Career Path

Advance Your Career in Investment Banking

Pursue a career in Investment Banking with expert-led courses from CFI.
  • Build core skills in financial modeling, valuation, M&A, and deal execution.
  • Develop in-demand skills like advanced financial analysis, due diligence, and capital raising.
  • Stand out to employers with CFI's interview prep and resume resources.

Why Choose Investment Banking

Investment Banking offers a highly rewarding career path that blends advanced financial analysis, valuation, and deal execution with significant exposure to strategic transactions and capital markets. As a professional in this field, you will play a pivotal role in shaping corporate landscapes and gain a well-defined career trajectory. Read more about Investment Banking here.

Impact and Market Influence

Structure and execute high-profile transactions that shape markets, industries, and the corporate landscape.

Exceptional Compensation Potential

Offers leading starting salaries in finance, substantial bonuses, and rapid income growth for top performers.

Intensive Skill Development

Fast-paced deal environments sharpen technical expertise, financial modeling, negotiation skills, and client relationship management.

Prestige and Mobility

A highly regarded career path that can open doors to opportunities in corporate leadership, private equity, and global finance.

M&A Advisory

Advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Involves valuations, financial modeling, due diligence, and negotiating deal terms.

Equity Capital Markets

Helps companies raise capital through IPOs, follow-ons, and convertible bonds. Covers pricing, market analysis, and investor coordination.

Debt Capital Markets

Advises on raising debt via bonds, loans, and other instruments. Focuses on capital structure, market timing, and execution.

Recommended Learning for Investment Banking Careers

Working in the high-stakes transaction environments of Investment Banking requires a range of skills, centererd around financial modeling, anlaysis and efficiency. Start with FMVA, and build out your expertise with additional specializations.

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) Certification

4.9 (37,810 Ratings)
The Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) certification delivers the technical expertise required to excel in high-stakes transaction environments. You’ll develop advanced skills in financial modeling, valuation, and deal analysis, preparing you to work on complex M&A transactions, capital raising, and strategic advisory projects with confidence.
Skills You’ll Gain:
Financial Statement Analysis, Modeling, Accounting, Budgeting, Forecasting, Excel, PowerPoint, and more
  • FMVA® certification program
  • FMVA Program: 33 courses to earn FMVA certificate
  • Self-Paced & 100% Online
  • Get full FMVA certification, community, & more with a CFI membership
  • 210+ interactive exercises

Learn Advanced Investment Banking Skills with additional Specializations

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Specialization

Accounting for Financial Analysts

Specialization

IB & PE Modeling Specialization

Specialization

AI For Finance

Specialization

Data Analysis in Excel

Accounting for Financial Analysts Specialization

4.9 (13,777 Ratings)
The ability to read and interpret financial statements, and understand the accounting treatment of complex transactions, is critical for accurate valuation and deal structuring. This expertise strengthens an investment banker’s ability to analyze targets, assess risks, and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders throughout the transaction process.
Being able to better understand and communicate more effectively with such close stakeholders within the finance team is a key reason why we recommend that those in Investment Banking complete their accounting specialization.
Skills You’ll Gain:
Reading Financial Statements, Treatment of Leases & Inventory, Interpreting Complex Scenarios
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  • 11 courses to earn Accounting for Financial Analysts Specialization
  • Self-paced & 100% online
  • Get full Accounting for Financial Analysts Specialization, community, & more with a CFI membership

Investment Banking & Private Equity Modeling Specialization

4.8 (1,425 Ratings)
The Investment Banking and Private Equity Modeling Specialization builds the advanced Excel, financial modeling, and valuation skills needed for high-stakes transactions. You’ll create 3-statement, DCF, LBO, and M&A models, apply rigorous valuation methods, and strengthen your understanding of accounting, finance, and capital structure to deliver decision-ready models.
Skills You’ll Gain:
Accounting, Advanced Financial Modeling, Excel, Financial Statement Analysis, Forecasting, Valuation, and more.
Great For:
Investment Banking, Private Equity, Equity Research, and more
  • Investment Banking & Private Equity Modeling Specialization
  • 11 total courses (11 required)
  • Self-Paced & 100% Online

AI For Finance Specialization

4.8 (171 Ratings)
AI is giving investment bankers a sharper edge—automating data-heavy tasks, revealing patterns in complex financials, and producing insights in seconds. The AI for Finance Specialization equips you to integrate AI into your workflow, from building smarter models and running advanced scenario tests to identifying risks before they surface. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT and custom GPTs, you’ll work faster, think bigger, and execute transactions with greater confidence.
From time saving, to automation, idea generation, data analysis and presentation review, AI tools are becoming an essential part of the Investment Banking skill set.
Skills You’ll Gain:
Chat GPT, Gemini, LLMs, Prompt Engineering
  • AI for Finance Specialization
  • 9 total courses (8 required)
  • Self-Paced & 100% Online

