Top 10 Investment Banks to Work For

There are many individuals attending business schools around the world, pursuing a career in investment banking. Whether they aim to become specialists in Mergers and Acquisitions or they want to jump into the world of Underwriting and Securities, working at an investment bank can certainly give them not just impressive paychecks, but a high-paced work environment that will excite and challenge them. Of course, just like in any other field, some employers excel others. Working for a leading financial institution offers professionals additional perks as well as a promising platform for progression in the industry. The question is, which banks to strive for? While the exact list of ‘Top 10 investment banks to work for’ can vary, the following names usually appear:

Goldman Sachs

Founded back in 1869, Goldman Sachs often finds itself in the lists of top investment banks to work for. And rightfully so. A major recruiter of graduates from prestigious business programs around the world, Goldman Sachs offers an open, team-oriented environment, encouraging personal development through solid on-the-job training. It also tends to top rakings for the biggest bonuses in the industry.

The Blackstone Group

One of the things that employees appreciate most about The Blackstone Group is the chance to be a part of a growing team, where their ideas are valued and nurtured. This investment bank also offers great entry level positions as well as opportunities for climbing up the career ladder.

Morgan Stanley

A financial institution with a global footprint, Morgan Stanley hardly needs an introduction. What prompts many prospective investment bankers to seek career there is the large array of benefits, including the freedom to work from home when necessary. In terms of development opportunities, Morgan Stanley offers individuals the advantage of working with a different range of investors and companies that is typically found with high-profile investment firms.

J.P. Morgan Chase

At J.P. Morgan, another bulge bracket institution, executives take pride in the way new employees are trained. After the first two years of working with experienced analysts, an individual can go on for a third year at J.P. Morgan, which will further solidify their career at the group.

Credit Suisse

With over 250 branches just in Switzerland, this is one of the largest investment institutions not only in Europe, but in the world as well. The company’s office locations in over 50 countries make it easy for individuals around the world to find local employment at this massive firm. Credit Suisse is also well known for respecting its employees’ opinions and offering them a lot of room for growth.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Going back to the US, Bank of America Merrill Lynch is highly regarded for its investment banking services. Employees often cite the excellent support for advancement and great benefits, including tuition reimbursement, as the main attractions of a career at this group.

Citigroup

Citigroup has management that makes employees feel valued and important. Investment bankers are also encouraged by good scope of growth available in this company. Managers are described as being supportive not just in terms of work but also when it comes to personal life, if, for example, you need to take time off.

HoulihanLokey

HoulihanLokey is the leader in mid-range Mergers and Acquisitions. For deals under $1 billion, this investment bank is certainly among the best to go with. Employees are typically lured by the group’s benefits packages as well as its open and friendly atmosphere that allows for individuals to have their own say in the way things are done.

Evercore Partners

For those who want to work with high-profile Mergers and Acquisitions, this is the company to strive for. Evercore Partners provides its employees with the opportunity to work on high-profile cases that are usually over $1 billion in value. Free breakfast is just one of the many perks of working with the company, which through a number of offices across the US, gives employees a wide range of options in terms of location.

Perella Weinberg Partners

Perella Weinberg Partners focuses on asset management for institutions such as governments, universities and large corporations. For those individuals who are interested in working with asset management, this is the place to be. The ability for quick decision-making is really instilled in the employee mindset and has truly helped this company grow quickly within the last several years.

The Bottom Line

This list of the top 10 investment banks to work for should give those looking to get into the world of investment banking a better gauge of which firms they should shoot for when it comes to furthering their investment banking career. As the most prestigious to work for, these firms are therefore generally the hardest to break into, so make sure you focus on developing the necessary skills to beat the growing competition in this lucrative business field.