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- 1). Get a college degree. A bachelor's degree -- particularly in economics, accounting or finance -- is the minimum educational requirement for a career as an investment banking associate. Competitive applicants for careers in investment banking should have "excellent grades" in coursework related to their major, according to the BLS. Earning an MBA or a master's degree in finance can also improve your chances of finding employment.
- 2). Complete an internship. If you perform well during your internship, you may receive a job offer from the firm. An internship program exposes aspiring investment banking associates to various investment banking disciplines such as mergers and acquisitions, sales and trading, and risk management. The tasks you may perform as an intern can include preparing client presentations and conducting financial research and analysis. Internship programs are typically open to students during the summer prior to their senior year of college.
- 3). Pass the Series 79 licensing exam. The Series 79 license is awarded by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. The purpose of the Series 79 license is to "assess the competency of entry-level investment bankers," according to FINRA. Candidates are tested on their knowledge of topics including data collection, mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, and securities industry regulations. The Series 79 examination is computer-based, and candidates receive a score report on the day they take the exam.
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