In investment banking recruitment processes, employers look for “people with passion, ambition and academic excellence”, said Pascal Alexander Michels, Director of the Finance Department of the Careers Service at IESE Business School, during the first Focus on Finance session: “What Is Investment Banking and How Is It Organized? Keys to Passing the Recruitment Process”, at the School of Economics and Business Administration.

Michels went on to say that companies value “candidates’ integrity and teamwork skills”. Future employees should ensure that they keep abreast of concepts related to the financial world and the current economic situation, as well as knowing how to answer standard interview questions. “If you want to get a job, you must play close attention to the smallest of details: your attitude, integrity and openness are crucial”, he added.

Why work in investment banking?

“Investment banking is crucial for companies when they go through any type of crisis and need to carry out operations such as acquisitions and mergers”, the speaker said. He also pointed out that the learning curve in the industry is “extremely fast”.

For those seeking a financial career, Michels highlighted the international aspect of this industry, since the major financial centres are located in New York and London, and the wide range of employment opportunities offered by the industry in a globalized world.