What do banks actually look for in new hires? A mix of technical depth and soft skills. Here are ten skills worth building, and how a good investment banking course helps.
1. Financial modelling
The ability to build clean, linked, error-free models is the core technical skill.
2. Valuation
DCF, comparables and precedent transactions, with a sound grasp of assumptions.
3. Accounting
Understanding how the three statements link and how accounting choices affect numbers.
4. Excel proficiency
Speed with shortcuts, functions and formatting standards.
5. PowerPoint and presentation skills
Turning analysis into clear, concise pitch materials.
6. Deal and market awareness
Knowing how M&A and capital markets transactions work and following current news.
7. Attention to detail
One error can undermine an entire deck, so accuracy matters at every step.
8. Communication
Clear writing and confident speaking with seniors and clients.
9. Resilience and time management
The ability to prioritise and handle demanding schedules.
10. AI and data fluency
Using AI tools and data analysis to speed up research and checks, while understanding the fundamentals well enough to catch their errors.
How to build these skills
- Enrol in a practical investment banking course with live projects.
- Build and audit real company models.
- Practise presentations and mock interviews.
- Follow deals and markets daily.
- Experiment with AI tools on research and analysis tasks.
Skills recruiters can verify
Projects, modelling tests and interview performance show your abilities more clearly than a list of skills on a resume.
Where TWSS fits
TWSS builds these skills through its investment banking course and related programmes such as financial modelling and AI for Finance .
Ready to build job-ready skills? Speak to a TWSS counsellor today.
