High School to High Finance: Navigating the Investment Banking Career Path

Investment banking is one of the most competitive and rewarding careers in finance. It’s fast-paced, high-impact, and puts you at the center of major business deals. Entry-level roles can start with six-figure salaries, and for those who excel, the earning potential is even greater. But beyond the salary, it’s a career built on challenge, strategy, and real-world influence.

If you're motivated, strategic, and eager to make an impact, this path might be the perfect fit. Like the legendary financier J.P. Morgan—who helped steer the U.S. through multiple financial crises and inspired the iconic financier mascot in Monopoly—successful investment bankers combine ambition with adaptability. Morgan’s advice, “Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see farther,” captures the spirit of the field: progress comes step by step, and each milestone opens the door to new opportunities.

In this guide, you’ll learn what it takes to break into investment banking—from the skills you can start building in high school to the degrees, internships, and connections that will set you up for long-term success.

What does an investment banker do?

Investment bankers work closely with some of the planet’s wealthiest individuals—engaging with business leaders and investors to broker significant transactions. In essence, investment banking revolves around facilitating major deals with convenience and precision.

As an entry‑level investment banker, you’ll typically start out in an analyst role providing support to senior bankers. Daily duties could include building financial models and valuations, preparing pitch books and presentations, conducting industry and market research, and assisting in due diligence and transaction execution.

Moving forward in your career, it’s likely that you’ll be handling high-stakes, high-value financial activities—such as engineering mergers and acquisitions among Fortune 500 companies and managing initial public offerings (IPOs) for private firms. Becoming an investment banker offers a rare chance to leave a lasting impact on the global economy.

Why choose investment banking as a career?

If you’re still in high school, it’s totally normal to be unsure about which career path is the right fit for you. At this point, it’s all about exploring your options so you can make informed decisions about the future. If investment banking is piquing your interest as a career, it’s always good to know the pros and cons:

• Attractive compensation. Becoming a successful investment banker is demanding, but your hard work will be recognized with an excellent salary. According to Payscale, average salary is around $115,461, excluding bonuses and commissions which can typically double this figure. Salaries can vary based on experience level, employer, and location, ranging from $63,000 to $313,000.

• Accelerated career growth. In investment banking, career advancement is swift. Analysts usually spend two to three years in their roles before moving up to associate level, and with strong performance can move to a senior position within 10 years.

•  Skill development. Financial modelling, strategic thinking, and negotiation are some of the critical skills you’ll develop as an investment banker. These competencies are highly transferable across diverse sectors, so if you’re looking for a career pivot in the future you’ll have plenty of options.

•  Elite networking. Collaborating with top executives, institutional investors, and industry leaders gives you daily access to powerful networks. These connections can unlock high-profile roles not just in finance, but across sectors like private equity, consulting, and corporate leadership.

Life as an investment banker means embracing flexible schedules—many weeks stretch to 60–80 hours, and during key deal phases it can rise to 100—as you support clients through live transactions. While the workload can intensify during active deals, recent industry reforms like the 80-hour circuit breaker aim to offer rest periods and protect well-being.

Far from being just a grind, this environment cultivates resilience, sharp discipline, and the satisfaction of closing multi-million or billion-dollar deals. That said, banking remains ultra-competitive—with layoff risks during economic slowdowns—and early-career demands affecting your personal time and social life.

6 steps to becoming an investment banker

Securing an entry-level job in the field of investment banking can be competitive, so the ability to stand out to potential employers is vital. The winning formula involves the right mix of skills and education, combined with hard work and ambition.

Here’s our six-step plan to help you get on track:

1.     Lay a strong academic foundation

Although your high school’s course offerings may be limited, most schools provide essential classes that can lay a strong foundation for a career in finance. Prioritize deep learning and strengthening your math skills—classes such as AP Calculus and AP Statistics are ideal. If those aren’t available, honors-level algebra and math electives still count. Other classes such as economics, business law, and computer science can also be helpful. While it’s important to focus on these specific topics for a career in investment banking, aim to achieve good grades across all subjects in order to present a strong college application.

2.     Join finance-related clubs and programs

Consider looking for opportunities outside of the classroom to prepare for the challenging world of investment banking. Here are a few ideas:

• Join a student-run finance or investment club. These clubs can offer exposure to financial modeling, market analysis, and collaborative working, and sometimes even serve as informal pipelines into competitive finance internships and careers.

•  Attend summer camps and online courses. Explore the world of finance through online business courses, internships or finance-focused summer camps to build your knowledge and enhance your resume.

• Start a side business. Prioritizing your grades is critical, but if you have time consider starting a simple side business—whether it's tutoring, lawn care, or blogging. Even small ventures demonstrate initiative, work ethic, and responsibility.

