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What is an investment banking associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
John McDermott Ph.D.

Investment bankers help companies raise the capital for expansion and other intensive efforts. Investment banking associates contribute largely to this goal by interacting with clients and verifying the data that is processed by analysts. In many situations, an investment banking associate's job is the step after an analyst's responsibility.

A day in the life of an investment banking associate involves meeting with upper management staff to discuss pitches and responding to queries. They also regularly meet with stakeholders and clients. Other responsibilities include delegating tasks to junior staff and checking over their work.

Investment banking associates often work long hours to meet clients, be available for any last-minute requests and deliver on a deadline. Becoming an investment banking associate requires an advanced degree, usually an MBA. Experience from a relevant internship program also bolsters a resume. Proficiency with industry-relevant software, like Excel and Powerpoint, are helpful skills for an investment banking associate.

What general advice would you give to an investment banking associate?

John McDermott Ph.D.John McDermott Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Fairfield University

To maximize your salary potential, keep learning, investing in your human capital, and expanding your capabilities. Learn as much as you can about your new position and industry, work with a variety of people at your firm, and seek opportunities outside your comfort zone. Your salary potential will increase as you are recognized as a capable and hard working colleague.
ScoreInvestment Banking AssociateUS Average
Salary
8.1

Avg. Salary $119,967

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.8

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.10%

Asian 14.09%

Black or African American 5.64%

Hispanic or Latino 7.67%

Unknown 4.50%

White 68.00%

Gender

female 21.35%

male 78.65%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
5.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Investment banking associate career paths

Key steps to become an investment banking associate

  1. Explore investment banking associate education requirements

    Most common investment banking associate degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.2 %

    Master's

    30.7 %

    Doctorate

    2.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific investment banking associate skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Capital Markets7.13%
    Healthcare6.04%
    Discounted Cash Flow5.67%
    Private Equity4.44%
    Capital Raising3.93%
  3. Complete relevant investment banking associate training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New investment banking associates learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an investment banking associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real investment banking associate resumes.
  4. Research investment banking associate duties and responsibilities

    • Achieve the highest grades in a bank run 5 day advance equity derivatives course.
    • Manage ongoing maintenance of prospective investor pipeline using SalesForce software.
    • Create valuation models associate with above projects, specifically LBO, DCF and accretion/dilution analysis.
    • Perform extensive valuations of private and public companies through comparable company and DCF analyses.
  5. Prepare your investment banking associate resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your investment banking associate resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an investment banking associate resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable investment banking associate resume templates

    Build a professional investment banking associate resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your investment banking associate resume.
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
    Investment Banking Associate Resume
  6. Apply for investment banking associate jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an investment banking associate job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first investment banking associate job

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Average investment banking associate salary

The average investment banking associate salary in the United States is $119,967 per year or $58 per hour. Investment banking associate salaries range between $73,000 and $195,000 per year.

Average investment banking associate salary
$119,967 Yearly
$57.68 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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