Data Analysis in Excel Specialization

4.9 (23,949 Ratings)
The Data Analysis in Excel Specialization builds your ability to analyze complex deal data. You’ll use advanced pivot tables, automate data transformations, and create visuals that clearly communicate key insights to clients and stakeholders.
Skills You’ll Gain:
Advanced Data Techniques, Array Formulas, Power Pivot, Power Query, Basic Automation, Data Modeling
  • DAE program: 8 total, 5 required to earn DAE certificate
  • Self-paced & 100% online
  • Get this full program, community, & more with a CFI membership

Gain an advantage with our Investment Banking Career Tools

Explore Investment Banking and and how it fits into the world of finance.
  • Podcast interviews with Investment Banking professionals
  • Career insights on Investment Banking and the world of finance
  • Office hours with experts for Investment Banking career questions
Test your skills and get interview ready with practical resources created by Investment Banking experts.
  • Top Investment Banking Interview Questions
  • Skills Assessments for Investment Banking Topics
  • Interview Tips for Investment Banking
Create and enhance your resume with AI assisted tools before finding a job in Investment Banking.
  • Resume Templates for Investment Banking
  • AI Powered Resume Builder
  • Investment Banking Job Postings (Coming Soon)

Immerse Yourself in the World of Investment Banking

Explore Investment Banking-specific resources to hear from professionals, learn more about the industry, and download useful Excel templates.
Articles
Podcasts
Templates & Exercises
Investment Banking Advisory Career Profile
Investment Banking Advisory Career Profile
What is Investment Banking M&A Advisory? The investment banking division (IBD) of an investment bank helps…
Written by Jeff Schmidt
Investment Banking Interview Questions & Answers
Investment Banking Interview Questions & Answers
Analyst/Associate Investment Banking Interview Questions This is based on a real form used…
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
Why Investment Banking? The Fastest Way to Learn and Grow
Why Investment Banking? The Fastest Way to Learn and Grow
Mastering the "Why Investment Banking?" Interview Question You're almost guaranteed to be asked…
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
What Do Investment Bankers Do?
What Do Investment Bankers Do?
So, What Do Investment Bankers Do? What do investment bankers do? Uh…they are…
Written by CFI Team
Typical Hierarchy of Investment Banks
Typical Hierarchy of Investment Banks
Typical Hierarchy of Investment Banks Investment banks have a rigid and strict hierarchy…
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
Investment Banking Advisory Career Profile
Written by Jeff Schmidt
Investment Banking Advisory Career Profile
What is Investment Banking M&A Advisory? The investment banking division (IBD) of an investment bank helps…
Read more
Investment Banking Interview Questions & Answers
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
Investment Banking Interview Questions & Answers
Analyst/Associate Investment Banking Interview Questions This is based on a real form used…
Read more
Why Investment Banking? The Fastest Way to Learn and Grow
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
Why Investment Banking? The Fastest Way to Learn and Grow
Mastering the "Why Investment Banking?" Interview Question You're almost guaranteed to be asked…
Read more
What Do Investment Bankers Do?
Written by CFI Team
What Do Investment Bankers Do?
So, What Do Investment Bankers Do? What do investment bankers do? Uh…they are…
Read more
Typical Hierarchy of Investment Banks
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
Typical Hierarchy of Investment Banks
Typical Hierarchy of Investment Banks Investment banks have a rigid and strict hierarchy…
Read more
Careers in Finance | Tim Vipond: From Investment Banking to Founding CFI
Welcome to FinPod by CFI's "Careers in Finance" series! In this exclusive episode,…
Written by CFI Team
What's New at CFI | IB/PE Specialization
In this episode, Meeyeon, Jeff, and Duncan discuss the newly launched specialization in…
Written by CFI Team
Written by CFI Team
Careers in Finance | Tim Vipond: From Investment Banking to Founding CFI
Welcome to FinPod by CFI's "Careers in Finance" series! In this exclusive episode,…
Read more
Written by CFI Team
What's New at CFI | IB/PE Specialization
In this episode, Meeyeon, Jeff, and Duncan discuss the newly launched specialization in…
Read more
Comparable Company Analysis
Comparable Company Analysis
What is Comparable Company Analysis? Comparable company analysis (or “comps” for short) is…
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
DCF Model Template
DCF Model Template
DCF Model Template This DCF model template provides you with a foundation to…
Written by CFI Team
Comparable Company Analysis
Written by Tim Vipond, FMVA
Comparable Company Analysis
What is Comparable Company Analysis? Comparable company analysis (or “comps” for short) is…
Read more
DCF Model Template
Written by CFI Team
DCF Model Template
DCF Model Template This DCF model template provides you with a foundation to…
Read more

Investment Banking Graduates Work in Leading Organizations

CFI’s Investment Banking graduates work for top firms worldwide—across industries such as technology, financial services, automotive, and consumer goods.

