For anyone who wants to work in finance, being an investment banker is an attractive prospect. It can be a high-flying and not to mention a high-earning career, so it's no wonder that so many people consider it. There aren't unlimited roles as an investment banker, so you need to have the right stuff to make it. But once you've found your way in, you can still find that you're not in the position you wanted to be. If you want to not only become an investment banker but also feel like you're achieving your dreams, you have to do more than just find a job. Follow these steps to get into the industry and succeed in the way you want to.
Make a Plan
If you want to be an investment banker, you need to start off with a solid plan. Whether you're about to go to college or you've already gained an MBA, you need to know where you're going and how to get there. Otherwise, you could end up wandering without any direction, which certainly won't get you where you need to go. You need to decide what you want from your career, write it down and create a step-by-step plan to achieve it. The resources at Wall Street Teach showed me how to work for Goldman Sachs. And I learned how important it is to set a goal and know how you can reach it.
Make the Right Choices at College
It's very difficult to get into investment banking if you're not entering the industry from college. Ideally, you should pick a financial or banking-related major while you're an undergraduate. It could be something like business, economics, accounting or finance. While you're at college, you should try to find internships to complete either during the summer or while you're studying. And you don't have to stick to the things you're learning in class. Take the initiative to learn on your own, outside of school. After graduation, completing an MBA is your next step.
Get in with the Right People
Networking is essential if you want to get where you're going. Speaking to the right banks and knowing influential people will help you immensely. You'll meet people at college and during your internships and work experience, but don't stop there. You can use both online and offline methods to network with professionals and other investment bankers and hopefuls. Join social networks and forums, as well as professional bodies and groups.
Keep Checking in on Your Plan
To achieve your goals and keep reaching for what you want, you should keep checking up on the progress of your aims. It won't always go as smoothly as you want it to, so you will have to make adjustments or change your mind. You can keep setting goals and making new plans to ensure that you get what you want.
Becoming a successful investment banker and living the way you want won't happen in a day. But if you put in the hard work and know what you want, you can make a plan to get there.
Image Credit: Ken Teegardin of www.SeniorLiving.Org
Abbi Gabasa is the Managing Editor of MsCareerGirl.com and owner of UpraisedLiving.com. Having the background of a Marketing and Public Relations Manager with years of professional experience in various industries has given her an insightful perspective on careers, lifestyles, relationships, and attitudes which she humorously applies in helping people through her writing. Abbi is a training life coach, and an advocate of children's charities, women empowerment, optimistic thinking, and slow Sundays. A self-confessed Jane of all trades, she hopes to help girls all over the world find their calling and pursue their passions.