•  Sign-up for organizations like DECA or FBLA. DECA offers finance-focused competitions and business simulations that sharpen your analytical thinking and presentation skills. Meanwhile, FBLA provides broader exposure to leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving through a wide range of events.

Together, these experiences will not only build your skill set but also show you're serious, self-driven, and ready to thrive in a demanding field like investment banking.

3.     Secure a bachelor’s degree

To officially begin a career in investment banking, you will need a bachelor’s degree—ideally in finance, but you could also consider a related discipline such as accounting or business administration. Most bachelor programs that pave the way to investment banking include courses in financial analysis, accounting, economics, corporate finance, financial modeling, and investment theory—providing the essential toolkit employers look for. These classes will provide the analytical and technical skills needed to land an entry‑level analyst role.

When choosing a college, consider a school near a major financial hub with plenty of opportunities for internships and to make connections. Locations such as New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Dallas standout as good options for aspiring investment bankers. Ultimately, banks recruit students from colleges all over the world, so you can still achieve your goals outside of these areas or if you attend an Ivy League or less prestigious university.

4.     Network and find mentors

Investment banking is a fast-paced, competitive world where professional relationships are gold—and networking is how you mine them. Building meaningful connections with peers, mentors, alumni, and acquaintances is vital, so that when opportunity knocks, you’re ready. Here’s how to excel at networking:

• Maximize internships. Proactively engage with colleagues and offer to help across teams during an internship. Stay in touch: send a thank-you note, share milestone updates, and request occasional career advice to keep the connection alive.

• Engage with alumni, family, and friends. Reach out to school alumni, parents, family friends, or other personal connections who work in finance. Ask for short informational interviews to learn about their day-to-day roles and career journeys.

• Connect via LinkedIn. Build a strong LinkedIn profile, craft personalized connection requests, and engage in informational interviews with investment bankers that inspire you. Reference shared connections, common interests, or any relevant experience.

• Attend finance events and meetups. Participate in university panels, finance club events, guest lectures, and career expos. These are prime venues for face-to-face networking. Prepare thoughtful questions ahead of time to make a strong impression.

A strong, active network not only keeps you informed about unadvertised job openings and market insights, but it also builds the trust and credibility you'll need to "sell" yourself—whether you're pitching a million-dollar deal or your own candidacy. According to a recent Forbes article, approximately 82% of U.S. employers use employee referrals to source, identify, and shortlist candidates, making consistent networking essential.

5.     Secure internships and build real-world experience

To break into investment banking, securing a summer analyst internship during college is crucial—it’s the primary pipeline into full-time roles. While top-tier investment banks are ideal, gaining experience at boutique firms or in finance-related positions can also strengthen your resume. Contrary to popular belief, most graduates don’t walk straight into investment banking jobs right after earning their bachelor’s degrees. Typically, new hires begin as analysts for two years, with the possibility of a third year if performance is strong.

6.     Plan for licensure and credentials

Once you’re hired, you'll need to pass FINRA licensing exams which qualify you to advise on mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, and broader securities work. These licenses are typically sponsored by your employer and are required for client-facing roles.

A master’s degree isn’t required to break into investment banking, but it can give you a major edge—especially if it’s an MBA from a top business school. Banks are picky about where MBAs come from, and grads from places like NYU, Columbia, or the University of Chicago often stand out. Look for programs that offer internships to get hands-on experience and consider a master’s in finance for more technical roles like trading or risk.

Another option is to complete financial certifications to hone your expertise in specific areas of finance and support career advancement or specialization. Common certifications include the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). These certifications are relevant for roles in accounting, tax, or financial planning and analysis.

Key skills for success in investment banking

Landing a job in investment banking is just the beginning—you’ll need to keep sharpening your skills to stay competitive. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and confident leadership are all essential. Stay active in the industry by attending conferences and networking events to keep your knowledge fresh and your connections strong.

Technology is also transforming the field. More firms—both traditional banks and innovative start-ups—are looking for professionals with skills in areas like data science, AI, machine learning, and automation. You don’t need a tech degree, but taking a few targeted courses can help you stay ahead of the curve and bring valuable expertise to the table.

Wrapping up

If you're a high school student with a passion for finance and a drive to make a significant impact, investment banking could be the perfect career path for you. This field offers the opportunity to work on high-stakes deals, develop critical financial skills, and build a professional network that can open doors to various industries.

To embark on this journey, start by focusing on your academic performance, particularly in subjects like mathematics, economics, and business. Engaging in extracurricular activities such as finance clubs, DECA, or FBLA can provide hands-on experience and enhance your resume. Additionally, seeking mentorship from professionals in the industry can offer valuable insights and guidance.

Investment banking is competitive, but with dedication, strategic planning, and a proactive approach, you can position yourself for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.