Just as banks are the epitome of the global economy, investment banking professionals focus on specialty finance and business and facilitate financial investments and funding. Prospective employees in the investment banking field must have a high level of education and skills, and most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or a related field. For a higher management position in the field, a master’s degree in accounting or finance is required.
Programs for Investment Bankers
A bachelor’s degree program in finance or accounting lays a strong foundation for entering the investment banking field. Such programs offer classes on financial and capital management, economics, investment analysis, corporate finance and risk management. These courses equip aspiring investment bankers with adequate financial knowledge and skills required to work in the profession. Graduates from these programs must demonstrate both a strong mastery of financial knowledge and outstanding risk management capabilities, sharp mathematical skills, strong analytical and interpersonal skills to explore the opportunities available in the field.
Financial Accounting
MBA students with an interest in investment banking should undertake as many financial accounting courses as possible. Such classes include introductory financial accounting, financial statement analysis, performance measurement and control and strategic control systems. It is best for students to take combined intermediate and advanced accounting because most financial institutions interview students who have undertaken these classes. The proper sequence of the classes begins with introduction to finance, intermediate and advanced accounting, financial statement analysis, performance measurement and control and strategic control systems.
MBA in Finance
A Master of Business Administration course in finance focuses on how finance supports the functional section of a firm. An MBA in finance class enlightens you on the role of financial decisions in creating value in companies. The course content includes the functions of financial institution and modern capital and essential techniques of analysis such as risk analysis, capital budgeting and discounted cash flow valuation. Investment bankers who acquire an MBA in finance can quickly rise up the industry to the associate level.
Investment Banking Classes
As a vast and multi-faceted field, investment banking degree programs cover the theory and practice of finance and combine subject matter from other fields such as mathematics, business, communications and economics. Most coursework covers topics on developing strong management capabilities, proper professional behavior and the value of business ethics. Such specialized classes typically focus on teaching the principles of taxation, underwriting, value investing, corporate finance, investing, business statistics and human resource management.
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Maria OCadiz has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in Education. She is a former university professor, curriculum facilitator and teacher.