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- 1). Assess your personality and natural inclination for investment banking. Look for tests that measure analytical abilities and math skills. Pick a college with a good reputation for finance-focused programs.
- 2). Aim for a graduate degree, preferably an MBA, or earn a master's degree in economics, accounting, math or finance. Take a heavy concentration of investment and banking classes focusing on strategizing and financial analysis.
- 3). Land your first investment banking job. Many college graduates start in an analyst position. Get your feet wet. Prove your skills at preparing case-based analyses based on your understanding of portfolio dynamics--duration, maturity, yield and volatility of holdings. Stay abreast of everything on the investment banking scene--in the U.S. and abroad.
- 4). Network to improve the viability of your career path. Locate banking organizations that do pro bono work for nonprofits and professional groups that give investment bankers networking and socializing opportunities. Assume a leadership position when you become involved in these types of activities so movers and shakers will notice and think of you when job openings become available.
- 5). Stick around at your first investment banking job long enough to build a list of financial and personal accomplishments. Expect long hours and your share of frustration as you forge ahead. Once you've mastered your job as an analyst, aim for a slot as an associate at your current bank, or seek an associate's slot at another financial institution. Keep honing your communications skills with clients. Earn Certified Financial Accountant credentials by studying for and passing this exam.
- 6). Put down few roots if you hope to make it to the top of the profession. Land a job in New York City's financial district if you're looking to accelerate the progress of your career. Alternately, aim for an international city that's known for its financial sector--a city such as Hong Kong, London or Tokyo. If you're focused on a specific country, learning the language will give your resume and chances for a great job a boost.
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