Investment banking is a highly competitive industry but also offers very high reward. Starting to look into investment banking as a career option whilst studying your A-Levels can often make applying to these coveted jobs easier in the future.
Investment banking is a term often used to describe a range of financial services provided by Investment Banks. Within investment banks, the most coveted roles tend to be those that are client-facing (revenue generating). These include:
There are also smaller boutique firms that can offer many of these roles; many of whom are just as reputable as large investment banks.
Investment banks rarely specify what subjects you need or what grades are required at A-Level. However, there are two key things to remember here:
For more technical roles like sales/trading/research, it can be helpful to do quantitative degrees, but there is no exact requirement on which subject you should do at university. For more qualitative roles like corporate finance and parts of asset management, it really does not matter which subject you do at degree-level. If you wish to potentially apply to the more technical roles, and thereby need a more quantitative degree, picking subjects like Maths, Physics, Economics & Further Maths can help you secure the right course at university.
What is far more important is which university you attend. Investment banks tend to be highly selective on which universities they recruit from. In the UK, the majority of candidates are recruited from the following universities:
It's important to note that while these universities are known for producing a high number of investment banking professionals, they are not the only options for students interested in this field. Top investment banks can still sometimes recruit from a wide range of universities, and a strong academic record and relevant experience are often more important than the specific institution you attended. If you're considering a career in investment banking, it's important to focus on building your skills and experiences, and to keep an open mind about the various paths you might take to get there.
No college can directly help you gain a graduate investment banking role. However, as you can see from this article, it is vital for students to start career planning as early as possible. At Edgbaston College, we offer the following support to students interested in a career in finance:
Whilst less common, Edgbaston College also offers support for students interested in investment banking higher degree apprenticeships. This pathway provides an alternative route into the industry, combining academic study with practical experience.
Support for these initiatives is primarily provided by principal Owais Ahmed, who leverages his background in investment banking to guide and mentor students. This targeted support helps prepare students not only for university but also for a successful career in finance.
For more information about our college and the investment banking programme, you can call us or fill out the online enquiry form and we will get in touch as soon as possible. Please also feel free to email us at enquiries@edgbastoncollege.co.uk
