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Old 11-20-2007, 12:28 PM   #4
AaronSJ
First Line Centre
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
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I worked on Bay St. for a summer and have several friends that currently work in the industry -- it was NOT for me!

To be an investment banker, obviously you need to have an understanding of markets and finance, and well as strong quantitative skills. The people that get hired are generally very driven, competitive, focused high-achievers.... and are frequently (my opinion) driven by money and the prospect of earning even more money.

To excel as an investment banker (your question), you need to "be better" than the average person I described above. In order words, you'll need to work harder, learn more, and prove yourself as smarter & brighter than your colleagues (most of whom are already hard workers and quite intelligent).... it's not a world for the faint of heart or those who are easily offended by their co-workers!

My advice would be to try to get a summer placement or internship in IB -- paid or otherwise -- to give you a real feel for the job. It certainly changed my mind as I just wasn't cut out for that working environment.
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