Maybe it’s the high-stakes deals.
Maybe it’s the prestige, the learning curve, or the paycheck.
Maybe it’s all of the above.
But let’s be clear: How to Get Started in Investment Banking After MBA? when figuring out how to get started in investment banking after MBA.
You’re up against people who’ve spent years in finance. Some were analysts pre-MBA. Others majored in finance undergrad. You’re the “outsider.”
But you have something just as valuable: a fresh perspective, real-world experience, and a story worth telling.
Here’s how to turn that story into an offer.
Step 1: Reframe Your Background as a Strategic Asset
The worst thing you can do is act like you’re behind. You’re not.
In fact, many banks value “non-traditional” MBAs—because they bring client empathy, problem-solving skills, leadership, and maturity.
Whether you’re ex-military or ex-McKinsey, you’ve already operated under pressure, worked on complex projects, and communicated with senior stakeholders. That’s 80% of banking right there.
Your job is to connect the dots for recruiters:
- Tech → “I understand how fast-growth companies think and can support them through M&A or IPOs.”
- Consulting → “I’ve advised C-suites; now I want to help execute strategic financial transactions.”
- Engineering → “I have a quantitative mind and now want to apply that rigor to capital markets.”
- Military → “I’ve led high-pressure teams — investment banking demands the same intensity and discipline.”
Make your pitch specific, confident, and compelling.
Step 2: Learn the Finance Playbook — Like an Insider
Let’s be honest: you need to play catch-up on technicals.
Start early—ideally before or during your first MBA semester. Learn:
- How the three financial statements connect
- DCF, trading comps, precedent transactions
- LBO models and basic accounting
- Enterprise value vs. equity value
- How M&A deals are structured and valued
Use top-rated tools:
- Wall Street Prep
- Breaking Into Wall Street
- YouTube (check: Mergers & Inquisitions)
Goal: by recruiting season, you can “talk the talk” as well as anyone.
Step 3: Position Your Resume for Finance
Your old resume won’t cut it. It’s time for a banker-friendly rewrite.
Quantify everything
Lead with business impact
Emphasize analytical and strategic experience
Add MBA finance coursework, case competitions, and modeling certifications
Include any finance-related projects, even if they’re MBA class assignments
If you worked on budgets, strategy decks, valuation models, or M&A-related consulting projects — include them. Even better, take on finance internships during the MBA to stack real-world credentials.
Step 4: Make Networking Your Superpower
You may not have investment banking in your pre-MBA Rolodex. That’s okay.
But now’s the time to network like your job depends on it — because it does.
How to start:
- Identify alumni from your MBA program (and undergrad, too) who now work in IB
- Set a weekly outreach goal (10–15 messages/week)
- Nail your intro email:
“Hi [Name], I’m an MBA student at [School] transitioning into investment banking after several years in [Industry]. I came across your profile and would love to learn more about your journey and any advice you’d have for someone making a similar pivot.”
- Track every contact, note insights, and follow up consistently
- Ask for referrals to recruiting teams once rapport is built
Remember: informational interviews often lead to real interviews.
Step 5: Target the Right Banks — and Offices
Career switchers often have an edge at:
- Middle-market firms
- Industry-focused boutiques (e.g., tech, healthcare, energy)
- Regional offices where fit and hustle matter more than pedigree
- Banks with strong MBA hiring pipelines (especially post-COVID)
If you’re from tech? Target tech M&A groups.
If you’re ex-military? Look at veteran-friendly banks like JPMorgan or BofA.
If you’re from consulting? Focus on groups that value client-facing skills.
Play to your domain strengths. You’re not starting from zero—you’re pivoting with purpose.
Step 6: Prep for Interviews Like a Banker-in-Training
As a switcher, interviewers will test:
- Your technical readiness — can you handle the modeling and finance concepts?
- Your commitment — are you serious about this path, or is it just a fling?
- Your story — can you tie your past to your future in a way that sells?
Use this format:
- “Walk me through your resume”
- “Why investment banking?”
- “Why now?”
- “Why you?”
Don’t waffle. Don’t overcomplicate it. Be sharp, structured, and passionate.
Practice relentlessly. With classmates, mentors, or even mock interview coaches.
Step 7: Win the Internship — Then Convert the Offer
Your best route to a full-time IB offer is the MBA summer internship.
Key tips:
- Apply early — many firms open applications as early as July or August
- Don’t skip middle-market and elite boutique opportunities
- Customize your story for each group you apply to (industry, location, team)
- Treat every interview like it’s the only one you’ll get
If you land the internship, overdeliver:
- Be proactive
- Triple-check your work
- Ask smart questions
- Manage up
- Own your learning
Banks love converting interns. Give them every reason to pick you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to get started in investment banking after MBA — as a career switcher — here’s your answer:
Reframe your background as an asset
Learn the technicals cold
Rework your resume to speak IB
Build your network with intention
Practice storytelling and interviews like a pro
Land the internship — then crush it
Switching into IB isn’t easy. But neither was your pre-MBA career — and you thrived there, didn’t you?
You’ve got what it takes. Now go get it.