Many people wonder if Investment Banking is something that is worth pursuing. People think about the great benefits banking offers you like high salaries, large bonuses, and great prestige. It’s something that attracts a lot of people, but also weeds out a lot of others too. Deciding if you want to go into Investment Banking is a task only you yourself could answer but were here to help give you some of the benefits and negatives that a career in Investment Banking could provide.

Banking requires a lot of hard work. Odds are on a price per hour basis, you won’t be making that much until you’re able to rise up the ranks. This is because of how complex and the level of work that is demanded in Investment Banking. Everything has to be particular and exact for your superiors, and they demand a very high level of work product, because of how much they feel their paying you. Often times people in Investment Banking work around 100 hours per week, and weekends are not a normal thing to have off.

There are a lot of sacrifices you’ll have to make if you go into Investment Banking in regard to your social life, your lifestyle, and your family life. Time off is something that is hard to come by, and often not given very much to lower level people.

Some might say then, why investment banking?

Investment Banking is an industry that comes with incredibly high salaries. Part of this is due to the fact that the transactions and deals you work on in banking are massive in size. Odds are you’ll be working with hundreds of millions and billion-dollar deals. Whether its merging two companies, acquiring another one, or issuing more equity on behalf of another company. The dollar figures in the transactions and projects you’re working on are incredibly large, making the salaries paid in banking incredibly large as well.

Another thing that attracts people to Investment Banking is the allure of high finance. Working in the highest level of finance provides a level of prestige, and credibility that’s tough to come by. There aren’t many industries out there that have the reputation that Investment Banking does, and with good reason. The people who come out of Investment Banking have something on their resume that many people highly value and offers you great opportunities.

A lot of people go into banking because of the doors it opens for you after a few years. If you’re able to make it in banking for a few years, 1-2, then a lot of opportunities will be available to you that weren’t before. Companies love seeing the different candidates with banking experience because it shows them that they’re able to work hard, produce at a high level, and have a strong experience as their foundation.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. You have to decide whether investment banking is worth it or not. If you do decide to pursue it, and go into Investment Banking, have sincere dedication and motivation to complete your experience. No matter how long you work there, it’s going to push you, and push you to your limits. If you believe in the future and the benefits it offers, then pursue it relentlessly. It’s a tough industry to make it in but can be incredibly lucrative and satisfying if you’re able to make it through. Best of luck in any path you take.