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What skills from a consulting background are most valuable when pursuing a career in investment banking?

Hello, I’m currently in consulting and am considering a move into investment banking. I know that both fields require strong analytical skills, but I’m curious about which specific skills from my consulting background will be most beneficial in investment banking. How can I highlight these skills effectively in my applications and interviews? Any advice from those who have made a similar shift would be very helpful.

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Top answer
Rita
Coach
on Feb 26, 2025
Excel in Finance | FREE 15 Minutes Intro Call | Personalised Preparation

Hey there, 

Coming from consulting, you already have a lot of valuable skills for investment banking. Your ability to think strategically and analyze complex problems is crucial in M&A and corporate finance. 

Your experience managing clients and presenting ideas will help you navigate relationships in IB. If you’ve worked on financial analysis or modeling, make sure to highlight that as well. When applying, focus on concrete examples that show how you’ve used these skills.

If you need more help with tailoring your approach, feel free to reach out!

Deleted user
on Sep 04, 2024

Dear candidate,

Of course you can easily transfer your consulting experience 

A) In particular leadership experience, top performance experience and strong consulting foundation like client leadership and developing creative solutions as an experienced hires eg mention the consulting initiatives you started at the firm are really great to mention are great for growing.

B) Additionally your passion for finance can show gladly and you can go through many examples at consulting for most questions asked during the interviews. Eg project leadership questions, how you led a workstream etc. How you performed best compared to everyone else.

C) Also gladly network directly with the consultants already for Ibanking, so many have a Finance background and you can find ex investment bankers there etc it is very helpful. Also consider joining more finance related projects to see first because the job roles are nevertheless very different and consulting might be really fun already eg be sure the switch is what you want first. For example jeep your door open at the firm that you can return any time.

 

Have a super day.

7
Natalie
Coach
on Mar 27, 2025
Ex-Investment Banker | Former Deloitte & Grant Thornton | Coaching Finance Candidates to Ace Interviews & Land Top Roles

Hi there, 

Having coached a few consultants making the switch, I can say your structured thinking, client management, and slide-crafting skills are huge assets. If you've worked on anything finance-related (even just market sizing or business cases) be sure to frame those in a more IB-relevant way. 

In interviews, they love when you can show commercial intuition and comfort with numbers under pressure. And yes, modeling is important, but the mindset and communication skills you bring from consulting are just as valuable. 

I wish you much success and let me know if you need any support!

Anonymous B
on Oct 02, 2024

Hey there!

Based on the feedback I received during interviews, these were the top skills that interviewers considered valuable for my new role in investment banking:
 

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
  • Experience in client management and communication
  • Financial modeling (a lot of my projects were finance focused, so that helped of course. Not sure, if every consultant can highlight strong financial modeling skills) and understanding of business strategy
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage tight deadlines
  • Presentation skills, especially creating clear and concise materials
     

I hope that helps. 
 

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