This paper presents a personal career reflection and planning exercise focused on the goal of becoming an investment banker. The author reviews prior experience in commercial banking and MBA coursework, evaluating how these foundations align with the demands of investment banking. Drawing on industry sources, the paper examines the current state of the profession, including declining pay and increased job volatility. It then outlines concrete short-term goals — completing an MBA, networking, and building a personal investment portfolio — alongside long-term financial and autonomy targets. The paper concludes with reflections on the value of structured goal-setting in shaping a purposeful career trajectory.
Traveling throughout life without goals and objectives can leave a business student lost and without a practical purpose. Before moving forward in one's career path, it is often necessary to look back upon past successes and failures to give context and shape to the future. The purpose of this term paper is to evaluate my current career path toward becoming an investment banker and to discuss how this choice aligns with other aspects of my personality. This essay will then address the steps I still need to take in order to sustain progress toward my career objectives. These steps will be presented in both short-term (6–18 months) and long-term (2–5 years) frameworks. Finally, a summary will conclude with the key learning points I absorbed throughout this process.
In order to understand my position in life and how it relates to my goal of becoming an investment banker, it is necessary to assess my current career performance. My current position at a commercial bank is a solid starting point in the banking field. During this time, I have learned the fundamentals of banking principles. More importantly, I have learned the fine art of customer service and how my behavior and sales skills contribute to both my own success and my company's success in this area of business.
Banking has seen many changes in recent years, and I have been fortunate to witness this evolution firsthand. King (2012) noted that "investment banking is very broad, so you could find yourself gaining experience in everything from the back office to HR, finance, and IT." This broad exposure has helped me along my career path and has given me a solid foundation on which to build future objectives.
Attaining my MBA has been more enjoyable and more practical than I originally anticipated. I have learned much, in both specific and general ways, about applying my academic skills toward the goal of becoming an investment banker. This preparation appears to be essential. Stephenson (2012) described investment banking as heavily dependent on precisely these skills, noting: "However, it's definitely not a career choice for the faint-hearted. Intense pressure to get the deal done, and long business hours, mean that personal and leisure time are often sacrificed. And while tremendous rewards await those who reach the top of the profession, it's a very steep climb to get there. For those who leave, a tour-of-duty at a 'Bulge Bracket' investment bank serves as a world-class training ground for other professions, and an impressive addition to your résumé."
It appears that I am on a reasonably clear pathway toward achieving my goal of becoming an investment banker. Since I have not yet arrived, there are still areas I must address in order to keep improving and developing professionally. The current state of the profession has declined in popularity in recent times, marking an important lesson for my development: I must expect both good and bad cycles within this sector. Rosenthal (2013) captured this reality well, writing that "in banking, 2012 was the year in which pay and bonuses fell sharply for the first time in many years. Yet 2013 will be known as the year in which many leave the industry altogether. Pay will fall further, and jobs will become harder to find, but — most of all — bankers will throw it in after having had enough of enduring the embarrassing silences that arise at dinner parties when they tell people what they do." Investment banking is not for the weak-minded or the soft-hearted, and I must continue to strengthen my emotional resilience in preparation for this reality.
I recognize there is much more to learn in the realm of investment banking. The profession demands knowledge that extends well beyond business and economic terminology. Skilled investors know how to identify trends and cycles that others cannot easily detect. This ability to anticipate market movements must be continually refined in order to succeed in this field. Keeping an open mind is absolutely essential to sustained development and success. Practicing openness to new ideas — even those that seem unusual at first — is a habit I intend to cultivate as I approach new subjects and challenges.
"MBA completion, networking, and personal investing"
"Financial targets and professional autonomy goals"
Casparie, J. (2007). What exactly is an investment banker? Entrepreneur, 12 June 2007. Retrieved from
King, M. (2012). How to get into investment banking. The Guardian, 20 April 2012. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/apr/20/how-get-into-investment-banking
Rosenthal, J. (2013). Who wants to be an investment banker? The Economist, 21 November 2012. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/news/21566442-dinner-party-problem-who-wants-be-investment-banker
Stephenson, D. (2012). A career in investment banking: Worth the investment? Firmex, 3 October 2012. Retrieved from
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