Investment banking jobs for graduates are some of the most coveted roles in finance. These positions offer high salaries, rapid career growth, and the chance to work on multi-million-pound deals. But they also come with long hours, intense competition, and high expectations. For recent graduates who are ambitious, resilient, and analytically minded, investment banking can be a launchpad to a successful career.
This guide will help you understand what investment banking is, the types of roles available, who’s hiring, what skills you need, how to apply, and what to expect once you’re in. Whether your aim is to work for a global bank in London or join a specialised boutique firm, you’ll find the information you need to get started.
What Is Investment Banking?
Investment banking is a sector within financial services that helps organisations raise capital and provides advisory services on mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings. Investment bankers support clients like corporations, governments, and institutions in making strategic financial decisions. The work is fast-paced and high pressure, often involving large and complex financial transactions.
As a graduate, your entry point into this world is typically as an Analyst. You’ll be involved in financial modelling, preparing pitch materials, conducting research, and supporting senior bankers throughout the deal-making process. It’s demanding work, but it’s also a crash course in high-level finance.
Types of Investment Banking Jobs for Graduates
The Analyst role is the most common starting point, but there are several other paths within investment banking that you might pursue depending on your interests and skill set.
In corporate finance or mergers and acquisitions (M&A), you’ll help clients buy or sell businesses, working on valuations, due diligence, and structuring deals. If you’re drawn to markets, a role in sales and trading might suit you, where you’ll help clients buy and sell securities. In equity research, you’ll analyse public companies and create reports for investors.
Each path offers different challenges and learning opportunities, and all are well-respected career tracks within finance. As a graduate, you’ll have the chance to build a broad base of experience before specialising later.
Top Employers Hiring Graduates
Some of the most prestigious financial institutions in the world offer graduate schemes in investment banking. Bulge bracket banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Citi, and UBS recruit hundreds of graduates each year. These firms offer structured training programmes, competitive pay, and the chance to work on high-profile deals.
In addition to the global giants, elite boutique firms such as Rothschild & Co, Lazard, Moelis & Company, and Evercore also offer excellent opportunities. These firms may be smaller, but they often provide more responsibility and exposure early on.
Mid-market and specialist firms like Jefferies, Houlihan Lokey, and Berenberg are also great options. They tend to focus on specific sectors or regions and can offer a more hands-on experience.
Academic Background and Skills Needed
To land an investment banking job as a graduate, you’ll typically need a strong academic record. Most banks look for a 2:1 or First Class degree in a quantitative or analytical subject such as finance, economics, maths, engineering, or law. Degrees from leading universities such as Oxbridge, LSE, Warwick, or UCL carry significant weight.
Beyond academics, banks are looking for candidates with a particular set of skills. You need to be numerically strong, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. Financial modelling, Excel, and PowerPoint are core technical skills, while clear communication, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills.
Experience matters too. Internships, spring weeks, involvement in finance societies, and personal investment projects all demonstrate your interest in the industry and help you stand out.
Your first task is to create a targeted CV that highlights your academic achievements, relevant work experience, and transferable skills. Keep it to one page and focus on results.
You’ll also need to prepare for online assessments. These usually include numerical reasoning, logical thinking, and situational judgement tests. Practising in advance can significantly boost your chances.
If you pass the initial stages, you’ll be invited to interviews and assessment centres. Expect a mix of technical and behavioural questions. You might be asked to explain valuation methods, walk through a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, or discuss a recent M&A deal. You’ll also be tested on your motivation and fit for the role.
Networking can make a big difference. Attend career events, connect with alumni, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. A referral from someone in the firm can give your application a significant boost.
What the Job Looks Like Day to Day
As a graduate Analyst, your role will be demanding from the start. You’ll support Associates and Vice Presidents in preparing presentations, analysing financial statements, building models, and coordinating due diligence.
Your days will be long, often starting at 9:00 AM and stretching late into the evening. The pace is intense, and the work is often unpredictable. One day you might be researching a sector or updating a model; the next, you could be working overnight to prepare materials for a client pitch.
It’s challenging, but you’ll learn fast and develop a deep understanding of how businesses and financial markets operate.
Salary and Perks
One of the main draws of investment banking jobs for graduates is the compensation. Starting salaries for Analysts typically range from £55,000 to £70,000, with bonuses that can add another £10,000 to £30,000 in the first year.
In addition to salary, many banks offer generous benefits. These can include private medical insurance, pension contributions, free meals when working late, taxi reimbursement, gym memberships, and wellness programmes.
The financial rewards are strong, but they come at a cost — namely, long hours and high pressure.
Career Progression and Exit Opportunities
Most graduates spend two to three years in an Analyst role before deciding whether to stay and move up or pivot into something new. Promotion to Associate is common for those who perform well.
Investment banking experience is highly regarded, and many Analysts use it as a springboard into private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, strategy consulting, or corporate development. Others move into fintech startups or launch their own businesses.
Whatever path you choose, the skills you gain in investment banking — financial analysis, client management, time pressure, professionalism — will serve you well.
Challenges to Consider
While investment banking offers unmatched opportunities, it’s not for everyone. The hours can be brutal, often exceeding 70 hours per week, and the pressure to perform is constant.
Burnout is a real risk, and work-life balance can be almost nonexistent during busy periods. Mental health support is becoming more common, but it’s still important to be proactive in setting personal boundaries and maintaining perspective.
If you thrive in high-pressure environments and are motivated by steep learning curves and tangible results, investment banking can be an excellent fit. But it’s wise to go in with open eyes.
To Sum It Up
Investment banking jobs for graduates are tough to get — and tougher to do — but they offer a unique foundation for a career in finance. With the right preparation, the right mindset, and a lot of determination, you can secure a role that sets you up for long-term success.
Start building your profile early. Take internships seriously, develop technical skills, and practise articulating your goals and experience. Leverage every resource at your disposal — from alumni networks to online tools — and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re ready to work hard, learn fast, and be challenged, investment banking might just be the place for you.
