5 Key Tips to Land Your First Investment Banking Role

by Hiration

Despite market fluctuations, investment banking remains one of the most competitive and rewarding career paths in finance.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for financial services sales agents, including investment bankers is projected to grow 7% by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

With high compensation and a clear promotion ladder, it’s no surprise the field draws thousands of ambitious candidates each year.

But here’s the catch: the demand for roles at top firms far outpaces the supply. The difference between candidates who land offers and those who don’t often comes down to more than technical skill.

It’s about mindset, storytelling, preparation, and initiative. If you’re serious about standing out, here are 5 strategies used by top-performing candidates to break into investment banking.

1. Craft a Compelling "Founder's Story" for Yourself

Investment bankers are in the business of storytelling. They craft narratives to sell companies and deals. You need to do the same for yourself.

Don't just say you want to be an investment banker because you're "good with numbers" and "want to make a lot of money." That's the answer every other candidate gives.

Instead, create a compelling "founder's story" for your career.

What was the specific moment or experience that sparked your interest in finance? Was it a particular deal you read about in the news? A family business you saw grow?

A passion for a specific industry that you want to help shape? Your story should be authentic, personal, and demonstrate a deep, genuine interest in the field.

The Wall Street Oasis IB Interview Guide and Breaking Into Wall Street both highlight that candidates who connect their motivation to a defining moment stand out far more in behavioral interviews.

It shows depth, authenticity, and clarity of purpose, and makes you far more memorable.

Also Read: How to write a job winning investment banking resume?

2. Develop a Niche and Become the "Go-To" Expert

Instead of trying to be a generalist, focus on a specific sector that genuinely interests you - technology, healthcare, renewables, whatever excites you.

Once you've picked a niche, go deep. Read industry publications, follow major players, track M&A and IPO activity, and immerse yourself in sector trends.

This kind of vertical expertise gives you a real edge in interviews. You stop sounding like a student and start sounding like a future analyst on the deal team.

DealRoom notes that firms now sponsor thousands of niche-focused recruiting cycles across sectors, and candidates who anchor their story in a specific vertical consistently perform better.

Whether it’s semiconductors, fintech, or biopharma, banks are looking for people who can hit the ground running with industry fluency.

3. Don't Just Network, Build Relationships

Networking isn’t just about sending LinkedIn messages or collecting emails. It’s about building meaningful relationships and turning cold contacts into warm advocates.

Instead of asking for a job, ask for insight. Reach out to alumni at banks and request a quick 15-minute conversation about their path into the industry.

Come prepared with thoughtful questions - about their journey, the deals they’re working on, or how the role has evolved since they joined.

These conversations do more than inform, they often lead to referrals, which are critical in such a hyper-competitive field.

Top firms like Goldman Sachs receive over 100,000 internship applications a year, with acceptance rates often hovering around 1.5%. In that environment, a personal referral can be the edge that gets you noticed.

Plus, according to LinkedIn, candidates with internal referrals are 4-5x more likely to land an interview.

A referral moves you from an anonymous resume in a stack to someone with an insider's endorsement, often the difference between silence and a callback.

4. Create Your Own "Internship"

Don't wait for a formal internship to start building your experience.

Create your own "internship" by starting a personal investment portfolio, launching a financial blog, or participating in stock pitch competitions.

These activities will not only help you develop your financial skills but also demonstrate your passion and initiative to recruiters.

When you can show that you're so passionate about finance that you're willing to dedicate your own time and resources to it, you'll be a much more attractive candidate.

Also Read: How to stand out for finance roles?

5. Think Like a Banker Before You Are One

Start immersing yourself in the world of finance today. Read the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and other industry publications daily.

Follow major deals and try to understand the strategy behind them.

When a company goes public or gets acquired, ask yourself: Why now? Why this buyer? What are the financial implications?

This will not only expand your knowledge but also help you develop the analytical mindset that is essential for success in investment banking.

The Investment Banking Career Path & Salary

The career path in investment banking is typically structured and hierarchical.

You'll likely start as an Analyst, move on to become an Associate, then a Vice President, and eventually a Managing Director.

Salaries in investment banking are known to be very competitive. Here's a general idea of what you can expect in the US (note that these are approximate and can vary based on the firm, location, and your performance):

  • Analyst (0-3 years): Base salaries are often in the $100,000 - $125,000 range, with bonuses that can be 50-100% of the base salary.
  • Associate (3+ years): Base salaries can range from $175,000 to $225,000, with total compensation reaching well into the six figures when bonuses are included.

Some of the biggest names in the investment banking world, often referred to as "bulge bracket" banks, include:

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Bank of America Securities
  • Citigroup
Also Read: How to write a compelling cover letter for investment banking roles?

Final Thoughts

Breaking into investment banking is about showing the mindset, initiative, and clarity that firms look for in future dealmakers.

Whether you’re refining your story, diving deep into an industry niche, or building relationships that lead to referrals, every step you take brings you closer to the desk.

At Hiration, we work with thousands of candidates taking these steps every day, helping them craft compelling resumes, practice for high-stakes interviews, and polish their LinkedIn presence.

If you're looking to elevate your prep and stand out in a crowded field, we’re here to help you get there.

The path is competitive, but with the right approach, it’s within reach.