Investment Banking: A Career Guide
The investment banking sector has long been recognized as a challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding field. For those who are willing to put in the effort and dedication, it can be a lucrative career path that offers a plethora of learning opportunities and exposure to a wide range of clients and transactions.
Role of an Investment Banking Associate
The primary role of an investment banking associate is to participate in the day-to-day activities of the investment banking division. They have a broad exposure to different types of clients, transactions, and specialist areas. Their primary accountabilities include:
- Collaboration on live deals and client pitches.
- Advising on a broad range of corporate clients.
- Participation in training and development programs.
- Development of business cases and new products/services for investment banking.
- Management of client relationships and provision of customer service support.
- Development and implementation of financial models and strategies.
- Training and mentoring junior colleagues.
Being an investment banking associate requires a high level of collaboration with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives. The associate is expected to consult complex issues, identify ways to mitigate risk, and develop new policies/procedures in support of the control and governance agenda. They are also expected to perform work that is closely related to other areas, which requires understanding of how areas coordinate and contribute to the achievement of the organization’s objectives.
Investment Banking Summer Intern Program
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the world of finance and technology, Barclays offers an investment banking summer internship program. This 10-week program provides a comprehensive overview of the business, real project engagements, and immediate responsibility guided by a mentor and line manager.
As a banking intern, you’ll be working with various Investment Banking teams. Here, you’ll come up with answers to our clients’ most strategic questions. You’ll also be involved in executing transactions, financial analysis and modelling, industry research, client due diligence, and developing written materials. The summer internship program is an excellent opportunity to learn the art and science behind the investment banking sector.
Investment Banking at Barclays
Barclays is one of the world’s top-tier investment banks. With its unique advantage of being headquartered in Europe, Barclays thinks and acts differently. Whether you’re based in Hong Kong, Houston, Tel Aviv, or Tokyo, you’ll be part of a business that fosters innovation, champions sustainability, and deploys finance responsibly for the common good and long term.
Who is the Ideal Candidate?
Barclays is looking for candidates who are pursuing an MBA degree, graduating between December 2026- June 2027, with a GPA of 3.2 or above. The ideal candidate should have a keen interest in business and finance and a curiosity to learn. Resourcefulness, teamwork, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial spirit are the values Barclays looks for in its potential candidates.
Barclays provides equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.
To learn more about the Investment Banking Associate Summer Internship Program at Barclays, click Here.




