Life as an Investment Banking Analyst: Expectations vs. Reality

Investment banking analyst is regarded as a high-paying and high-prestige job. How is the everyday life of this challenging position in 2025? This blog addresses the expectations versus the real-world aspect, the success of the person, and preparing for the job.

Why Is Investment Banking Seen as a Dream Career?

Investment banking remains very popular with graduate aspirants, as it is associated with glamour, challenge, and money. It is considered the final test for finance experts. 

• Lucrative Pay: Pay and bonuses are the best for the financial sector.
• Elite Exit Opportunities: Analysts frequently move on to private equity, venture capital, or premier MBA programs.
• Global Exposure: Deals often span nations, industries, and currencies.
• Rapid Career Progression: Performers are rewarded with promotions and bigger responsibilities quickly.
• Strong Brand Value: Possession of the investment banker job title on one’s resume enhances long-term career legitimacy.

What is investment banking? It is the part of financial services that helps companies to raise funds, handle M&A activities, and provide strategic advice.

What Do People Expect Before Becoming an Investment Banking Analyst?

Before starting the role, many candidates have optimistic expectations based on prestige and financial incentives.

• Exciting Deals: Involvement with billion-dollar mergers or IPOs.
• Fast Career Growth: Hoping to rapidly advance up the ranks.
• Client Interaction: Aspiring to work with older clients at the onset.
• Glamorous Lifestyle: Experiencing smooth driving and sleek rides.
• Mentorship and Learning: Expecting structured training and mentorship.

Indeed, the nature of the day-to-day investment banker job profile can diverge considerably from such anticipations.

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What Is the Reality of Life as an Investment Banking Analyst in 2025?

Though fulfilling, the work is intellectually and physically challenging, particularly for new investment banking analysts.

• Long Hours: 14–18 hours per day is normal. Working till night and on weekends is the norm.

• Repetitive Work: Tasks often involve adjusting slides, updating pitchbooks, and formatting Excel sheets, not just big-picture analysis.

• Intense Pressure: High pressure, tight deadlines, and abrupt changes are perennial stressors.

• • Limited Glamour: There is not much time for customer meetings or travel in the first two years.
  • Learning Curve: New analysts get to learn quickly financial modelling and Excel valuation techniques, all under pressure.
  • Mental health conditions: Burnout, anxiety disorders, and loss of sleep are frequent problems working under such conditions.

• High Turnover Rates: Many analysts leave after 1–2 years due to stress and better work-life balance elsewhere.

Is being an investment banker hard? It is. It requires toughness, concentration, and working under pressure all the time.

Who Thrives in the Investment Banking Analyst Role?

Regardless of pressure, there are professionals that thrive in such an environment. It often hinges on the below characteristics:

• Strong Work Ethic: Working at speed to meet high standards consistently.
• Pay Attention to Detail: Smaller mistakes can have larger effects on deal-making.
• Emotional Resilience: Capacity to deal with criticism, long working hours, and pressure.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Advanced Excel, financial modelling, and data presentation.
• Team Player Attitude: Collaboration is key, especially during all-nighters.

Those with realistic expectations and grit tend to last and grow into successful careers.

When Does the Investment Banking Analyst Experience Start to Get Better?

The first 12–18 months are often the toughest. Things start to improve over time:

• Year 2: You become more confident, independent, and exposed to clients.
• Improved Efficiency: You become quicker with respect to doing things, lowering some stress.
• Exit Options: Highly favourable prospects of working for private equity or technology finance emerge.
• Respect: Your opinion starts to matter more in meetings and on projects.

Many say that while the first year is a grind, the growth it offers is unmatched.

What Can You Do to Prepare for the Realities of Investment Banking?

Being proactive before and during your analyst stint can ease the transition.

• Take a Global Investment Banking Course: Get exposed to modelling, valuation, and deal structures before you join.
• Develop Excel & PowerPoint Mastery: Efficiency in these tools is a must.
• Practice Financial Modelling: If you want to stand apart early on, learn to model.
• Boost Stamina: Prepare yourself physically and mentally for the long hours.
• Talk to Alumni or Analysts: Receive practical insights on expectations vs. reality.
• Master Communication: Concise presentations and short emails will save time.

Zell’s Global Investment Banking course can help you prepare for the skills and the pace of the analyst life.

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Conclusion: Is Investment Banking Worth It in 2025?

For those who thrive under pressure, want to accelerate their careers, and can handle the grind, investment banking remains a high-return experience. However, it’s not for everyone.

A day in the life of an investment banker analyst  is less about glamour and more about endurance and maturation. If you walk into it, develop the right skills, and pay attention to your mental health, the benefits, both tangible and intangible, can be transformative.

FAQs on Life as an Investment Banking Analyst

What is the typical day like for an investment banking analyst?

Anticipate a 12–18 hour day working with Excel, pitchbooks, research on clients, and frequent edits, all with pressure and urgent deadlines.

Why do so many analysts leave investment banking after 2 years?

The gruelling hours, mental fatigue, and improved work-life balance elsewhere trigger high attrition rates beyond the typical 2-year analyst stint.

What skills do you need to survive as an investment banking analyst?

Financial modelling, attention to detail, time management skills, proficiency with Excel, and resilience are essential for success in this position.

How has the analyst experience changed in 2025?

While tech tools have improved efficiency slightly, expectations are still sky-high, and competition for top roles remains fierce.

Partham Barot is an ACCA-certified professional. showcasing his expertise in finance and accountancy. he’s revolutionising education by focusing on practical, real-world skills. Partham’s achievements underscore his commitment to elevating educational standards and empowering the next generation of professionals.

Current Role

Co-Founder & CEO at Zell Education

Education

• ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Finance (2011 – 2014)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Financial Markets from H.R. College Of Commerce & Economics (2010 – 2013)

Location

Mumbai, India

Expertise

ACCA Certified