Breaking into the world of investment banking can seem like a daunting task. With the industry being highly competitive, it often requires a unique and unorthodox approach to stand out from the crowd and secure a position that many dream of. In this article, we will explore an unconventional but effective strategy that could potentially help you break into the lucrative field of investment banking.

The Traditional Approach

Before we dive into the unorthodox approach, let's briefly touch upon the traditional route that most aspiring investment bankers take. This usually involves obtaining a top-tier education, preferably in finance or a related field, followed by internships at prestigious financial institutions. It also includes networking extensively, attending industry events, and building relationships with professionals in the field.

Breaking Into Investment Banking: An Unorthodox Approach

by The ibanker (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1037 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	107 pages
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The Unorthodox Approach

While the traditional approach certainly has its merits, it is not the only path to success. Sometimes thinking outside the box can be a game-changer. Instead of following the crowd, one unorthodox approach involves leveraging your unique skills, experiences, and passions to set yourself apart from other candidates in a memorable way.

1. Embrace Your Unconventional Background

Many investment banking professionals possess backgrounds in finance or business. However, having an unconventional background can actually work to your advantage. If you have a diverse skill set or expertise in a different field, emphasize how those skills can be applied to the investment banking world. This showcases your versatility and ability to think differently, which are highly valued traits in the industry.

2. Use Personal Projects to Showcase Your Abilities

Instead of solely relying on internships or previous job experiences, consider working on personal projects related to investment banking. This could involve conducting independent financial analyses, creating investment portfolios, or writing research reports. By presenting these projects during interviews or through an online portfolio, you demonstrate your knowledge, passion, and ability to take initiative.

3. Leverage Technology and Social Media

In today's digital age, it's crucial to leverage technology and social media platforms to your advantage. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and share your thoughts and insights on investment banking topics. Building a strong online presence can help you establish yourself as a thought leader and prove your commitment to the field.

4. Network Strategically

While networking is a common practice in the investment banking industry, taking a strategic approach is essential. Instead of blindly reaching out to professionals, identify individuals who align with your values, interests, or career goals. Engage in meaningful conversations, attend industry conferences, and actively seek out mentorship opportunities. A well-curated network can significantly increase your chances of breaking into investment banking.

The Long-Term Benefits

Although this unorthodox approach may require more effort initially, it has the potential for long-term benefits. By embracing your uniqueness, showcasing your abilities through personal projects, leveraging technology and networking strategically, you not only become a more competitive candidate for investment banking positions but also set yourself up for future success within the industry.

In

Breaking into investment banking requires a combination of industry knowledge, experience, and a bit of creativity. While the traditional route can be effective, considering an unorthodox approach might be the key to securing your dream position. By embracing your unconventional background, using personal projects to showcase your abilities, leveraging technology and networking strategically, you can differentiate yourself in a highly competitive field and successfully break into the lucrative world of investment banking.

Breaking Into Investment Banking: An Unorthodox Approach

by The ibanker (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1037 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	107 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

What does it take to break into Investment Banking? Can I do it?

(For students and those about to start their studies - undergrad & grad)

The traditional approach to get into the business leaves far too much to chance and is more of a memorise-hundreds-of-interview-Q&As-and-formulas-like-a-dog-and-wait-to-get-picked mentality. Of course, you'll have to do a lot of hard work and preparation if you want to win that coveted seat - that's a given. But most people end up wasting precious time on activities that won't further their cause. The key to your success shouldn't cost hundreds or thousands of dollars either.

The ibanker will help you adopt the right mindset, outlook and strategic approach to your search.

"But I'm working really hard toward breaking in, already"

So you've already read all there is about investment banking, gone through hundreds of interview questions, have perused all the bank websites, learned your financial formulas and done all that kind of work. You've done things differently...or have you?

1) You have literally spent hundreds of hours online, on forums, chat sites, blogs and the like.
You've paid lots of money and enrolled in financial modelling courses

2) You've contacted people in the business, be they alumni from your school, friends of friends, your uncle's former dorm mate, your neighbour's hotshot cousin

3) You've read the finance classics and have also watched Wall Street enough times to recite whole sections by heart

Basically, you've done the same thing as many other determined and eager candidates. Let's face it, you're not the only one looking to break into the business. There's tremendous competition, just like there is to become an actor in Hollywood, a successful musician, etc. If you take the most travelled route then you're leaving things in the hands of luck. Carve your own path. This eBook will teach you how.

"But I've spent a lot of time preparing"

Fine. That is very good and the more you've learned the better. But keeping busy doesn't mean you're productive. You may be wasting time on the wrong activities.

The reality is that there's a universe of information on the web to go through. On the one hand much of it is as beneficial as used condom. On the other, some of it is very useful, practical and should be studied.

The good stuff includes:

• Material explaining what different bankers (e.g. M&A, DCM, ECM, Research, etc.) do day to day, including example deals and how they're executed

• Practical and detailed advice on how to handle recruiters and prepare your application

• Videos of professional bankers talking of the business, the culture and their day-to-day roles

• Tips on networking with bankers to gain an edge

• Studying successful resumes and listening to what recruiters have to say about the things that catch their attention

Remember, the above is what most eager and ambitious people are already doing.

You have to be different

What this guide promotes is a shift in mindset.

It outlines a number of steps you can put into practice to tackle your job search differently and more effectively than most people do. You will learn why you need to be contrarian in your approach.

Things to consider:

• I landed a job in banking and didn't have a 4.0 GPA or straight A's or whatever grading system you want to refer to. Far from it...

• I've seen candidates from all walks of life land a job in the business. From various countries around the world, reflecting a wide range of academic disciplines and different extra-curricular activities. Some came with previous finance experience while others had none. There were those who took the normal route into the bank. And of course there were those who used contacts or clever tricks

• You need not have studied at one of the world's top schools