Is Investment Banking Primarily Report Writing?
I’m currently working at one of the leading Project finance Investment Banks in my country. I initially expected the role to involve a significant amount of financial modeling and presentations, but I find that a large portion of my time is spent creating notes and reports on models or industry analyses.
While I have a decent grasp of Excel, I struggle with report writing, especially when it requires a verbose style or incorporates words like “envisage” or “ingenious.”
I’m curious if this is typical of the average experience in investment banking or if I might be in the wrong position.
One response
It sounds like you’re navigating a common aspect of investment banking, especially in roles focused on project finance. While modeling and presentations are certainly key components of the job, report writing and documentation are also essential. Much of investment banking involves communicating complex information clearly and effectively, which often translates to writing detailed reports.
Your experience might reflect the specifics of your firm’s workflow or the demands of your current projects. Different teams and banks can have varying emphases—some may focus more on modeling and presentations, while others may prioritize documentation and analysis.
If report writing isn’t your strength, consider viewing it as a skill that can be developed over time. There are often resources and training that can help improve your writing abilities. It could also be helpful to discuss your interests with your manager or mentor; they might provide guidance or opportunities to engage more in areas you’re interested in, like modeling and presentations.
Ultimately, if you feel like your current role doesn’t align with your career expectations or skills, it might be worth exploring other opportunities within the firm or in different areas of investment banking that play more to your strengths.