Investment Bankers

Investment banking (IB) is an umbrella term for a wide range of financial activities. Investment bankers help clients (companies, governments, and other entities) raise money in the capital markets and advise them on financial issues such as stock buybacks, corporate restructurings, and mergers and acquisitions. They also create and operate derivative markets (e.g., futures, options) and manage assets for retail investors (typically high-net-worth individuals) and institutional clients (pension funds, governments, etc.). They typically work in one of two areas: industry/coverage groups or product groups (although this organizational structure has become looser in recent years). Those in industry/coverage groups are experts on a particular sector such as media, health care, or technology, while investment bankers who work for a product group are experts in a particular type of transaction, such as equity or debt capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, or leveraged finance.

Salary Range

$100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

About as Fast as the Average

Personality Traits

Enterprising

Hands On

Outgoing

Career Ladder

Managing Director

Director

Vice President or Investment Banker

Associate

Analyst