Career Spotlight: Life in the Fast Lane of Finance

Are you interested in aspects of finance like helping companies to raise their capital, working with stocks and bonds or advising during company merging?  Then you might want to investigate a career in investment banking.

 In order to become an investment banker, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance, business or economics. Concordia University, Nebraska offers degrees in several business fields like accounting, business administration, business communication and management information systems.

Investment bankers work as financial advisors to corporations and even governments in some cases. Their main objective is to help their clients raise money. They do this through several means such as issuing stock shares, floating a bond issue, negotiating the acquisition of a rival company or arranging the sale of the company itself.

Investment bankers are also responsible for tasks like book building, investment meetings, issuing and selling securities, private placement of capital, debt and equity advisory services and hedge fund advisory services.

There are a few specific roles within investment banking that help bankers to divide these responsibilities. Some of the main roles include investment banking analyst, investment banking associate, and managing director.

An investment banking analyst primarily supports investment bankers by building financial models, performing analysis, conducting research and preparing presentations. The average investment banking analyst makes around $96,000 annually.

An investment banking associate acts as a go-between for analysts and vice presidents, another member of an investment banking team. They are typically responsible for managing the details of deals and ensuring efficient processes. They perform tasks like financial modeling, pitch book preparation and client relationship management. Typically, investment banking associates earn about $159,000 a year.

An investment banking managing director is a senior executive who leads a team of professionals. They usually function within specific divisions like mergers and acquisitions or capital markets. Some of their main responsibilities involve building and maintaining client relationships, generating revenue for the firm and overseeing the day-to-day operations of their group. Managing directors usually make around $138,000.

Investment bankers fulfill vital roles in companies and governments. There are a variety of roles on teams within specific divisions. If you are interested in studying business of some kind, and these kinds of tasks interest you, consider pursuing a career in investment banking.

The Paul H. and Mary Ann Koehler Department of Business at Concordia University, Nebraska allows you to be part of a community that has a commitment to excellence and engaged faculty that allow you and your fellow students to go through life-changing experiences together on paths to a positive future. Learn more about Concordia’s business programs here.