To think you don't need to be particularly bright to be an investment banker?

[Cortina]

In other words if you wanted to be an investment banker then in the past hard work, diligence and decent A levels and Uni course could almost guarantee a career in the industry?

A brother of an old college friend has just bought a home counties house for 5 million cash. It was always his life plan to earn big bucks and he has realised his dream. Not born with a silver spoon but very hard working, serious and dedicated. Not short on self belief and confidence too it has to be said.

Thing is I know of quite a few like this, many not quite so successful but they earn around the 250k basic sort of mark I believe.

I suppose what I am saying that if you are hard working enough and want to earn big money then you can target a career in an industry that will likely give you large financial rewards.

I'd always thought that you had to be some sort of 'extraordinary' person in terms of personal 'gifts' and 'abilities' if that makes sense?

it is true that jobs in the financial sector earn more than the same jobs elsewhere - from key traders, right through to secretaries.

but still we can't easily fill these jobs!

why do we have trouble recruiting for example , really good secretaries who will will pay well over 30K pa?

I think it's partly the myth that investment banks aren't for 'people like me', scarea people away.

Second is people really don't want jobs where they will be there at 8 and leave at 7, and when there is a rush deal they might be there to 8 or 9... where the culture is work until the job is done.
that doesn't suit people - and it's how highly paid IT staff, HR staff, Operations staff etc all earn their crust.

System went down for two hours? All the middle office will be working through the night to catch up. That flexibility you have to pay for.

it is a bit of a gravy train regardless of degrees of ability, but as a huge generalisation i would say that people working in banking are bright and motivated. you won't last long if you aren't willing to put in the time and effort, whatever level you are at.

I think confidence is the key thing. I knew lots of people who were very bright (top 2% in a selective school), but some just lacked confidence, often if they came from a non academic background. often they were not too bothered about making money either. (All massive generalisations I know )

Investment banking is hard to get into (because so many apply), so those with better academic qualifications tend to get in. This generally means the average person through the door is smarter and more driven than those hired into marketing and advertising companies, for example.

Once you are in, the work environment is very competitive, and includes very long working hours & weekends. The quick thinkers and the most driven thrive in this harsh environment and the rest don't stay for very long. In the end, you are left with a group of Alpha Males & Females who have graduated from good schools with good grades, who work very hard and thrive under pressure. Yes, these people tend to be quite smart.

I am one. I am also a nice person I promise...

I love my job. I work 6 am to 5ish and see my children every day.

I have 5 a levels and a maths degree from Cambridge. I can talk to my clients in three languages. And before you all make assumptions my dAd was a postman and I went to a poor school.

There are some Tim nice but dim types, but they are the minority these days and don't tend to progress far.

yes confidence is also important.

• a decent degree in a proper subject
• flexibility, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic
• confidence

and you can get a job in an investment bank and earn twice what you would in any other industry.

banks really aren't flooded with quality applicants.

I believe its possible to be "bright" without having manners, grace, kindness, likability, thoughtfulness or any other positive social attribute.

They could be "bright" about multi million pound decisions but a complete clump about how to deal with women, for example...

Sorry that was assuming you were only talking about male investment bankers (I do know there are female ones)

to be a successful banker you DEFINITELY will benefit if you have manners, grace, kindness, likability, thoughtfulness...