Investment Banker
Advise companies on raising capital, M&A and IPOs - long hours, high pay, high pressure.
This UK investment banker career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £55,000 - £75,000 + bonus
- Mid-career salary
- £100,000 - £200,000 + bonus
- Senior salary
- £300,000 - £1,000,000+ (MD level)
- Work environment
- Office, very long hours (70-100/week common at junior level)
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years (very competitive grad schemes)
- Degree required
- Yes (top university preferred)
- Category
- Business, Finance and Legal
What a Investment Banker does
Advise companies on raising capital, M&A and IPOs - long hours, high pay, high pressure.
- M&A Analyst - Work on mergers and acquisitions deals.
- Equity Capital Markets - Help companies go public via IPOs.
How to become a Investment Banker
- Look up Investment Banker roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Investment Banker - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Financial modelling
- Excel
- Valuation
- Stamina
- Attention to detail