Have you ever wondered what really happens during the day of an investment banker at the analyst level? Forget the glamorous portrayals you’ve seen on screen. The reality is far more grounded. Entry-level analysts spend their time on presentations, spreadsheets, and meticulous detail work.
Starting the Day of an Investment Banker
The typical day begins early, often before market open. First, analysts check emails and review overnight comments from senior bankers. Then they prioritize tasks for the day ahead. The morning might involve updating an Excel model. Alternatively, it could mean making last-minute pitch deck revisions before a client meeting. In middle-market banks, deal teams are lean. Therefore, analysts must hit the ground running on multiple projects simultaneously.
Core Responsibilities Throughout the Day of an Investment Banker
Contrary to popular belief, entry-level analysts don’t spend most of their time building complex models. In fact, roughly 50% of an analyst’s time goes to creating PowerPoint presentations. These are primarily pitch decks and Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs).
Pitch decks are the sales presentations banks use to win new business. As an analyst, you’ll research companies and industries. You’ll compile the bank’s credentials and prepare valuation analyses. Additionally, you’ll format slides until they’re pixel-perfect. Senior bankers return drafts with markups. You’ll incorporate edits repeatedly—sometimes late into the night before a big pitch.
CIMs consume significant time once a deal is live. These 50+ page documents market a client company to potential buyers. Analysts gather information from clients. Then, they draft the executive summary and market overview. Next, they compile financial sections and manage multiple rounds of revisions. It’s detailed work requiring both analytical thinking and strong writing skills.
Beyond presentations, analysts support deal execution in multiple ways. For instance, they manage virtual data rooms. Additionally, they track buyer outreach. They coordinate due diligence requests. Moreover, they handle administrative tasks that keep transactions moving forward.
The Reality of Long Hours
The day of an investment banker often extends well into the evening. Analysts typically work 70-80+ hours per week. Specifically, late nights are common when pitch deadlines loom or urgent client requests arrive. For example, you might finish a CIM update after a drafting call with the client. Then circulate the revised version by morning. Ultimately, the work demands stamina, precision, and the ability to juggle competing priorities.
Essential Tools for Success
Throughout the day of an investment banker, analysts rely heavily on Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. Furthermore, they use financial databases like Capital IQ, PitchBook, and Bloomberg. Consequently, they become expert at extracting data and building models. They create compelling visuals and format documents to institutional standards. Additionally, proficiency with virtual data room platforms is crucial for managing confidential deal materials.
Why This Experience Matters
Despite the demanding hours, the analyst role provides unparalleled training. Specifically, you’ll gain exposure to the complete deal lifecycle. From initial pitch to final close. Moreover, you’ll develop technical, analytical, and project management skills. These skills serve as a foundation for any finance career.
Take Your Investment Banking Career to the Next Level
Understanding the day of an investment banker is just the beginning. However, to strengthen your chances of landing a competitive IB role, you need to prove something to recruiters. Specifically, you need to show you can handle the real work—especially pitching deals.
Join the InfoGate Financial Investment Bank Academy to gain hands-on experience. Specifically, you’ll create pitch decks, build financial models, and understand deal processes. Furthermore, show recruiters you’re ready for day one. Demonstrate you already know how to pitch a deal like a professional analyst. Ultimately, your future in investment banking starts with the right preparation. Get started today.