The lowest position of all, and what graduates become when they join. In investment banking speak, "analyst" is simply another way of saying ‘trainee.’
What analysts do varies from division to division. In corporate finance, analysts are hardworking number crunchers who put together “pitchbooks” (company and sector research that helps banks win bids), and analyse a company’s financials. In sales, analysts telephone relatively unimportant clients on non-crucial matters. On the trading floor, analysts can’t trade until they’ve passed their regulatory exams and, even then, are heavily constrained until they’ve proven they’re not going to press the wrong button and lose a small fortune.
At most banks you’ll be an analyst for three years. The bank then decides whether or not to renew your contract, and you, in theory at least, can also decide whether to stay on.
Analyst, Equity Derivatives
Goldman Sachs
"Try to get a broad background of financial markets and a deep understanding of financial mathematics during your studies. A lot will be demanded of you right from the start."
Analyst, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Citi
"An understanding of economic and political factors is just as important in M&A as an appreciation of trends within specific industries. You need to be able to look at transactions from a broader viewpoint, as well in terms of the specific financial work."
Credit risk analyst
Goldman Sachs
"Learn to communicate effectively. You will be working with traders, operations, legal, technology and a whole host of other functions, and they all have different takes on one problem."
UK
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