How can I find the best school for investment banking?

Traditionally the best schooling for investment banking has been the school of practical experience the trainee enters when they start their professional careers. The new entrant to the industry gets a valuable inside view of how the veteran investment analysts and bankers investigate company finances, advise their clients on fund raising strategies and handle delicate merger deals.

Although such hands on experience remains indispensable to gaining the desired level of proficiency in the profession, the growing complexity of financial markets and the need to use efficiently the latest computer software are amongst the factors encouraging both the investment houses and their aspiring employers to seek relevant and recognized higher education qualification to enhance their skills. The question of how to find the best school for investment banking is one that aspiring investment bankers now need to seriously consider.

The attractions of working in the industry in terms of earnings and interesting work have led a few prestigious universities to open investment banking courses, and the banks themselves also provide schooling for their trainees. To graduate with a university degree in investment banking can take up to three years.

Considering the relatively small number of recognized institutions of higher learning offering courses specifically in investment banking, choosing the best school for investment banking should be relatively easy if the search is restricted to places offering a specific investment banking degree.

If the student is interested in a broader masters’ degree in finance or accounting with a specialty in investment banking many more options become available. This latter path is the one chosen by many entrants to the profession.

The best school for investment banking can be determined by an assessment of the range and depth of the subjects covered and the success of its graduates in finding good positions within the industry. The course of study offered should include a thorough introduction to the structure of the typical investment bank to help students familiarize themselves with this working environment.

For example, they should gain a solid understanding of the Front, Back and Middle office banking divisions including the functions they perform and their interrelationship.

In addition, the investment banking student requires training in how to analyze financial information and draw up financial models. They should be taught how to develop the basic business valuation skills that are so essential for giving clients good advice on their best investment options and preferred ways of raising capital for their projects.

An emphasis on dealing with clients in an ethical and respectful manner should also be present in the school’s teaching so that its graduates will be a credit to their college and to their future employers.