Investment bankers are professionals who help companies make and manage large-scale financial investments. If you hope to work as an investment banker, there are steps you should take to make that dream a reality. Read on for more information on how to become an investment banker.

Investment bankers often work at the highest levels of the banking and finance industries, managing the issuance of bonds, executing mergers, finding investors and selling a company's stock shares. The job often involves a great deal of "wheeling and dealing"—taking high-powered clients out to lunches to generate new business or solidify existing business relationships. Investment bankers must be excellent communicators and willing and able to work very long hours both in and out of the office.

A majority of investment bankers have bachelor's degrees and many have master's degrees in finance or a related area. Courses taken by a potential investment banker may include:

1. Finance
2. Accounting
3. Statistics
4. Economics
5. Marketing
6. Business administration

• Once you have obtained the necessary education, it is time to find a job. You will most likely not start out as an investment banker; you will work your way up the ranks of your particular company first. Many investment bankers began their careers working as financial analysts, preparing reports and sitting in on meetings while the investment bankers pitched the ideas to clients.

• You may spend up to three years working as a financial analyst before being promoted to an associate in your company. This position is not offered to all; investment banking jobs are coveted and the field is extremely competitive. Be prepared to log long hours to move up in the field.

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