Your cart is empty.
Keep shoppingInvestment Banking 101
356 students
Investment Banking 101
A beginner’s guide to how investment banks work, covering M&A, IPOs, valuation, dealmaking, roles, and industry insights
Created byMayfair Real Estate Institute
Last updated 4/2025
English
What you'll learn
- Understand the core functions and structure of investment banks.
- Identify the major services offered by investment banks (M&A, IPOs, advisory, etc.).
- Explain the differences between investment banking and commercial banking.
- Analyze the basic process of a corporate deal—from pitch to execution.
- Recognize key roles in investment banking and the skills each one requires.
- Gain foundational knowledge of valuation methods and pitchbook preparation.
Explore related topics
Course content
5 sections • 30 lectures • 2h 23m total length
Requirements
- No financial background needed. This course is designed for total beginners—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn!
Description
Curious about what investment bankers actually do? This course breaks down the fundamentals of investment banking in a clear, jargon-free way perfect for beginners, students, career switchers, and curious professionals.
Investment Banking 101 takes you inside one of the most powerful corners of global finance. You’ll learn how investment banks help companies raise capital, advise on mergers and acquisitions, and navigate complex deals like IPOs and private placements. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the roles inside a typical investment bank, how deals are structured, and how analysts use financial models to support multi-million dollar transactions.
We’ll explore major functions like equity and debt underwriting, advisory services, pitchbook preparation, and risk management. You'll also understand the real-world workflow of a banker—from client meetings and deal sourcing to execution and closing.
You’ll be introduced to real examples, simplified case studies, and frameworks used across the industry. This course also includes insights into the culture, lifestyle, and expectations in investment banking firms from bulge brackets to boutique advisors.
This course is designed to give you the practical knowledge and mental framework to understand how investment banking operates and where you might fit in.
No prior financial experience is required just curiosity and a willingness to learn. If you’ve ever considered a future in finance, this is the place to start.
Who this course is for:
- This course is ideal for students, aspiring investment bankers, career switchers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how high-level finance really works behind the scenes. It’s perfect for those considering a future in finance or simply wanting to understand what investment bankers actually do.