Interested in transitioning from engineering to investment banking?
If you are pursuing an engineering degree, or are an engineering graduate who has realised that a graduate career in engineering isn’t for you don’t fret! Keep reading.
We share a success story of how we helped a bright engineering graduate to break into investment banking.
Transitioning from one career path to another can be challenging, especially when the desired industry seems worlds apart. John, an engineering graduate, had his heart set on a career in finance, particularly investment banking. However, lacking internship experience in the banking sector, he faced significant obstacles in securing a graduate role.
This is where our expertise and career coaching came in, as we helped John navigate the complexities of breaking into the extremely competitive industry and create a strategic plan to kickstart his investment banking career.
Exploring Opportunities within Banking
Recognising John’s determination, intellect, and work ethic, we set out to showcase the various avenues available within the banking industry. We understood that his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on product design might not directly align with entry-level banking and finance roles. John himself had doubts about how his background prepared him for his desired career.
Positioning and Planning
Our first step involved highlighting John’s transferable skills. We worked closely with him to reframe his experiences and present them in a way that would resonate with potential employers. Through creating an excellent achievement-based CV, job search strategies, and interview coaching, we helped John cast a wide net, submitting over 40 tailored applications to increase his chances of success.
Coaching and Development
Throughout the process, our aim was to empower John and build his confidence in the finance industry. We bridged the gap between his technically rigorous engineering degree and the intellectual demands of early financial training. By connecting the dots and showing John how his skills could be applied to banking, we witnessed a significant improvement in his performance during interviews.
Celebrating Success
After three months of hard work and determination, John’s efforts paid off. He successfully secured a coveted position at a smaller investment bank, marking a major milestone in his career transition. With a strong action plan in place for his future progression, he is well on his way to realising his dreams of working in a top-tier investment bank.
In John’s Own Words
Reflecting on his journey, John acknowledges the challenges he faced but credits his success to the support he received.
The switch from Engineering to Investment Banking
John’s story exemplifies the transformative power of career coaching, guidance, strategic planning, and perseverance. Through working with John, we were able to bridge the gap between his engineering background and his aspirations in investment banking. By focusing on his transferable skills, crafting compelling application materials, and providing interview support, we helped him secure a graduate job in the banking industry.
Inspired by John’s story?
Here are some tips for getting into Investment Banking with an engineering degree:
- Highlight the transferable skills gained from your engineering degree. For example your problem-solving skills, logic and numeric skills.
- Showcase these transferable skills on your CV, LinkedIn profile and cover letter.
- Develop your commercial awareness and financial knowledge
- Network with a range of investment banking professionals and recruiters. Attend industry events, career fairs, and alumni gatherings to meet professionals working in the field. Join online finance communities and engage in discussions.
- If you are still completing your engineering degree, apply to investment banking internships. If you do well in this internship, you’ll be able to convert your internship into a full-time graduate role after university
- If you are a final-year student or a recent engineering grad, apply for a graduate scheme at an investment bank
- If you are an MBA student, look for MBA internships at investment banks
- Get interview coaching to help you to refine your interview technique and stand out
- Know your why – be prepared to explain to recruiters why you want to work in banking and finance. As an investment banker, you will be helping to advise companies on financing deals and mergers and acquisitions.
- Conduct deep research into what your day-to-day role will involve. Investment Banking is a fast-paced, demanding job.
- If you studied software engineering, leverage your technical skills especially if you have experience in machine learning, automation or cyber security. These skills are particularly sought after in this age of digital transformation.
- Determine if you want to work in Investment banking as an engineer, or as an investment banker with an engineering background.
Summary
While pursuing a career in investment banking with an engineering degree may present certain challenges, it is certainly achievable with the right approach and dedication.
By developing a strong financial knowledge base, networking extensively with IB professionals, gaining relevant experience through internships, leveraging your transferable skills, and tailoring your application materials, you can increase your chances of breaking into the field.
Remember, knowing your why, persistence, continuous learning, and showcasing your unique skills will set you apart and help you embark on a successful journey in the exciting world of investment banking.
In the same way that we helped John to switch from engineering to investment banking, we can help you too! Send us a copy of your CV via our contact form and we will be back in touch to let you know how we can help you.
Image by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
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