HOW TO GET STARTED IN INVESTMENT BANKING AFTER MBA? YOUR ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO BREAKING IN

How to Get Started in Investment Banking After MBA? Your Ultimate Roadmap to Breaking In

How to Get Started in Investment Banking After MBA? Your Ultimate Roadmap to Breaking In

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If you’re eyeing a high-powered finance career, you’ve probably asked yourself: How to get started in investment banking after MBA? Whether you’re chasing prestige, six-figure salaries, or the adrenaline of deal-making, investment banking (IB) is a top destination for ambitious MBA graduates.

But let’s be real—this path isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s competitive, intense, and requires preparation long before graduation day. In this post, we’ll give you the exact roadmap to help you launch your investment banking career after your MBA.

1. Start Early – Way Before Your First Class


If you’re already enrolled in an MBA program, you should be preparing for investment banking from Day 1—or ideally, before. IB recruiting happens fast and early, especially at top-tier business schools. Summer internships are the most common entry route, and the best offers go to those who prepare well in advance.

Here’s how to hit the ground running:

  • Research banks, their culture, and recent deals.

  • Join finance clubs and participate in “treks” to Wall Street.

  • Attend investment banking bootcamps hosted by your school or external platforms.


Pro tip: Knowing how to get started in investment banking after MBA begins with being proactive—early prep can separate you from the crowd.

2. Choose Courses That Matter to Bankers


Your MBA curriculum gives you some flexibility—use it wisely. Investment banks expect associates to be sharp with numbers, fluent in finance, and familiar with industry lingo.

Prioritize electives like:



  • Corporate Finance

  • Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Financial Statement Analysis

  • Valuation Techniques

  • Private Equity and Venture Capital


These courses do more than look good on a resume—they prepare you for technical interviews and real-world banking work.

3. Secure a Summer Internship (It’s Practically a Job Interview)


The #1 answer to the question “How to get started in investment banking after MBA?” is simple: land a summer internship. More than 70% of full-time IB offers go to returning summer interns. It’s your foot in the door and your chance to prove yourself.

Here’s how to boost your odds:



  • Network aggressively with alumni and current bankers.

  • Attend firm presentations and small-group coffee chats.

  • Craft a laser-sharp resume tailored for IB roles.

  • Master technical skills like DCFs, LBOs, and comps.


Most interviews start in January, so your prep should begin in the fall.

4. Nail the Interview—Both Technical and Behavioral


Interviewing for investment banking roles isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how well you communicate under pressure. You’ll be tested on both your technical chops and your personal story.

Key areas of focus:



  • Behavioral questions: “Walk me through your resume,” “Why IB?”, “Why our firm?”

  • Technical questions: Valuation methods, accounting rules, financial modeling.

  • Market awareness: Be ready to discuss major deals and market trends.


Make sure you can break down complex ideas clearly—this is a communication-heavy job, and clarity is king.

5. Understand the Role of an Associate


After an MBA, you’ll join as an investment banking associate. It’s a demanding job that involves:

  • Managing analysts and checking their work

  • Creating pitch books and financial models

  • Working directly with clients

  • Supporting deal execution (IPOs, M&A, leveraged buyouts)


Yes, the hours can be brutal (80+ per week), but it’s a fast track to the upper echelons of finance. Knowing what to expect can help you stay motivated and focused.

6. Don’t Have an IB Internship? All Is Not Lost


Maybe you didn’t get the internship. Maybe you pivoted late into finance. Still wondering how to get started in investment banking after MBA without the traditional route?

Here are a few alternative strategies:

  • Lateral recruiting: Smaller banks often hire outside the usual MBA pipeline.

  • Network harder: Warm referrals can open unexpected doors.

  • Start in a related field: Roles in corporate finance, transaction advisory, or consulting can lead to a transition.

  • Consider boutique banks or regional firms: These are less saturated and often offer great deal exposure.


7. Sharpen Your Tools with Online Resources


Beyond your MBA curriculum, take your skills to the next level using online platforms:

  • Wall Street Prep / Breaking Into Wall Street: Hands-on financial modeling training.

  • Coursera / edX: Courses in valuation, Excel, and financial accounting.

  • YouTube / Podcasts: Follow industry experts to stay current on trends.


Remember, the more technically prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be in interviews and on the job.

8. Final Tips for Success


To wrap up, here’s a quick checklist for how to get started in investment banking after MBA:

 Target the right MBA program with strong IB placement
 Network like your career depends on it (because it does)
 Build technical and market knowledge early
 Treat your internship as a 10-week interview
 Stay resilient—rejection is part of the game
 Keep learning, even after you get the offer

Investment banking is not an easy path, but it can be one of the most rewarding. Whether you want to become a rainmaker or use IB as a launchpad for private equity, hedge funds, or startups—the journey starts with a single step.

Still wondering how to get started in investment banking after MBA? Drop your questions in the comments or connect with us on LinkedIn. Let’s get you on the path to Wall Street.

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