Questions to Ask Investment Bankers
Strategic questions to ask investment bankers to understand their role, learn about the industry, and explore career opportunities in finance and investment banking.
1What does a typical day look like in investment banking?
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What does a typical day look like in investment banking?
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Why this works
Understanding their daily routine helps you learn about the practical aspects of the work and what to expect in this career.
2What are the most important skills for success in investment banking?
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What are the most important skills for success in investment banking?
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Why this works
Learning about essential skills helps you understand what to focus on developing for your own career success.
3What are the biggest challenges facing the investment banking industry?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the investment banking industry?
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Why this works
Understanding industry challenges helps you learn about current trends and how to prepare for the evolving market.
4What do you enjoy most about your work?
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What do you enjoy most about your work?
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Why this works
Learning about what they enjoy helps you understand the rewarding aspects of the profession and what might motivate you.
5How did you get started in investment banking and what was your career path?
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How did you get started in investment banking and what was your career path?
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Why this works
Understanding their career journey helps you learn about different paths into the field and what to expect.
6What advice would you give to someone starting in investment banking?
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What advice would you give to someone starting in investment banking?
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Why this works
Getting career advice helps you understand what to focus on and how to succeed in this profession.
7What are the most important qualities for success in this role?
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What are the most important qualities for success in this role?
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Why this works
Learning about success qualities helps you understand what characteristics and skills are most valued in this field.
8How do you stay current with market trends and developments?
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How do you stay current with market trends and developments?
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Why this works
Understanding their learning approach helps you know how to continue growing and staying relevant in your career.
9What are the biggest misconceptions about investment banking?
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What are the biggest misconceptions about investment banking?
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Why this works
Learning about misconceptions helps you have realistic expectations and avoid common pitfalls in this profession.
10What opportunities are there for advancement in investment banking?
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What opportunities are there for advancement in investment banking?
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Why this works
Understanding advancement opportunities helps you assess potential career growth and what paths are available.
11How do you handle work-life balance in investment banking?
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How do you handle work-life balance in investment banking?
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Why this works
Learning about work-life balance helps you understand how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while pursuing this career.
12What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?
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What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?
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Why this works
Understanding what they find rewarding helps you assess if this profession aligns with your values and interests.
13How do you handle stress and pressure in your work?
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How do you handle stress and pressure in your work?
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Why this works
Learning about stress management helps you understand how to cope with the demands of this profession.
14What are the biggest risks or downsides of investment banking?
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What are the biggest risks or downsides of investment banking?
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Why this works
Understanding risks helps you make informed decisions about pursuing this career path.
15How do you build and maintain client relationships?
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How do you build and maintain client relationships?
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Why this works
Learning about relationship building helps you understand how to network and advance your career.
16What role does technology play in investment banking?
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What role does technology play in investment banking?
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Why this works
Understanding technology's role helps you know what tools and skills you'll need to succeed in this field.
17How do you handle difficult situations or conflicts at work?
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How do you handle difficult situations or conflicts at work?
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Why this works
Learning about conflict resolution helps you understand how to handle challenging situations in this profession.
18What are the most important trends or developments in investment banking?
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What are the most important trends or developments in investment banking?
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Why this works
Understanding trends helps you stay current with industry developments and prepare for future opportunities.
19How do you measure success in your role?
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How do you measure success in your role?
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Why this works
Learning about success metrics helps you understand how performance is evaluated and what to focus on.
20What are your thoughts on the future of investment banking?
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What are your thoughts on the future of investment banking?
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Why this works
Understanding their perspective on the future helps you assess long-term opportunities and challenges in this profession.
Learning from Investment Bankers
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Building Relationships with Investment Bankers
Be Respectful of Their Time
Be mindful of their schedule and ask focused questions that show you value their time and expertise.
Show Genuine Interest
Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in their experiences and your commitment to learning from them.
Follow Up Appropriately
Send thank you notes and follow up on any advice or connections they provide to maintain the relationship.