How to Become an Investment Banking Analyst in 2026: The New Rules
Table of Contents Introduction: The New Reality of Investment Banking Chapter 1: Understanding the Investment Banking Analyst Role Chapter 2: Building Your Educational Foundation Chapter 3: The Target vs. Non-Target School Reality Chapter 4: Mastering the Technical Skills That Matter Chapter 5: The Recruitment Timeline and Process Chapter 6: Strategic Networking for Investment Banking Chapter […]
Investment Banking Deals for Interviews
When preparing for investment banking interviews, one of the most common questions you’ll encounter is: “Walk me through a recent deal.” Understanding current investment banking deals helps demonstrate your market awareness, analytical thinking, and genuine interest in the industry. This article explores notable middle-market investment banking deals from the past year and explains how to […]
The Ultimate Investment Bank Internship Prep Guide (2026 Edition)
Table of Contents Introduction: The New Reality of Investment Banking Internship Recruiting Understanding the Competitive Landscape in 2026 The Accelerated Recruiting Timeline Building Your Foundation: Essential Freshman Courses Sophomore Year: When Real Preparation Begins Mastering the Technical Skills That Actually Matter Why CIM Knowledge Separates Winners from Candidates Strategic Application and Resume Development Networking With […]
Qualifications for Investment Bankers: Essential Guide
Landing a role in investment banking is one of the most competitive achievements for college graduates entering finance. Follow our full guide to investment banking. Remember, top firms like Goldman Sachs accept only 0.7% of over 360,000 internship applications, understanding the qualifications for investment bankers is crucial for anyone serious about this career path. This […]
Investment Banking Entry Level Analyst Salaries
Breaking into investment banking is one of the most competitive career paths in finance, and understanding investment banking entry level analyst salaries is crucial for students planning their future. First-year analysts in this field can expect substantial compensation that varies significantly based on firm type, geographic location, and market conditions. Salaries have increased notably in […]
Financial Models for Investment Banking
Breaking into investment banking requires mastery of core analytical tools. For first-year analysts, understanding which financial models for investment banking to prioritize can make the difference between struggling and excelling in your role. This guide explores the essential models you’ll use daily in M&A advisory and deal execution. Building accurate, dynamic models is the core […]
10 Essential Investment Banking Analyst Skills (Technical & Soft Skills)
Table of Contents Introduction: Technical Competence Is the Floor, Execution Is the Ceiling The Technical Foundation: Accounting and Statement Analysis The 2026 Digital Toolbelt: Excel, AI, and the Modern Analyst Stack Soft Skills: The Intangibles That Win the Superday The Complete Analyst Skills Checklist From Interview Ready to Desk Ready: The Investment Bank Academy Path […]
Master Excel for Banking
Mastering Excel for banking is more than just a spreadsheet tool in the world of finance—it’s the foundation of decision-making for investment bankers. If you’re a student eyeing a career on Wall Street, learning how to master Excel for banking is not just helpful—it’s essential. This guide will walk you through key techniques analysts use […]
Entry Level Investment Banking Training Is Broken
Why College Students Can’t Break In Today, U.S. college students face the most difficult investment banking recruiting environment in years. Despite strong GPAs and student leadership roles, most graduates fail to land full-time analyst positions. Read our full guide on how to do it. According to a recent Forbes report, the job market for college […]
Top Investment Banks 2026: The Definitive Analyst Ranking & Guide
Table of Contents Introduction: Why Your Firm Choice Determines Your Entire Career Trajectory The 2026 Compensation Reality: What Analysts Actually Earn The Firm Tier List: Bulge Brackets, Elite Boutiques, and Middle Market Bulge Bracket Deep Dive: Goldman, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, BofA, Citi Elite Boutique Analysis: Centerview, Evercore, Lazard, Moelis, PJT Middle Market Champions: The Training […]