Career in Investment Banking?

Most of these questions are easily answerable by Googling (and not many bankers actually frequent these forums try r/financialcareers or WSO for that). However, I'll provide a few resources below on the topic that I found interesting (apart from the ones that turn up on a google search like M&I).

The answer to your first question is completely subjective. The answer to your last question is almost definitely no. There are degree apprenticeships I believe (which JPM and a few other banks offer) but obviously they also entail getting a degree and are *very* competitive. If you want a decent work-life balance (depending on what you define as "decent") then ibanking is definitely not for you unless you're willing to suck it up for 1-2 years (refer to the below links for details). There are other finance paths that have more acceptable WLBs.

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/worklife-balance-equity-research-vs-investment-banking-a-definitive-guide-part-1
https://www.reddit.com/r/FinancialCareers/comments/m0guw9/day_in_the_life_of_an_investment_banker_a_good/

BONUS in case you've been following the news.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FinancialCareers/comments/mkqyiw/exbankers_thoughts_on_the_leaked_goldman_sachs/

Hi all,

Can I please have some advice from people who work in Investment Banking?

- Is it enjoyable?
- What is the social life like?
- What are the hours like?
- Is it possible for me to get into Investment Banking without going to Uni?

Many thanks for any advice that is received, I am trying to figure out if a career in Investment Banking is for me?

I am a very social person, chatty and upbeat. I love to travel and meet new people. I am good working in a team. I am not afraid of working hard, and will do whatever it takes if there is a clear goal ahead of me, although having a decent work life balance is very important to me.

Also would appreciate if anyone could recommend any other career paths that might suit me?

I am currently in my first year of college.

Harrison

Hi Harrison,

I'm an ex-investment banker (worked at J.P. Morgan) so can provide some insight from my first-hand experience!

The hours are quite long initially but improve as you progress (also depends on your team). Expect 80-90 hours plus per week as an Analyst, a little less as an Associate, and more balance from VP onwards. Long hours aside, you certainly learn a lot in a short space of time & get to work on significant projects with great client / senior-level exposure. One option is to do it for say 2 years, gain the experience, and then exit.


Good luck. JT.

Thanks JT!

Can I just ask why are the hours so long in IB? And what does a typical normal day consist of?
IB is my preferred career choice, but the long hours just really put me off! I don’t mind working hard but a good work life balance is really important to me. Thank you