Some possible jobs within this career area are:
The career you want will dictate the degree you need. Depending on your choice, you might need a graduate degree in business or you could advance your career with a career specific certification. Common degrees available to business majors include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Career-Specific Certifications
The expansion of the global economy and the importance that our national economy plays in our daily lives has a direct impact on the future of business majors. There are dozens of business-related fields, and many of them are in constant need of skilled and trained workers. Many of these fields place a high importance on returning to school and getting extra training.
You could complete a routine certification a year, or get your Bachelor’s Degree in four years. MBA programs or other international business programs can take an additional three years.
How to Become an Investment Banker
An investment banking career has always been associated with long hours, a fast-paced life and the opportunity to make untold sums of money – and that’s before the yearly bonuses. However, it takes years of training and hard work to reach the upper echelon of the profession.
An investment banker creates the deals where companies that need funding match up with investors who receive stock or bonds for their financial commitment.
The road to becoming a successful investment banker isn’t easy, but for those with an interest in finance, it can be a rewarding career.
Following is what it takes to become an investment banker:
- Education. The majority of investment bankers have a background and an undergraduate degree in finance, business or economics. Additionally, many earn their Master of Business Administration degree before joining an investment banking firm or shortly afterward.
- Licensing. The financial services field is highly regulated and to become an investment banker, you will need to pass the Series 7 exam, as well as register with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Depending on your state, you may also have to pass the Series 63 or 66 examination. Additionally, you may want to pursue specific life insurance and annuities licenses if you want to expand your services at some point beyond investment banking.
- Internships. As with most industries, it pays to find a summer or school-year internship with an investment banking firm while you’re still in school. Sure, you’ll be making copies and doing grunt work, but you’ll also be making important contacts and showing a potential employer that you have what it takes to go the extra mile.
- Ongoing training. As an investment professional, you’ll be expected to keep up with Continuing Education (CE) classes and attend any company-provided training to stay up to date with the latest financial regulations, products and strategies.
What are Investment Banker Salaries?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual investment banker salary is $107,400. Over the years, working on big deals will bring in larger salaries and bonuses to potentially bring your investment banker salary into the millions of dollars. (Salary data retrieved 3/29/11)
If you have a solid mind for finance and business, good communication skills, a highly competitive streak and a desire to succeed, then becoming an investment banker may be the career for you. To get the education you need to become an investment banker, find a degree program now!