Biggest Challenges Faced By An Investment Banking Associate At A Middle Market Investment Bank
Jonathan, an Investment Banking Associate, identifies the biggest challenge as "being able to process a lot of work and manage long hours," a factor Jonathan believes is crucial to consider before pursuing a career in investment banking despite the significant learning opportunities.
Investment Banking, Long Working Hours, Work-Life Balance, Career Challenges, Financial Services
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
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Jonathan Freeman
Investment Banking Associate
Middle Market Investment Bank
CWRU
UCSD Master of Finance, UCLA FTMBA
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Long hours are a significant challenge in investment banking, requiring willingness to work extended periods.
2. The demanding workload necessitates strong work ethic and time management skills.
3. Despite the challenges, the learning opportunities and experience gained are valuable, even if one decides to leave after a short period.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
The biggest challenge of being an investment banker is processing a lot of work and managing long hours when things get really busy. Everyone has different priorities, but if you want to do this job as a junior banker, you need to be willing to work long hours for periods of time.
I think for many people, that can be challenging. It's not that they aren't able to do the work, or that the work is so difficult that most people can't handle it. It's simply that most people don't want to be working those hours.
So, I think that's something to consider before you pursue investment banking. That being said, I think it's worth it for the learning opportunity. If you have the chance to get into investment banking for six months, a year, or however long, worst-case scenario, you quit after gaining good exposure.
But again, the biggest challenge is just the sheer amount of work involved. You need to appreciate that before pursuing a career in banking.