HOW TO GET STARTED IN INVESTMENT BANKING AFTER MBA? A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to Get Started in Investment Banking After MBA? A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Started in Investment Banking After MBA? A Step-by-Step Guide

Blog Article

Investment banking is one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding career paths for MBA graduates. The allure of high salaries, fast-paced work environments, and a powerful professional network attracts thousands of MBA students every year. But the big question remains—how to get started in investment banking after MBA?

In this guide, we’ll break down the process and help you position yourself for success in this competitive industry.

Why Choose Investment Banking After Your MBA?


Before diving into how to get started in investment banking after MBA, it’s important to understand why so many MBA grads choose this path.

  • Lucrative Compensation: First-year associates can earn upwards of $150,000–$200,000, with bonuses pushing total comp even higher.

  • Career Growth: Fast-track promotions, especially for top performers.

  • Prestige & Exit Opportunities: Work at elite firms and transition easily into private equity, hedge funds, or corporate finance roles.


Now let’s explore what it takes to break into the field.

Step 1: Choose the Right MBA Program


If you're serious about investment banking, start by targeting top-tier business schools with strong finance programs and IB recruiting pipelines. Schools like Wharton, Booth, Columbia, NYU Stern, and Harvard have deep connections with investment banks and alumni networks.

Here’s what to look for:

  • On-campus recruitment from top firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan

  • Investment banking clubs and finance treks

  • Alumni mentors in IB roles

  • Courses in financial modeling, corporate finance, and M&A


Tip: The earlier you start preparing, the better your chances of landing an internship and full-time offer.

Step 2: Secure a Summer Internship


Your summer internship after the first year of your MBA is the golden ticket to a full-time offer. In fact, over 70% of investment banking associate hires come directly from the summer intern pool.

To land an internship:



  • Network early and often: Reach out to alumni and current associates. Ask smart questions and build relationships.

  • Attend IB info sessions and coffee chats: These are critical for getting noticed before interviews.

  • Polish your resume and cover letter: Highlight finance-related accomplishments, leadership experience, and analytical skills.

  • Practice technical and behavioral interviews: Know your DCFs, comps, LBOs, and be ready to walk through your resume in detail.


Step 3: Build a Rock-Solid Finance Skillset


Investment bankers need to hit the ground running. Your MBA will teach you the theory, but you must also master the technical skills:

  • Excel & Financial Modeling: Know how to build 3-statement models, DCFs, merger models, and LBOs.

  • Valuation Methods: Understand comps, precedent transactions, and intrinsic valuation.

  • Accounting & Corporate alliance: Solid command of balance sheets, income statements, and cash flows.


Bonus Tip: Use online platforms like Wall Street Prep, Breaking Into Wall Street (BIWS), or Coursera to get hands-on practice.

Step 4: Crush the Interviews


Interviews for investment banking associate roles are intense and rigorous. They typically include:

  • Behavioral Questions: “Why investment banking?”, “Why our firm?”, “Walk me through your resume.”

  • Technical Questions: “How do you value a company?”, “What happens to the three financial statements when depreciation increases?”

  • Market-Based Questions: Be prepared to discuss recent deals, IPOs, or M&A trends.


How to prepare? Mock interviews, technical prep guides, and staying up to date with financial news via WSJ, CNBC, and Bloomberg.

Step 5: Get the Offer – and Deliver


Once you land a summer internship and secure a return offer, your next focus is performance. The full-time role after MBA is demanding, and banks expect associates to lead analysts, manage client requests, and support deal execution.

To thrive as a new associate:



  • Be dependable: Always double-check your work and meet deadlines.

  • Be proactive: Take initiative and volunteer for more complex tasks.

  • Manage relationships: Build trust with analysts, VPs, and senior bankers.


What If You Don’t Get an Internship?


If you miss the internship route, don’t give up. Here's how to get started in investment banking after MBA without an internship:

  • Lateral hiring: Some boutique or middle-market banks hire off-cycle.

  • Alumni referrals: Strong alumni ties can open doors even after graduation.

  • Start in related roles: Consider roles in corporate finance, transaction advisory, or private equity and pivot later.


Final Thoughts


Breaking into investment banking after an MBA is challenging—but not impossible. With the right school, network, skills, and hustle, you can land a role at a top firm and accelerate your career. Whether you’re an incoming MBA student or just graduated, knowing how to get started in investment banking after MBA gives you the edge you need.

Now it’s your turn. Start building your network, sharpen your technical skills, and go after the job you want. The road might be tough, but the reward is worth it.

Report this page