Investment banker and equity research analyst
Also called: Equity analyst, IB analyst
Helps companies raise money and buy or merge with others, or studies companies to advise investors.
What the work is
Investment bankers help companies raise money through IPOs, share and bond issues, and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. Equity research analysts study companies and industries, build financial models, and write reports recommending whether to buy or sell shares.
India's stock markets have seen record IPOs and investor numbers, and many global banks run large research and analytics teams in Indian cities. The work is demanding, with long hours, but pays among the best in finance.
A typical week
- Build financial models and valuations in Excel
- Prepare pitch books and research reports
- Study company results and industry trends
- Work on deals with clients, lawyers and auditors
It suits people who
- Love markets, business news and numbers
- Can work long hours under pressure
- Write and present clearly
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Commerce or Science with MathsFollow business news
Class 11-12
- B.Com (Hons), B.A. Economics, BBA, B.TechCUET-UG, IPMAT or JEE
College or fresher
- Learn financial modelling and valuation
- Start CFA Level I or CA
- Intern at a bank, broker or research firm
- Aim for an MBA (Finance) at a top school for front-office roles
Working or switching
- CAs, analysts and consultants move in through research and transaction roles
- Start with a skills refresh of 6 to 12 weeks: one short course and one TalentMeter assessment to show where you stand today.
- Use returnship and second-career programmes; many large employers in India run them for people back after a break.
- Explain the gap in one honest line on your CV and LinkedIn, and list what you did in it (caregiving, freelancing, courses, volunteering).
- Contract, part-time and freelance roles are a common way back in; they turn into full-time offers often.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| CFA Program ↗ | Global investment qualification | From final year of college |
| NISM certifications ↗ | SEBI-required certificates for research analysts and other market roles | Any time |
| CAT ↗ | MBA admission at IIMs | After graduation |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
Job titles to search
Who hires
Where the jobs are
These buttons open a live search for "Investment banking analyst" on each job site. TalentMeter does not list or vouch for the jobs there.
Outlook
Competitive. Front-office deal jobs are few and need a top college or CA/CFA; research and analytics roles in global banks' India centres offer many more openings.
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