Trusted by 2.8 Million+ professionals worldwide.

Over 75% of CFI learners report improved productivity or competency within weeks.

"Probably the best online course I’ve ever attended"

Probably the best online course I’ve ever attended. The value for money is immense. I was a bit skeptical at the beginning because I already own an MBA, I would have liked just to refresh some concepts. The program is very hands-on, it spans so many interesting topics that it makes me wonder to go deep studying them. The teachers are very clear. In answering, the customer service is quicker than amazon prime with its deliveries.

"Strongly recommend to everyone who…"

Strongly recommend to everyone who wants to receive new careers opportunities and enhance their knowledge in finance. CFI FMVA is perfect opportunity for everyone to obtain neccessary and strong background in financial modeling and valuation of companies. CFI helped me a lot with providing a financial aid and now my profile as a finance specialist is much more attractive and I receive additional confidence in my valuation skills. Thanks to everybody in the CFI team for creating such brilliant courses.
Student's photo

"Excellent Course!!!"

This course was very detailed and structured. I would definitely recommend this Certification for any budding Financial Analyst.

"Perfect for getting ahead at work!"

I love how detailed the videos are and the step by step instructions.
Student's photo

"Best Finance Institute"

This is a really practical guide to know everything about Corporate Finance. It is deep and solid enough to know how to use advanced concepts and get the best out of your work.
Student's photo

"Too good to be true!"

I have had the honor of completing the FMVA course and I am very pleased with the amount of knowledge that I have gained. The tutorship is excellent and is enhanced by detailed explanations all done in a step by step manner and video presentation to boot! There are many assignments along the way to test your ongoing development and there is no hustle to do anything. You can take your time, repeat your lessons as much as you like. This is one of the most comprehensive of courses, yet enjoyable and packed with information that otherwise may take you years to learn. I will gladly recommend this course to anyone.

Ready to Launch Your Investment Banking Career?

Get certified by CFI and join millions of successful finance professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.
What is Investment Banking and what do IB professionals do?
Investment banking helps companies and governments raise money and make big financial deals. Bankers advise on mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and guide stock or bond offerings. Juniors build models and presentations, mid-levels run deals, and seniors win clients and negotiate.
Is a career in Investment Banking right for me?
If you enjoy analyzing companies, working in Excel, creating valuation models, assessing market conditions, and comparing companies, Investment banking might just be a fit for you.
Do I need a finance degree to work in Investment Banking?
Often, a degree does help you get started in the industry, but just as importantly, you'll need to demonstrate practical, job-ready skills like Excel modeling, valuation, and business analysis. CFI’s training focuses on job-ready skills and certifications that hiring managers trust, regardless of your educational background.
Will these certifications help me get a job in Investment Banking?
Yes. CFI’s certifications are trusted by top companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. You’ll also gain access to resume building tools, interview prep, and career guidance specific to Investment Banking.
Can this help me advance in my current finance role?
Absolutely. Whether you're in accounting, business analysis, or another finance role, Investment Banking & Valuation skills in particular can unlock new responsibilities and higher-paying positions. Many CFI learners move from junior analyst roles into manager and director-level positions after completing the FMVA Certification & related specializations.
What makes CFI’s Investment Banking program different from other courses?
To get started in this career path, you'll need strong Excel skills for modeling and analysis, a solid understanding of valuation techniques, the ability to analyze financial statements, and effective communication and presentation skills. CFI’s FMVA certification is designed to help you build exactly these skills at your own pace.
Is this training NASBA accredited or CPE eligible?
Yes. CFI is NASBA-accredited and offers over 550 verifiable CPD/CPE credits, including credits for the above listed courses. This is ideal for finance professionals who need to maintain certifications, stay compliant, or continue developing their skills throughout their career.
Do I get a certificate? Will it show on LinkedIn?
Yes. After completing each certification or specialization, you’ll receive a digital certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and job applications to show employers your verified skills.
If you haven’t found your answer from our FAQ, please send us a message.
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