{"id":430,"date":"2025-07-25T13:45:26","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T08:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/?p=430"},"modified":"2026-01-20T09:36:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T04:06:32","slug":"how-to-become-a-investment-banker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-investment-banker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Investment Banker: The Realest Guide for Beginners in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Let\u2019s be honest-I didn\u2019t always know what an investment banker even did. I just kept hearing the words \u201cbig money\u201d and \u201cWall Street vibes\u201d and assumed it was out of reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here\u2019s the plot twist: it\u2019s not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering <em>how to become a investment banker<\/em>, even without a finance degree or MBA, you\u2019re asking the right question. This blog is for the ones who didn\u2019t come from a fancy school or a financial background-but are ready to hustle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the real guide. From one regular person to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why People Chase Investment Banking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not gonna lie-one of the biggest reasons is money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that\u2019s not all. It\u2019s also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fast-paced<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High impact<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Globally respected<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You get to work on real deals, talk to smart people, and make decisions that actually move markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Do Investment Bankers <\/strong><strong><em>Really<\/em><\/strong><strong> Do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No fluff. Here\u2019s what your job will look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crunch numbers to value companies<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help them raise money or get acquired<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make pitch decks and financial models<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present ideas to clients and investors<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, there\u2019s a lot of Excel. But it\u2019s more about business logic than math formulas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Become a Investment Banker (Step-by-Step)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the game plan I wish someone gave me earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Know What You\u2019re Signing Up For<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re not just entering finance-you\u2019re entering high-performance territory. You\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong Excel + finance basics<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great communication (seriously, this matters)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thick skin (there\u2019s pressure, deadlines, clients)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Learn the Skills That Actually Matter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Forget textbook theory. Learn what bankers use every day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Financial modeling (building forecasts in Excel)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valuation (how much is this company worth?)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pitchbooks (your slide decks for convincing investors)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>M&amp;A basics (what happens when companies buy each other)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Choose a No-Nonsense Course<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need a \u20b920L MBA to break in. You need a <strong>placement-focused course<\/strong> with practical training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/investment-banking-course\"> <strong>Itvedant\u2019s Investment Banking Course<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; it\u2019s made for people starting from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll get:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Real-world projects<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resume &amp; LinkedIn help<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interview prep<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support until you land a job<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Become a Investment Banker Without a Degree<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yeah, I know-it sounds wild. But I\u2019ve seen it happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Banks and financial firms don\u2019t always care about where you studied. They care if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You can build a model<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You understand how deals work<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can speak the language of business<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you\u2019re serious and asking <em>how to become an investment banker without a degree<\/em>, here\u2019s the answer: build your skill set and <strong>prove it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with small firms. Apply like crazy. Get your foot in the door. The degree becomes secondary real quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do You <\/strong><strong><em>Need<\/em><\/strong><strong> an MBA or Finance Degree?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nope. Helpful? Sure. Essential? Not even close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve trained people from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engineering<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Media and design<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>List goes on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re willing to learn, you&#8217;re eligible. End of story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Become a Successful Investment Banker<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting hired is one thing. Staying in-and growing-is another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what makes someone stand out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be Reliable<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Show up. Meet deadlines. Deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be Curious<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best bankers I know are always learning. They ask questions. They read filings. They reverse-engineer pitch decks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be Sharp on Calls<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clients don\u2019t care about your degree. They care if you understand their business and can give them a solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s <em>how to become a successful investment banker<\/em>. It\u2019s more grit than glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Traits of the Best Investment Banker<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You want to be the <strong>best investment banker<\/strong>? Here\u2019s what to work on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay calm under pressure<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think like a business owner<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicate like a storyteller<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Handle feedback without ego<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also-remember people\u2019s names. It helps more than you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Real Story: Saurabh Shelar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The teacher makes every topic super easy to understand and always encourages us to ask questions. Classes feel interactive and fun, not boring lectures. The environment is really positive and inclusive-I feel confident speaking up, which wasn\u2019t the case before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happens After You Get In?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve got options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Investment Banking Analyst<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>M&amp;A Associate<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporate Finance Executive<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Private Equity Trainee<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business Valuation Analyst<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting salaries? Usually \u20b98\u201320 LPA. But the real value is in the network, the skill set, and the doors it opens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Okay, So What Now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve been searching <em>how to become a investment banker<\/em>, here\u2019s your answer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t wait for perfect timing<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t stress about your background<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start learning and apply what you learn<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>?<a href=\"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/investment-banking-course\"> Join Itvedant\u2019s Investment Banking Course<\/a> and get the roadmap most people never find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to \u201cbelong\u201d in this world. You just need to show up ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s go.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s be honest-I didn\u2019t always know what an investment banker even did. I just kept hearing the words \u201cbig money\u201d [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":440,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/430"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=430"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":431,"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/430\/revisions\/431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itvedant.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}