Career Roadmap
From classroom to bulge bracket.
Your prep checklist
0/10Skills you need
Financial Modeling
Three-statement, DCF, LBO, M&A models in Excel.
Accounting
Read filings; trace items across statements.
Valuation
Comps, transactions, DCF, sensitivity analysis.
PowerPoint
Pitchbook output; the deliverable language of IB.
Excel
Shortcuts, no mouse, clean model formatting.
Communication
Email, meetings, structured updates to MDs.
Attention to Detail
A typo on a pitchbook page can lose a mandate.
Stamina
80–100hr weeks during live deals; manageable with rhythm.
Python / SQL
Increasingly useful for analyst work and PE recruiting.
Certifications
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Best for ER, AM, IB juniors · 3 levels, ~900 hours
Gold standard for investment analysis credentials.
FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst)
Pre-IB students with no finance courses · ~150 hours
Practical modeling certificate from CFI.
WSP / BIWS Modeling Course
Anyone targeting IB or PE · 40–80 hours
Industry-standard modeling prep.
MBA (Top 10)
Career switchers, post-2 years experience · 2 years
The standard re-entry point into IB associate roles.
CPA
Audit/accounting backgrounds moving to IB · ~400 hours + exam
Useful for restructuring, FIG, and audit-heavy industries.
Internship path
Local boutique, family office, or finance-adjacent role; learn Excel and accounting basics.
Diversity programs, sophomore IB programs (GS, MS, JPM all run formal ones), or top boutique.
Full IB Summer Analyst at a BB or EB — the primary recruiting path to full-time.
Convert summer offer to full-time, or accelerated full-time recruiting in fall.