Am i too late?

Hi there,

You're not too late to transition into investment banking, but it's a competitive and non-traditional path from marketing. Your transferable skills—like client management, storytelling, and strategic thinking—can be valuable, especially for roles in boutique M&A firms, corporate development, investor relations, or post-MBA associate positions.

If you're willing, I can help you by identifying the right entry points, building your resume and cover letter for finance roles, teaching financial modeling and valuation basics, preparing you for interviews (technical and behavioral), and creating a focused networking and transition strategy.

Best,
Harrshit

Hey,

You're definitely not too late. People pivot into investment banking from all kinds of backgrounds, and nearly 10 years in marketing gives you a unique edge, especially if you've worked on strategy, analytics, or communications at a high level.

It’s not the traditional route, but it’s possible, especially in roles like investor relations, corporate development, ECM, or even M&A at smaller or boutique firms. Your client-facing experience, storytelling skills, and ability to handle pressure are all relevant. That said, you'll need to fill any technical gaps (e.g., financial modeling, accounting, valuation) to be competitive.

If you're coming in without prior finance experience, you may need to start at the analyst or junior associate level. Rough salary ballpark:
Analyst: ~$100–150K base + bonus
Associate: ~$150–200K base + larger bonus
This varies a lot depending on firm size, region, and whether it's a bulge bracket or boutique.

Start building your technical skills and try to network hard, especially with bankers who’ve made non-traditional moves. Happy to help with resources, resume advice, or interview prep ideas if you’re serious about it. You're not starting from zero, you just need to reposition what you’ve already done!

Hi Rick,
you’re definitely not too late. I personally believe a career switch should always be possible, especially when you bring unique skills to the table. Your background in marketing could be exactly what sets you apart from traditional finance candidates. In a way, you might have the ability to bring a fresh perspective to investment banking that others might not have and that could be your USP. Think about how the skills you’ve developed in marketing can be applied in banking, such as client relationship management, strategic thinking, or even data-driven decision-making.

To get a better sense of what to expect in terms of roles, job opportunities, and salary ranges, I’d definitely recommend checking out Glassdoor. It’s a great resource for understanding salary expectations and job details for various roles in investment banking.

If you’re serious about the transition, focusing on building your network, gaining relevant skills (like financial modeling), and crafting a clear story around your move will be key.

All the best for your prep!

Rita

You're not too late, especially if you're clear on why you want to make the move and willing to put in the effort to bridge any technical gaps. With a decade in marketing, you likely bring strengths in client communication, storytelling, and strategic thinking, all valuable in investment banking, particularly in roles that are client-facing or focused on industry coverage. The key is to reframe your experience in a way that highlights how you’ve influenced decisions, worked under pressure, and analyzed business performance.

You may need to start in a role that offers a bridge into banking, such as corporate development, investor relations, or an industry-focused advisory group. Entry points into investment banking vary, and with the right preparation: strong financial modeling skills, understanding of valuation, and a focused narrative — some firms may consider you for an experienced analyst or even associate-level role, depending on your background and whether you pursue an MBA. Salary ranges at the entry level can vary by region, but investment banking roles typically offer a significant step up from most corporate marketing roles. Your best next step would be to start networking with bankers, take a technical prep course, and consider how your past work ties into investment or strategic outcomes, that’s what will resonate in interviews.

Hey There!

It’s never too late to make a career switch, especially if you can clearly demonstrate how your marketing skills translate into investment banking. Many banks value diverse backgrounds, particularly if you bring strong communication, analytical thinking, and client management abilities, which are all relevant in IB.

Opportunities might initially be more competitive, but roles in areas like equity research, investor relations, or even product specialist positions could serve as good entry points. Starting salaries may vary widely depending on your location and role, but expect them to be somewhat lower than candidates with traditional finance backgrounds, at least initially.

To support your transition, I can help you refine your CV to highlight transferable skills, prepare for technical and behavioral interviews, and guide your networking strategy to connect with the right people in the industry. With focused effort and the right positioning, you can certainly make the move happen.

Hi Rick, 
With a strong marketing background and the right positioning of your transferable skills, transitioning into investment banking is absolutely possible.

Start by reading our in-depth article:
👉 How to Build a Successful Investment Banking Career

Looking for personalized support? Explore our Coach Directory and filter by Investment Banking to connect with experienced professionals who can guide you through the transition.

These resources can also support your journey:
📘 Crafting an Exceptional Cover Letter
📘 Models for Finance Interviews

Best of luck on your career path!