1. Know What Investment Banking Actually Involves
Before you dive in, make sure you understand what investment bankers really do. Most roles fall under M&A (mergers and acquisitions), capital raising (IPOs, debt offerings), or advisory services. You’ll work long hours, perform detailed financial modeling, create pitch books, and support clients through complex transactions.
While the job is intense, the learning curve is steep, and the exposure to high-level corporate finance is unmatched. If you're someone who thrives under pressure and is passionate about financial strategy, investment banking could be a perfect fit.
2. Choose the Right MBA Program
If you’re reading this mid-MBA or still applying to programs, know that not all MBAs are created equal in the eyes of investment banks. Top-tier programs — think Wharton, Booth, Columbia, Stern, and INSEAD — have strong finance faculties and dedicated investment banking recruitment pipelines.
However, even if you're at a lesser-known school, don’t worry. Networking and hustle can compensate, but a strong school brand helps open initial doors, especially for summer internships.
3. Secure a Summer Internship — It’s Your Golden Ticket
One of the most important ways to break into investment banking after MBA is through a summer internship between your first and second year. Banks use these internships as 10-week interviews. In fact, more than 70% of full-time analyst and associate hires come from summer internship conversions.
Start early. As in, the moment you start your MBA, begin preparing. Polish your resume, brush up on financial modeling, and practice mock interviews. Join the investment banking club at your school — they usually offer prep materials, interview guides, and alumni connections.
4. Nail the Technical and Behavioral Interviews
To answer how to get started in investment banking after MBA, you need to master two key interview types:
- Technical Interviews: Expect questions on valuation methods (DCF, comps, precedent transactions), accounting fundamentals, Excel proficiency, and real-world deal scenarios. Even if you're not from a finance background, learn these cold.
- Behavioral Interviews: Banks want to see if you’re a cultural fit. Be ready to explain why investment banking, why now, and why their specific firm. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers about leadership, teamwork, and dealing with pressure.
5. Network Aggressively and Smartly
Investment banking is a highly relationship-driven business — and the same goes for getting hired. Attend firm networking events, alumni mixers, and coffee chats. Don’t just collect contacts — build meaningful connections. Ask thoughtful questions and follow up consistently.
Pro tip: Use LinkedIn to reach out to current bankers from your school. A simple, polite message can lead to a call that turns into a referral.
6. Leverage MBA Resources
Your MBA program offers more than classes. Use career services for resume reviews, mock interviews, and on-campus recruiting. Take part in finance case competitions — banks love to see students who go the extra mile.
Also, utilize your professors and visiting alumni. Many MBAs have adjunct professors who are current or former bankers — these can be valuable connections and mentors.
7. Be Prepared to Start as an Associate
Post-MBA, you’ll typically enter as an Investment Banking Associate — a step above analysts (undergrads), but still below VPs and MDs. As an associate, you'll manage analysts, handle client communications, and help execute transactions. It’s a demanding job, but it's the training ground for future rainmakers.
8. Understand the Long Game
Getting into investment banking after an MBA isn’t just about landing a job — it’s about building a career. The hours are long, and the pressure is high, but the payoff (both financially and in career trajectory) can be significant. Many associates go on to become VPs, Managing Directors, or pivot into private equity, venture capital, or corporate development.
Remember, how to get started in investment banking after MBA? doesn’t end at the offer letter. It’s also about growing, learning, and staying sharp in a fast-paced world.
Final Thoughts
So, how do you really get started in investment banking after your MBA? It comes down to preparation, persistence, and strategy. Start early, network relentlessly, ace the interviews, and take full advantage of the resources your MBA offers. Whether you land at Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, or a boutique M&A shop, your MBA can be the launchpad to a dynamic and lucrative career in investment banking.
How to get started in investment banking after MBA? Now you know — it’s part hustle, part preparation, and 100% commitment.