Working in the investment banking world is highly compensated, but also requires a high level of education and many long, 80-plus hour weeks in the office. These hard-working professionals typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in business, and often a masters in business administration (MBA), and their careers typically begin with an internship.
Once they have proven themselves, they may begin working their way up as financial analysts responsible for evaluating historical and projected future performance, assessing risks, and making recommendations on financing strategies and investments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for financial analysts in securities and other financial investments in 2018 was $101,410. Additionally, investment bankers may receive additional compensation in fees structured as a percentage of returns, potentially resulting in 7-figure incomes.