What is Investment Banking?
Investment banking advises companies on mergers, acquisitions, IPOs and debt raises. Long hours, elite exit options, high pay.
Why it matters in 2026
Investment Banking is reshaping industries. These are the fastest-growing applications:
- M&A
- Equity capital markets
- Debt capital markets
- Restructuring
Skills you need
Employers hire for a well-defined skill stack:
- Valuation
- Financial modeling
- Pitchbooks
- Excel/PowerPoint
How to get started
A pragmatic path to your first Investment Banking role:
- Accounting
- Valuation
- Excel
- 3-statement
- M&A
- LBO
FAQs
Can I break into IB without a top MBA?
Yes, but harder — target boutique or MM banks, or lateral from Big 4 TAS/PE ops.
Continue reading
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