An investment banker plays an important role of fundraising, which means, raising capital for the businesses. Along with this, it also plays a major part as a Financial Advisory (IPOs, M&A etc).

After my experience with engineering courses, I was sure that I didn’t want to pursue chemical core. My dad introduced me to financial markets through various courses and books. I started reading about investments and portfolio management in my second year and that's when I knew I wanted to pursue this sector.

I was a course topper in four courses in finance minor as I used to enjoy it completely. I was literally glued to my desk for the majority of my third year and soon found out that finance is my passion. I would recommend it highly for those students who are seeking their future in finance. I'd suggest the folks not to study from the slides just for the heck of a grade, rather do in-depth studying from the books to ensure that you're making the most out of it.

For financial engineering, I used ‘QuantNet’ for profiles and rankings of/for different colleges. Also I’d suggest being active in the BITSMS2PhD group on Facebook and comparing your profiles with other people. Talk to your seniors and be aware of different opportunities that are being offered at different colleges.

A PhD in Finance is more about exploring and performing research in various domains of finance.

During PS2, companies that come for investment banking seek only B3 students. So, if you are not in economics, tap into some contacts or alumni. People in corporations are really excited about BITSIANS. So, this job seeking in investment banking can be less tiresome due to the BITS tag. A problem that I faced on entering this sector right after my undergrad degree, was that all my peers in the firm were either MBAs or had great work experience, which is the usual way to get into the sector. So, it was a little daunting to be amongst the more experienced people, but with time, I became acquainted with the culture

Contacts: Networking is very important to land an internship. Here is where the clubs like Wall Street gave me a lot of exposure and contacts in this process. But at the same time, not all students are in fin-clubs. So, just keep exploring and remember to stay in touch with your seniors and alumni.

You can give it for the first time in your 4th year. Also, 50-60% of people in IB are CFA charterholders, so, it's suggested, but not necessary. People from IIMs don't do CFA or FRM as they already have an MBA degree to back up their finance knowledge. The more important thing is your work experience and the deals you closed, at the end of the day, than your marks in the examinations.

1. Quant Roles 2. Private Equity 3. Investment Banking 4. Equity Research 5. Trading Roles

Explore as much as possible. I was very stubborn at pursuing risk management and so couldn’t explore other options while being at campus.