How hard is it to get into investment banking?
Investment Banking Training at Quality Thought
Overview
Step into the world of high finance with Quality Thought’s Investment Banking Program — a specialized training course designed to prepare you for a dynamic career in global finance, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and corporate advisory. Whether you are a fresh graduate, finance enthusiast, or working professional looking to pivot into investment banking, this course equips you with the essential skills and industry insights.
Why Choose Investment Banking?
Investment banking is one of the most prestigious and rewarding career paths in finance. Professionals in this domain work on:
Raising Capital for corporations and governments
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) strategy and execution
Equity and Debt Market Advisory
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
Financial Modelling & Valuations
It’s a field known for its intellectual challenge, high-impact work, and significant earning potential.
Course Highlights at Quality Thought
✅ Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Covers core concepts like Financial Statement Analysis, DCF & Relative Valuation, Pitch Books, M&A Strategy, and Deal Structuring.
✅ Hands-On Learning
Work on real-life case studies, investment decks, and Excel-based financial models.
✅ Expert Mentors
Learn from seasoned professionals with experience at top investment banks and consulting firms.
✅ Job-Focused Training
Resume building, interview preparation, mock investment banking interviews, and placement support.
✅ Certifications
Get certified on course completion – a valuable addition to your professional profile.
⚠️ Why It's Hard to Break into Investment Banking
1. High Competition
Thousands of applicants compete for a small number of positions.
Top investment banks (like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan) may have acceptance rates below 1% for entry-level roles.
2. Demanding Skill Set
You need a strong foundation in:
Financial modeling
Valuation methods (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions)
Excel & PowerPoint
Accounting basics
Capital markets knowledge
Most candidates don’t learn these in college unless they pursue finance, CA, or CFA paths—or go through a specialized IB course.
3. Elite Education Bias
Global firms often prefer IIT/IIM, Ivy League, or Tier 1 B-school graduates.
However, smaller boutique firms or firms in India/Asia are more open to non-IIT/MBA candidates with practical skills.
4. Tough Interview Process
Interviews are intense: a mix of technical questions, behavioral questions, and case studies.
Many candidates are rejected due to poor preparation or lack of real-world deal knowledge.
5. Networking is Crucial
A lot of hiring happens through referrals and internal recommendations.
Many candidates don’t actively network or don’t know how.
✅ What Makes It Easier
Taking a practical investment banking course (like at Quality Thought) that teaches you modeling, pitch books, and M&A from scratch.
Starting with internships or roles at smaller firms, then moving up.
Being persistent and building relationships on LinkedIn.
Learning the technical skills independently (Excel, DCF, LBO modeling, etc.).
Creating a strong resume with relevant projects and financial analysis.
🎯 Realistic Timeline to Break In (For a Beginner)
| Time | Step |
|---|---|
| 0–3 months | Take a structured course, build technical skills |
| 3–6 months | Apply for internships and entry-level analyst roles |
| 6–12 months | Gain experience and build a strong resume/LinkedIn |
| 1–2 years | Move into larger firms or better roles with experience |
