Investment banking is one of many career options under the general realm of finance. It is one of the most competitive jobs coming out of undergraduate and there are reasons for this that we have outlined below. We encourage you to learn more if you are new to the subject or simply looking to learn more.
Why Should You Consider Investment Banking?
Learning Curve
It is true that investment bankers work long hours (sometimes up to 90-100 hours a week). However, this fast-paced environment offers invaluable learning opportunities and exposure to different deals & situations.
Significant Responsibility
The size of a deal team will vary depending on what investment bank you work at. However, no matter what kind of bank you work at, an analyst is counted on to build financial models, put together pitchbooks, and perform other important tasks that help execute a deal.
Career Progression
Within investment banking, there is a clear path of progression through the hierarchy starting analyst to associate, vice president, director, and managing director. Analysts are typically promoted within 2-4 years and associates are promoted in an additional 2-4 years.
Exit Opportunities
If becoming a lifetime banker doesn't suit you, exit opportunities are another option. By going through an investment banking analyst stint, your doors are opened to an array of opportunities in private equity, corporate development and more.
Interesting, Rewarding & Impactful Work
Depending on the investment bank you work for, you could have the chance to work on some of the biggest transactions that are driving the economy today or you may be helping complete the American dream by helping a founder sell a business that they have built for the past 30 years. Either way, these are significant transactions that have huge implications on the parties served.
Financially Rewarding
Given the number of hours an investment banker can put in a week, they are compensated for their work. While this is a plus, this should not be the sole reason why one chooses to pursue a career in the industry.
What The Academy Can Offer You:
On average, less than 2% of applicants are accepted for internships/full-time positions within investment banking. The Academy's goal is to help bridge the gap for students at UD, and place at these competitive institutions.
Real World Experience
The Academy is the only organization at the University of Dayton that offers an internship through the organization. This will be a separate experience within your resume apart from The Academy. You will get the chance to help execute live transactions within a team of underclassmen that is led by an upperclassman who works directly with our exclusive partner.
A Chance To Connect With Professionals
The Academy brought in Peter Nero during the fall semester of 2021. Mr. Nero is an accomplished Dayton Alumni who has over 14 years of experience within M&A and co-founded Wall Helms, a leading insurance investment bank located in Chicago. We have also brought in other guest speakers including a managing director from KKR, Thomas Kim, and a vice president from AQ Technology Partners, Evan Lewis.
Access to an Interactive and Engaged Culture
Despite The Academy being relatively new, the organization is filled with upperclassmen who have landed competitive sell-side and buy-side roles at firms such as JP Morgan, Baird, Key Bank, and Fidus Capital. The Academy is building a culture of openness & interaction so a member can ask questions or seek advice at any time necessary. Further, we are driving culture outside of the professional settings through organization events and building friendships that will last beyond graduation.
Reinvestment Into Your Success
In less than a year, The Academy has raised over $5,000 working closely with the Student Government Association and the Center for Business Student Engagement. All of that money has been invested into our members through the purchasing of the Adventist Financial Modeling Course, which compliments our Educational Bootcamp. Additionally, The Academy raised $1,000 for two students to help subsidize summer internship housing costs.
A Technical Foundation to Set You Up For Succes
Through our intensive 14-week educational bootcamp, the Adventis's financial modeling course, interview prep, and our library of resources available to our members, you are going to know what you need to know in order to not only pass through the technical portion of an investment banking interview but to exceed expectations.
Leadership Opportunities
As mentioned before, The Academy is a new organization on campus that is just getting started. With that comes the opportunity for members to not only take leadership positions but also help mold and shape their impact on The Academy for years to come after graduation. The Academy has set some large goals that we would like to accomplish within the next year and a half.
Testimonials
Read what current Academy members have to say
Joe Ariano
"The Academy has been a group of individuals that I am extremely grateful for and proud to be a part of. They have helped foster knowledge that I know will serve me well in my endeavors whether that is technical abilities, networking, how to approach an interview, but most importantly giving back to others. The Academy is truly about passing on the knowledge to future classes of students like me to help them land their first internship in banking all the way to their first job, and I am honored to be a part of that. More than just guiding me towards valuable internship experience, The Academy has been home to some of my close peers here at UD."
Ryan Andersen
"Since joining The Academy in my first semester of sophomore year, I have gained many experiences and opportunities that are not available inside the classroom. In the educational boot camp, I enhanced my understanding of the sell-side process, accounting principles, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and many other topics. After finishing up the boot camp, I engaged in a variety of experiential learning opportunities. More specifically, I was able to secure an internship doing corporate development and present a sell-side case study to a boutique investment bank in Cincinnati. In addition to the experiential learning, The Academy has provided me with exclusive connections and professional development that has been beyond helpful in the recruiting process. Throughout my two years at the University of Dayton, this has been the most valuable experience I have had."
Steve Dailey
"The Investment Banking Academy has provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge that I leverage into not only internships, but a full-time job. The fellow members never hesitate to assist in any way they can, whether it be modeling review or a mock interview. I'm extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way."
Nora Jackson
"Being part of The Academy has been one of the most impactful experiences during my time at UD. Not only have I developed much stronger technical skills, but I have also participated in many experiential learning opportunities and internships facilitated through The Academy which have helped me grow both professionally and personally. Above all else, The Academy attracts top-tier people, which contributes to our strong culture. Some of the best people I have met at UD have been through my relationships with members in The Academy, and I am so grateful for the people and experiences The Academy has brought me."
Casey Fuller
"The core strength of the Dayton Investment Banking Academy is its members. As a student-run organization, success is predicated on our members' commitment and work ethic. While The Academy's goal is to place members in highly competitive finance jobs-- ultimately, the rewarding aspect of The Academy is doing challenging work with your classmates and growing together. I am so excited to see what is in store for our current members and how The Academy will grow in the years to come."
