Investment Banking Analyst

How To Become A Investment Banking Analyst

If you are searching for a fulfilling occupation in the financial sector that features numerous responsibilities, you should consider becoming an investment banking analyst. To launch your career as an investment banking analyst, you can enroll in the Master of Science in Management Information Systems program at Fairfax University of America, with a campus in Virginia near Washington, D.C.

What Is an Investment Banking Analyst?

Investment banks act as liaisons between businesses and financial markets, helping their clients achieve various goals. At an investment bank, a corporate client can find assistance in becoming publicly traded, guidance with mergers, sound financial advice backed by extensive market research, and similar services. Investment banking analysts work in these institutions, investigating different investments to find the best options for meeting their clients’ needs and objectives.

The duties of investment banking analysts depend on the corporate clients they are working with. When helping a new client, they will collect data about the organization and look into investment opportunities, and then present their findings to the investment team to develop the best suggestions. If serving an existing client, an analyst will examine investment performance to determine if changes are required.

Sometimes, investment banking analysts provide services for their employing organization. In these cases, analysts will evaluate business assets and revenue reports, and examine trends within the industry to make informed recommendations for the bank.

What Does an Investment Banking Analyst Do?

While every position will look slightly different depending on the company, you can expect to conduct the following tasks if you become an investment banking analyst:

  • Studying and analyzing investment data, such as stock and bond performance
  • Researching market trends in your industry
  • Creating spreadsheets and other financial valuation models to monitor earnings, trends, and overall performance
  • Developing research reports, presentations, briefing books, and similar materials to share findings with the investment banking team, investment banker, and clients
  • Performing administrative tasks to ensure the team runs efficiently, such as scheduling meetings

Career Advancement for an Investment Banking Analyst

As mentioned, jobs for investment banking analysts can be highly financially rewarding. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the average annual wage for financial analysts is $81,410, significantly higher than the $45,760 median salary for all occupations. Additionally, the career path offers exceptional growth opportunities—many investment banking analysts go on to secure distinguished positions in the finance sector.

However, this occupation tends to be competitive, making it necessary for you to stand out when seeking work as an investment banking analyst. The following strategies can help you better secure a job:

  • CFA charter: For investment banking analysts, the CFA charter is the most esteemed designation available. To receive it, you must complete the CFA program, which consists of a three-part examination. Earning this distinction will enable you to fill senior and executive roles in asset, investment, and risk management.
  • FINRA registration: All individuals who wish to become investment banking analysts must register with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). You may need to take securities licensing exams to obtain this registration depending on the specific position.
  • Internship: Completing an investment banking internship provides you with practical experience, which employers will find valuable when you apply for work. Additionally, an internship gives you contacts to grow your network and explore further career opportunities.

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Management Information Systems

Another way to advance your career as an investment banking analyst is to get a master’s degree. Having a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite to obtaining most jobs, but a master’s degree gives you the qualifications to perform more duties and potentially earn higher pay. The School of Business at Fairfax University of America offers the ideal master’s program for those interested in becoming investment banking analysts—the Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) program.

The master’s in MIS builds on the topics discussed in the bachelor’s degree, showing students how to create solutions to complicated management and technology problems at businesses. It strengthens their critical thinking and research skills to adapt to changing technology and information resources and cultivates an entrepreneurial attitude in students, inspiring them to be transformative leaders regardless of their industry or role.

Enrolling in the master’s in MIS program prepares you for a career as an investment banking analyst, but the skills you acquire with this degree also will allow you to pursue the following careers:

  • Chief information or technology officer
  • Director of information technology
  • Database manager
  • Network administrator
  • Cloud architect
  • Supply chain manager
  • Management consultant
  • Systems manager or engineer
  • Web or mobile application designer
  • Video game developer

Why Study at Fairfax University of America?

At Fairfax University of America, you will receive a student-centered education with the flexibility to design your studies according to your needs, all at affordable tuition and cost. In addition to providing students with competency to experience success in various industries and positions, we empower them to achieve higher levels of personal development, as well. To learn more about the master’s in MIS program in Virginia, you can request information online today. You also can fill out an application.