There are a lot of reasons to consider a career in investment banking. The pay is great, the work is interesting, and the lifestyle is (for the most part) very exciting. But it’s not all champagne and caviar. Here are a few things you should know about investment banking before you make the jump.
The Hours Are Long
This is perhaps the most well-known aspect of investment banking – the hours are long. Very long. You can expect to work 12+ hour days, often 6 or 7 days a week. This is especially true during “deal season” which typically runs from January to April, and during the “busy season” which runs from July to September.
The work is also very intense. You will be working on complex financial models and analysis, and will be expected to produce high-quality work product under tight deadlines. There is very little room for error in this business.
The Lifestyle Can Be Exhausting
Investment bankers are notoriously known for their hard-partying lifestyle. And while it’s true that there are a lot of late nights out drinking and socializing, it’s also true that this lifestyle can be very exhausting. It’s not uncommon for bankers to pull all-nighters to finish a deal, and then go out and celebrate (or commiserate) afterwards.
The work-hard, play-hard lifestyle can be a lot of fun, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to burn out.
It’s Not All About the Money
Yes, investment bankers make a lot of money. But it’s important to remember that it’s not all about the money. The hours are long, the work is intense, and the lifestyle can be exhausting. If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, the money won’t be enough to keep you happy.
The industry is made up of a number of different banks, each with their own specializations. The largest banks in the industry are known as the Bulge Bracket banks. These are the banks that everyone knows – Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and so on.
So, if you’re thinking about a career in investment banking, make sure it’s something you’re really passionate about. It’s not a decision to be made lightly. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Get your business on track with Mudrabiz!