If you are a tech student who’s attracted to the glam of Investment Banking, there are many ways for you to make it in this industry. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be skilled in mathematics, finance, and economics only to become an investment banker. In fact, being from a different background can work majorly to your advantage if you are willing to work a tad bit harder. Here are 5 ways tech students can pivot towards investment banking:
1. Show that your skills are transferable
You will need to demonstrate in your interviews and applications that what you have learned in tech can be used in investment banking. This is particularly applicable if you have mastered data and analytical skills during your tech education. You can also show other non-technical skills such as extreme attention to detail, ability to solve a challenge, working on deadlines, and so on.
In your interviews, you will definitely be asked how your tech background makes you a good fit. You should use real-life examples to explain how technology has set you for a career in investment banking. This field is ultimately a numbers game, and anyone who has a solid knack for data can excel as an i-Banker.
2. Networking
There’s rarely any industry where you won’t need to network. If you especially belong to a field different from investment banking such as tech, networking with the right individuals can give you a foot into the door. You can look for others with a similar background and understand their journey to evaluate your career choices.
You can start networking with your college alumni base to begin with. You will definitely be able to spot someone in the investment banking industry. You will need to step out of your comfort zone and be open to asking intriguing questions that can give you an edge over others and make you memorable.
3. A holistic resume
Your resume is a peek into your professional journey, and at any interview you will be asked to take the interviewer through your resume. What matters to investment banking recruiters isn’t just any one type of profile. If you are someone with varied interests and the ability to follow through on them, a recruiter will definitely be interested in knowing your profile further.
Since investment banking is numbers-driven, your resume should also reflect measurable results and not simply a description of what you did. This is also an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have other transferable skills such as leadership, team work, presentation, and communication.
4. Have IB knowledge and skills
Regardless of which background you come from, if you have an understanding of investment banking, it will always be a huge plus for your candidature. This helps even more if your previous experience isn’t directly related to investment banking. It shows initiative and a hunger to learn.
You don’t need to gain a degree in finance to prove to the hiring team that you are qualified and passionate about investment banking. A rich and thorough course can teach you all basic concepts about the field and help you feel more prepared. For example, FMI offers a highly exhaustive beginner course on investment banking. This is perfect for those who are looking to enter the industry with some foundational knowledge about banks, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, trade lifecycle etc.
5. Create a great first impression
Human psyche dictates that confidence and a great first impression go far beyond technical knowledge. Hence, regardless of the job you are aiming for, along with the proper research and preparation for it, you should also focus on building your confidence. Many elements play a role in boosting this, be it your body language, clothes, eye contact, eloquence and so on. Any of these done wrong can deter a recruiter from hiring you especially in the investment banking world where you would work with high-profile clients.
Hence, while you focus on widening your understanding of investment banking and finance, you must not forget to work on this aspect of job application and interviewing. You can build your confidence by talking to strangers, networking, talking to yourself in the mirror, taking a short public speaking course, and participating in mock interviews.
Conclusion
Investment banking isn’t meant only for a select few. More than your technical skills, what will differentiate you is your ability to communicate, think strategically, and leave a mark. If you are from a tech background but have the lofty dreams to become an investment banker, it is 100% possible. You should focus on combining the right IB knowledge with an all-round resume, the ability to network, leave a remarkable first impression, and demonstrate that your tech skills are an advantage!
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