associate, I’m unsure if I’d stay to pursue this career path further onto Vice President. I have found that other areas in finance are more interesting and impactful. I got into investment banking to learn the ropes of a client-facing role and its commercial approach - which I have already done.

So in short: no. It's been a great and exciting challenge, but there are other things that I am passionate about and that I would like to explore further.