HOW TO GET STARTED IN INVESTMENT BANKING AFTER MBA? THE INSIDER BLUEPRINT

How to Get Started in Investment Banking After MBA? The Insider Blueprint

How to Get Started in Investment Banking After MBA? The Insider Blueprint

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If you’re chasing a high-octane career with global impact, prestige, and serious compensation, investment banking is likely at the top of your list. And if you're pursuing or finishing an MBA, you're in the ideal position to make it happen. But here’s the million-dollar question: How to get started in investment banking after MBA?

Let’s unpack what it really takes — step-by-step — to launch your career in investment banking, whether you’re a finance pro or pivoting from another industry.

Why Investment Banking After MBA?


First, it helps to understand why so many MBA grads go into IB.

  • Compensation: First-year associates often earn $150K–$250K+ with bonuses.

  • Prestige: You're working on major deals that shape the global economy.

  • Career mobility: IB opens doors to private equity, hedge funds, VC, corporate strategy, and more.

  • Learning curve: You’ll pick up hard financial skills and soft client-facing skills faster than almost anywhere else.


It’s a grind, yes. But the return on investment — especially post-MBA — can be life-changing.

Step 1: Choose the Right MBA Strategy


Not all MBA programs are created equal when it comes to investment banking. If you're still choosing where to go or considering a transfer, prioritize schools with strong finance placement:

  • Top IB feeder schools: Wharton, Booth, Columbia, Stern, HBS, and Kellogg.

  • Look at employment reports: How many grads land IB roles?

  • Evaluate alumni networks: Can you connect with recent IB hires?


Already enrolled somewhere else? No problem. You'll need to hustle harder on networking and personal branding, but you can break in.

Step 2: Build Your Technical Toolkit


Even though many MBAs don’t come from finance backgrounds, technical skills are non-negotiable. You don’t need to be a CFA, but you do need to be fluent in:

  • Financial statement analysis

  • DCF, precedent transactions, and comparable company valuations

  • M&A and LBO modeling

  • Excel shortcuts and PowerPoint formatting


Use online courses (like Wall Street Prep or Corporate Finance Institute) to fill in any gaps. Your interviews — and eventual job — will depend on your ability to model under pressure.

Step 3: Define and Refine Your Personal Pitch


One of the most important parts of how to get started in investment banking after MBA is your ability to tell a cohesive, compelling story.

Here’s a simple structure:

  1. Background: Where are you coming from?

  2. Why the MBA?: What made you take this step?

  3. Why investment banking?: What attracts you to the field?

  4. Why now and why you?: What makes you a strong candidate?


Practice saying this out loud until it’s second nature — you’ll use it in networking calls, interviews, and every "Tell me about yourself" moment.

Step 4: Start Networking from Day One


Investment banking recruiting often begins within the first few months of business school — and networking is how you get noticed.

  • Attend every bank event: Both on-campus and virtual.

  • Use your alumni database: Reach out to IB professionals who went to your school.

  • Connect with second-years: They’ve just been through the process.

  • Track your outreach: Follow up, take notes, and build genuine relationships.


Your goal isn’t just to ask for interviews — it’s to be top of mind when opportunities arise.

Step 5: Target the Summer Internship


For most MBAs, the summer internship after year one is the gateway to full-time offers. Banks use internships as extended tryouts.

To land one:

  • Apply early — target bulge brackets, elite boutiques, and regional firms.

  • Crush your interviews — prepare for both technical and behavioral questions.

  • Know your story cold and have solid deal insights ready.


Didn’t get the internship at your dream firm? Don’t give up. There are plenty of boutique and mid-market firms that hire later in the cycle.

Step 6: Turn the Internship Into a Job Offer


Once you’re in the door, the real test begins. Associates are evaluated on:

  • Work ethic: Be the first in, last out. Show commitment.

  • Attention to detail: Perfect slides, zero Excel errors.

  • Responsiveness: Be fast and dependable with every request.

  • Team fit: Bring a good attitude, even under pressure.


If you ace these, you’ll likely receive a return offer — and that’s how most MBAs transition directly into full-time investment banking roles.

Step 7: Keep Your Options Open


Even if you don’t secure a return offer, you’re not out of the game.

  • Consider off-cycle hiring at boutique or middle-market firms.

  • Explore advisory roles at Big 4 firms or corporate M&A teams.

  • Use your network to uncover hidden openings.


IB hiring is ongoing, and many post-MBA roles open up in Q3 or Q4 as teams re-assess headcount.

Pro Tips to Stand Out


To stand above the crowd:

  • Follow the markets: Read the WSJ, Bloomberg, DealBook daily.

  • Join finance clubs: Case competitions and modeling bootcamps build credibility.

  • Get feedback: Mock interviews and resume reviews are invaluable.

  • Practice like you play: Simulate real-world pressure when prepping.


The difference between candidates who get offers and those who don’t? Execution. Hustle and precision matter.

Final Thoughts


So, how to get started in investment banking after MBA? It’s part art, part science — and all about preparation.

Build your technical and storytelling skills
Network consistently and intentionally
Target internships with strategy and focus
Deliver results that make you indispensable

Investment banking isn’t easy — but if you want a career where the rewards match the hustle, it’s absolutely worth it.

Got questions about breaking into IB after MBA? Drop them in the comments or share your experience — you might help the next person take their first step.

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