← All Career Paths
🏦

Investment Banking

Advise companies on M&A, IPOs, and capital raising

Entry ₹8L | Mid ₹20L | Senior ₹50L+
1 0–6 Months Build the Foundation 2 6–18 Months Get Qualified 3 Year 1–2 Get Your First Role 4 Year 2–5 Analyst & Associate 5 Year 5–9 VP / Director 6 Year 9+ Managing Director & Beyond

Step-by-Step Roadmap

Investment bankers act as financial advisors on the biggest corporate transactions — mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and debt/equity fundraising. It is one of the most competitive and highest-paying careers in finance, demanding precision, long hours, and strong analytical skills.

📚
Stage 1

Build the Foundation

0–6 Months
  • ▸ Complete B.Com / BBA / Economics degree with strong academic record
  • ▸ Master Excel: financial modelling, PivotTables, VLOOKUP, shortcuts
  • ▸ Learn accounting basics: P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow
  • ▸ Read 'Investment Banking' by Rosenbaum & Pearl
  • ▸ Follow markets daily — Nifty, Sensex, major deals
🎯
MILESTONE Can read and interpret a company's financial statements
🎓
Stage 2

Get Qualified

6–18 Months
  • ▸ Enrol in CFA Level 1 — the global benchmark for finance
  • ▸ Take a financial modelling certification (CFI, WSP, or local courses)
  • ▸ Learn PowerPoint for pitchbook presentations
  • ▸ Start preparing for MBA entrance (CAT / GMAT) if targeting top banks
  • ▸ Follow live deal announcements on BSE/NSE and Moneycontrol
🎯
MILESTONE CFA L1 cleared or MBA admission secured
💼
Stage 3

Get Your First Role

Year 1–2
  • ▸ Apply for analyst roles at boutique banks, Big 4 advisory, or NBFCs
  • ▸ Apply to summer internship programmes at top banks (campus or off-campus)
  • ▸ Build 2–3 model portfolio projects (DCF, LBO, M&A comps)
  • ▸ Network on LinkedIn — connect with IB analysts and VPs
  • ▸ Prepare for technical interviews: accounting, valuation, deal walk-throughs
🎯
MILESTONE Secured first analyst offer or internship at a financial firm
📊
Stage 4

Analyst & Associate

Year 2–5
  • ▸ Execute live deals: build models, run due diligence, draft pitchbooks
  • ▸ Work across sectors — understand FMCG, tech, infra deal structures
  • ▸ Clear CFA Level 2 & 3 while working
  • ▸ Complete MBA (if pursuing post-experience MBA path)
  • ▸ Take on associate-level responsibility: manage analysts, lead sections
🎯
MILESTONE Led or co-led at least one closed transaction
🏆
Stage 5

VP / Director

Year 5–9
  • ▸ Own client relationships — originate and convert mandates
  • ▸ Lead deal teams and mentor junior bankers
  • ▸ Develop sector or product specialisation (M&A, ECM, DCM)
  • ▸ Build external reputation through deals, panels, and publications
  • ▸ P&L accountability for your coverage group
🎯
MILESTONE Independently originated or managed a significant deal
⭐
Stage 6

Managing Director & Beyond

Year 9+
  • ▸ Senior client coverage — CEOs, CFOs, promoters
  • ▸ Set strategy for the team and sector coverage
  • ▸ Represent the firm at industry forums and media
  • ▸ Consider transition to PE, Family Office, or CFO roles
  • ▸ Mentor the next generation of bankers
🎯
MILESTONE Named MD or Partner; recognised deal-maker in your sector

🛠️ Key Skills

Financial Modelling Valuation (DCF/Comps) Excel & PowerPoint Pitchbook Building Deal Execution Client Presentation

📜 Certifications

  • ✦ CFA (Level 1–3)
  • ✦ MBA (IIM / ISB / Global)
  • ✦ NISM Series XV
  • ✦ CA (optional)

🏢 Where to Apply

Global investment banks Domestic investment banks Big 4 advisory firms Boutique M&A advisory firms Securities subsidiaries of large banks
🤖

Ready to Apply?

Use Moneykar AI to build your CV, cover letter, and check your job match.

📄 Build ATS CV ✉️ Cover Letter 🎯 Match Score

Explore Other Career Paths

📊 Equity Research 💼 Portfolio Management 🏗️ Wealth Management 🏢 Corporate Finance / FP&A 📉 Risk Management 🏛️ Banking (PSU & Private) 🤖 FinTech 🔍 Financial Auditing 📜 Compliance & Regulatory 💹 Derivatives & Trading 🌱 Insurance & Actuarial 🔐 AML & Financial Crime
🤖