“Why investment banking?” is a question that frequently comes up in interviews. If you’re looking to enter the field, you must prepare a great answer. After all, competition for jobs in investment banking is fierce, and you’ll need to be able to stand out from the crowd.
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How to answer the question: “Why investment banking?”
What interests you
The first thing you need to do is figure out what it is about investment banking that interests you. Do you like the idea of working with numbers and financial analysis? Are you attracted to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment? Or are you drawn to the potential for high earnings? Once you’ve pinpointed what interests you, you’ll better articulate why investment banking is the right career choice.
Chance to Work on High-Profile Deals
Investment banks often work on high-profile deals that make headlines around the world. If you’re interested in being at the center of the action and working on transformative deals, then a career in investment banking could be a good fit for you.
Opportunity to Develop Valuable Skills
Working in investment banking will allow you to develop a wide range of skills highly valued in the business world. These skills include financial analysis, deal structuring, negotiation, and communication. By developing these skills, you’ll be well-positioned for success in various industries.
Talk about Skills and Experience
Another approach is to focus on the skills and experience that make you a good fit for investment banking. For example, if you have experience working with numbers and financial analysis, or if you’re good at multitasking and thrive in fast-paced environments, those qualities would make you well-suited for a career in investment banking.
Benefits to company
Share how you will benefit the company rather than what the company can do for you. For example, if you’re interested in working with a particular type of investment or if you have experience in a certain geographic region, explain how your skills and experience can benefit the company.
Highlight your background
If you have a background in finance or economics, be sure to mention that. Many investment banking positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in one of those disciplines, so your background will set you apart from other candidates.
More on Common Interview Questions
“Why investment banking?” Example Answers
To help you prepare, we’ve compiled example answers to the question, “Why investment banking?” These examples should give you a good starting point for crafting your answer. Remember that your answer should be tailored to your own experiences and goals. With that in mind, let’s look at some great example answers to the question, “Why investment banking?”
“I want to work in a constantly evolving industry.”
The world of finance is always changing, and there’s always something new to learn. I find that exciting, and I want to be on the cutting edge of the latest developments in the industry. Investment banking is the perfect place for me to do that.
“I’m passionate about helping businesses grow.”
I enjoy working with businesses and helping them reach their full potential. In my previous job as a consultant, I helped many businesses grow and expand into new markets. I saw firsthand how much of a positive impact that can have on the business and its employees. I want to continue doing that kind of work in investment banking.
“I’m good with numbers, and I love problem-solving.”
I’ve always been good with numbers and enjoy solving complex problems. Investment banking seemed the perfect career choice for me because it combines both. I’m excited to put my skills to work in an industry that always challenges its employees to develop innovative solutions.
“I want to work in an international environment.”
I love learning about different cultures and hearing different perspectives on the world. In my previous job, I worked with clients from all over the world, and I enjoyed that aspect of the job. I knew that if I wanted to continue working in an international environment, investment banking was the right choice for me.
“I’m looking for an intellectually stimulating career.”
I’m always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn new things. That’s one of the things that attracted me to investment banking in the first place. It’s an industry where you’re constantly challenged to think critically and develop innovative solutions. That’s exactly the environment I’m looking for in my career.
“I want to be able to make a difference.”
I want my career to be about more than just making money. I want to be able to use my skills and abilities to make a positive impact on the world around me. Investment banking seems like the perfect way for me to do that. It’s an industry where success is measured in financial terms and how well we serve our clients and help them achieve their goals.”
Conclusion:
Other Examples
Example 1
“I decided to pursue a career in investment banking for a few reasons:
- The earning potential is incredibly high.
- I’m interested in the financial world’s fast-paced and constantly changing environment.
- I have a background in finance and economics, which I believe will give me an advantage in this field.”
Example 2
I did my MBA with a minor in finance, and I’ve always been interested in the stock market and investments. After graduation, I worked in retail banking for a few years, and I found that I enjoyed working with numbers and financial analysis. When I heard about investment banking, it seemed the perfect combination of my interests and skills.
Example 3
“I’ve always been interested in working with numbers and analyzing financial data. After doing some research, I learned that investment banking is a fast-paced and high-pressure environment which is perfect for me. I’m confident I have the skills and qualities to excel in this field, and I’m excited to put my skills to work in a new industry.”
Example 4
There are a few key reasons why I’m interested in investment banking. First and foremost, I’m attracted to the challenge of the work. I thrive in fast-paced environments where I must constantly think on my feet and come up with creative solutions. Additionally, I’m passionate about numbers and analysis, a critical component of success in investment banking. Finally, I’m drawn to working with a team of motivated, high-achieving professionals working towards a common goal. I would excel in this environment and contribute to the team’s success.
Example 5
I’m interested in investment banking for several reasons. I’m attracted to the fast-paced, constantly changing environment and the opportunity to work on high-profile deals. I also believe that investment banking is an excellent way to develop a wide range of skills that are highly valued in the business world, including financial analysis, deal structuring, negotiation, and communication. I’m confident that I have the skills and qualities to excel in this field, and I’m excited to put my skills to work in a new industry.
The above examples illustrate that the candidate has thought about their reasons for wanting to work in investment banking and can articulate them clearly.
Conclusion
Investment banking is highly competitive, so it’s important to articulate why you’re the right candidate for the job. When answering the question, “Why investment banking?” it’s important, to be honest, specific, and articulate. Be sure to take some time to figure out what interests you about investment banking, and focus on the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the career.
Most importantly, remember to explain how you will benefit the company rather than what the company can do for you. You can ace this question and impress your interviewer with a little preparation.