How to get into investment banking by a former Lazard sales trader

Finance is one of the most difficult industries to get into. But if you interview people working, every single person has their own story of how they got a job or a seat on the trading floor. Its super competitive and very difficult to get in.

People attend business schools, go to elite private high schools, and cater to extra curricular activities to get into finance.

What is investment banking?

Investment banking involves advising organisations on Mergers and aqusitions as well as capital raising strategies.

So why do you want to work there so badly?

Well it seems finance people may not want to admit it but maybe salaries have something to do with it. Its one of the best-paid jobs out there and will continue to be. Having worked on the trading floor I know a thing or 2 about finance and how things work. I was on the buy and the sell side, at Lazard and Berstein.

Advice on how to get in from an ex Lazard banker

1. Go to a top school if you can
2. Stay up to date on all finance topics around finance. Read the FT and Wall Street Journal constantly
3. Network as much as possible
4. Ask for referrals from people who work there
5. Dont be picky about the sector you are going for. For example if you are trying to get into M&A but get a role in buy-side distribution take it as you never know where its going to lead you.
6. Prepare for your interview. Know the markets, know your technicals and look sharp at the interview.

Feel free to reach out to me for any advice or comments.

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Startups vs banking from a former Techstars COO and Lazard Salesperson

So you have seen the movie social network and think you can make a Mark Zuckerberg and build another facebook easily? So you are tired of the investment banking finance world but you think you can easily make it in startups as an entrepreneur. Don’t be fooled, startups are for no softies, and it’s probably not for you.

FounderBountyVlad Kozul