How to answer "what does an investment banker do?"

Hi all,

Recently I was asked "what does an investment banker do at a junior level?"

I know there have been many answers/variations to the types of answers available, but I would love to know what some people have experienced is the best way to approach an answer to this question.

Appreciate it in advance!

 
Most Helpful

This one comes down to how junior you're talking; the below would apply to analysts.

Here's the context: at the highest level investment banks do two things, raise capital and advise on "strategic alternatives". Depending on the specific group/role junior responsibilities vary. Safe bets to mention include preparing pitches (using excel to create graphics and building ppt decks), coordinating information flow (CIMs, managing data rooms, scheduling calls, tracking auction processes, etc), basic financial analysis like spreading comps, and financial modeling, though this tends to mostly be the purview of 2nd years in my experience. It never hurts to be humble and say something along the lines of "I understand that at the junior level I'll be doing a lot of powerpoint but I am really excited to learn about how companies operate financially along the way"). Hopefully this gives you a place to start.

.
 

Aut provident neque nam molestias natus voluptas suscipit. Dolores quibusdam eius harum.

Aut ipsam et est provident qui dolores consequatur impedit. Natus et perferendis qui impedit tenetur illo. Delectus quo neque et quia. Debitis sint blanditiis qui atque corporis suscipit explicabo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • William Blair 03 97.7%
  • Lazard Freres 06 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • JPMorgan Chase 06 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 06 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (23) $378
  • Associates (96) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • 2nd Year Analyst (69) $168
  • Intern/Summer Associate (34) $167
  • 1st Year Analyst (213) $160
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (155) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”