The Importance of a Career Plan in Investment Banking

A career in investment banking is a marathon, not a sprint. The hours are long, the stakes are high, and the pace is relentless. Without a plan, it’s all too easy to wake up 10 years down the line wondering how you got there — and whether you’re truly fulfilled.

The most successful bankers don’t leave their careers to chance. They take ownership, define their purpose, and actively chart their path forward. In this newsletter, we explore why having a career plan is essential in investment banking, and how to create one that drives success and longevity.

Why a Career Plan Matters

1. Ownership and Direction
Nobody cares more about your career than you do. Taking ownership ensures you’re steering toward your own definition of success, rather than drifting aimlessly.

2. Purpose and Motivation
A clear destination provides resilience during long hours and intense workloads. Alex Chenesseau reminds us:

3. Versatility and Skill Development
Building broad experience creates better judgment and long-term value. Developing both technical and soft skills keeps you competitive across cycles.

4. Adaptability and Resilience
The industry is ever-changing. Your career plan should be flexible enough to evolve with new markets, products, and technologies while building the resilience to weather downturns.

5. Network and Brand
Career advancement often depends as much on relationships as performance. Building a strong personal brand and network internally and externally is vital — especially in turbulent markets.

6. Authenticity and Enjoyment
You can’t run the marathon if you don’t love the race. Align your career with your interests, passions, and values.

How to Create a Plan That Works

1. Start Early and Be Proactive
Back yourself. Put yourself out there. Seek feedback, take initiative, and treat every task as an opportunity to learn.

2. Define Your Success
Reflect on your values and drivers. Success may mean leadership, independence, or impact — but it should be defined on your own terms.

3. Gain Broad Exposure, Then Specialise
Early on, rotate across products and sectors to find your passion. Over time, develop deep expertise in a chosen niche to stand out as the go-to expert.

4. Embrace the Apprenticeship Model
Investment banking is an apprenticeship business. Observe senior leaders closely, learn their client management and negotiation styles, and treat your early years as an investment in yourself.

5. Find Mentors and Sponsors
Seek mentors who will guide you and sponsors who will advocate for you. To earn sponsorship, make yourself indispensable.

6. Build Meaningful Relationships
Networking starts on day one. Build authentic connections across banking, private equity, law, and beyond. Give first, ask second.

7. Develop Judgement and Think Ahead
As you progress, shift from execution to leadership. Learn to anticipate client needs and think beyond immediate tasks to the bigger picture.

8. Learn from Success and Failure
Each deal leaves “scars on the back.” Postmortems — on both wins and losses — provide invaluable data for future success.

9. Continuously Learn and Adapt
Stay intellectually curious. Read widely, embrace new technologies, and keep evolving your toolkit.

10. Write It Down
Document your goals and update them regularly. Whether it’s a weekly call plan or a five-year roadmap, writing it down keeps you accountable.

Final Thoughts

A career in investment banking is demanding, but with the right plan it can also be deeply rewarding. By owning your path, aligning with your passions, and continuously developing your skills and network, you not only increase your chances of success — you create a career on your own terms.

The best leaders in this industry didn’t just get lucky. They built their futures with intention.

The question is: are you building yours?