Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Investment Banker- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Investment bankers provide financial services for governments, institutions and companies. They liaise with regulatory bodies and give strategic advice on large sums of money. They arrange loans to companies both in Ireland and overseas. They deal in securities trading in bonds, equities or derivatives and offer broking facilities.
They may coordinate teams of professionals including lawyers and accountants. They deal directly with chief executives and directors of companies.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Advise clients on aspects of capitalisation, such as amounts, sources, or timing.
- Analyse financial or operational performance of companies facing financial difficulties to identify or recommend remedies.
- Assess companies as investments for clients by examining company facilities.
- Collaborate on projects with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or public relations experts.
- Collaborate with investment bankers to attract new corporate clients.
- Conduct financial analyses related to investments in green construction or green retrofitting projects.
- Confer with clients to restructure debt, refinance debt, or raise new debt.
- Create client presentations of plan details.
- Determine the prices at which securities should be syndicated and offered to the public.
- Develop and maintain client relationships.
Qualities - Investment Banker
As an investment banker you will have to be able to handle complex information. You must be confident and diplomatic to be able to negotiate at a very high level. You will need excellent inter-personal skills and strong organisational abilities. You will need to be articulate and literate to be able to present information both verbally and in written reports.
You will need analytical ability to extract relevant information from a mass of detail.
Increasingly a second language is required.
Interests - Investment Banker
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Investment Banker
Entrants are expected to have a good honours degree in a related discipline such as financial banking, accountancy, law, economics, business studies or mathematics. Increasingly a second language is valued.
The Investment Analyst role requires significant knowledge and experience. Many analyst start their careers in sales or customer service and then progress.
The most relevant degree subjects include business, commerce, management and marketing. Likewise also an engineering mindset. Although a degree may sometimes be required, experience and track record are often as important to an employer.
Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, sales.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, sales, marketing, commerce, accounting.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Accounting, Finance, Sales.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business, commerce, economics, maths, statistics, accounts, finance.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, financial advice, investment treasury and banking, finance, banking, risk management, law, international business law.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Qualified financial Advisers
On-the-job training continuous professional development is complemented by study for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification. Three levels of examination measure a candidate's ability to apply the fundamental knowledge of investment principles at a professional level.
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
International Financial Services Skillnet Network
Irish Banking & Payments federation
The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Investment Banker
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €60k - €150k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Brightwater/ CPL/ Morgan McKinley / LIncoln/ Sigmar/ Azon
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Investment Banker
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Brokers; Insurance underwriters; Finance and investment analysts; Finance and investment advisers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment levels have grown annually since 2018, with particularly strong growth between 2021 and 2022 of an additional 5,500 persons. Almost all employment is concentrated in the financial activities sector. The share of non-Irish citizens employed, at 23%, was above the national average of 19% and was the highest share across the business/financial occupations.
The CSO Census data for 2022 shows that finance and investment analysts/advisers account for the largest share of employment in this group at over 70%, with insurance underwriters and brokers making up the remainder. Employment permits issued primarily related to various financial analyst roles in the financial sector. Although employment grew strongly in 2022, a 20% fall in online job adverts (particularly for finance/investment analysts) would signal that this growth rate may slow.
Useful Contacts - Investment Banker
-
Banking and Payments Federation Ireland
-
Institute of Bankers in Ireland
-
CFA Society Ireland
