Investment Banking Analyst's Job Profile
A lot of companies need investment banking analysts including portfolio management companies, investment banks, and securities firms. These individuals are required to scrutinize the company's income statements and balance sheets. They are also responsible for evaluation of the market trends, determination of investment proposals and market value on the basis of research. They handle trades, run spreadsheets, write reports, do research and also generate newsletters for the company. A common ritual in big companies is to hire investment banking analyst specializing in specific industry sectors including product regions, types and industry sectors.
The role of investment banking analyst also includes identification of the strategic and financial buyers along with execution and management. They research and analyze the financial information along with historical financial statement. Proposal material and drafting of the transaction documents is done by these individuals too.
Academic Qualifications and Training
Mostly the employers look for a minimum of bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related subject for the job of an investment banking analyst with at least 6 months experience in management consulting, investment banking and acquisition accounting. The candidates with mathematics, financial engineering, actuarial sciences, accounting and finance backgrounds along with higher grade points are given preference by the employers. The applicants who are already working as the analysts should take a certification to get better salaries. For the certification of Chartered Financial Analyst, the candidate should at least have the experience of four years and also some relevant experience in related field.
The aspiring investment banking analysts take up training for the job to polish their skills. The training is provided to professionals who are not part of the industry but long to be one. Beginners can really learn about the job by taking the training program. College graduates can also undergo this training for getting the jobs as investment analysts. Industry professionals and MBA's take up the training for getting an edge over others.
Executives who are involved in financial transactions, hedge fund investment and private equity can benefit from such training programs in best possible way as financial modeling and valuations are integral part of the every investment banking job. Good candidates are also placed by the training institutes. So if you are good enough, you will easily be absorbed by the companies.
Skills Required
The candidates longing to pursue an investment banking analyst career, should have strong analytical and thinking skills. They should be able to enjoy working independently and should discover different scenarios to find greatest work satisfaction. These professionals are expected to have good presentation skills for holding meetings. Communication skills are another important element that should be present in these individuals. Most important of all the skills is that they should be comfortable with numbers and calculations. Discipline and focused approach are the essential elements required for the job of an investment banking analyst.
Aspiring investment business analysts should be proficient with Microsoft excel spreadsheet and should be able to write macros in the VBA and produce weeklies too. Investment banking analyst is also required to create prospectus and manage schedules as per the deadlines. This job is the stepping ladder to the jobs of higher ranks in banking sector. The ability and attitude plays an important role in getting through the steps.
Apart from the academic qualifications, the candidates should be multi- tasking and well organized. A great written and oral hold on the presentation skills is also helpful for the candidates.
If you want to be successful as an investment banking analyst is do your job by avoiding confrontation and friction. Taking your job as an investment banking analyst can help you reach the heights of success. A good investment analyst has great managerial skills.
Salary and Job Prospects
With the globalization followed by growth of the developing countries, more investment banking and financial analyst jobs are growing in the industry. According to Bureau of Labor statistics, US, the jobs of the investment banking analyst will witness a hike of around 37% in the coming ten years due to investments getting complex and industry growth getting faster. The banking analyst with around one year of experience earns $58,712 annually and analysts with around ten years of experience earn almost double the salary. So if you are aspiring to be an investment business analyst, just make sure that you polish your skills and there is nothing that can come in the way of your success.
