Favorite Parts of Working in Investment Banking as an Investment Banking Associate
Trent, an Investment Banking Associate, finds the "breadth of work and the breadth of responsibility" most rewarding, citing the unique opportunity to learn about company financials and the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions from both the buyer and seller perspectives. This allows Trent to work directly with companies, guiding them through "life-changing decisions" and maximizing returns for their stakeholders.
Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Investment Banking, Negotiation, Financial Modeling
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Trent Hammond
Investment Banking Associate
Global Investment Bank
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - 2017
UCLA Anderson School of Management - MBA
Finance
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Took Out Loans, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Exposure to diverse financial situations and industries: Working on deals allows for learning about the financials of various companies and understanding their motivations for selling or raising capital.
2. Perspective from both sides of a transaction: The role provides insight into the perspectives of both buyers (e.g., private equity firms) and sellers (companies), allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the deal-making process.
3. Impactful work and mentorship: The position offers the opportunity to work on significant transactions that influence company decisions and to guide clients, contributing to their success and potentially affecting their lives positively.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
I'm really looking forward to the challenges of it. I've said it multiple times, and the breadth of work and responsibility is significant. I think you get the opportunity to learn so much.
You learn a lot on the finance side, specifically with the financials of different companies and industries. You learn why companies are trying to sell or raise money.
Another side is looking at it from the investor perspective. Why is a private equity firm or a company trying to buy another company? Can they not grow organically, so they have to make an acquisition?
You're sitting in the middle, seeing both the buy-side and the company. You observe how both parties go through a negotiation process.
Outside of that, it's the most incredible learning experience. You learn about financials and how to work with a company to place them in the best position. This allows them to return the best for their shareholders, or for a private company, perhaps for the founder. Getting to work with them and make life-changing decisions is a really special opportunity.