So You Want to Be an Investment Banker

"How do I become an investment banker?" is a question we find ourselves answering all the time. First, watch this video just so you can understand exactly what effect Wall Street will have on your life. If you're still determined to enter this industry, then read on.

First make sure you study finance and math in undergrad, and get your Masters in Business Administration. That's mainly so you can understand exactly what it is your doing.

Next, it's important that you demonstrate excellence in multiple fields. Places like Goldman Sachs have so much money that they could literally hire every college graduate with perfect grades if they wanted to. So set yourself apart by demonstrating that you have depth. Do you speak French? Were you captain of the rowing team? Having multiple interests demonstrates that you can attack problems from multiple angles and that you'll bring more than a narrow-minded focus to the team.

It's also vitally important that you demonstrate intellectual curiosity during your interview. Betrand Russell once said, "Most people would rather die than think: many do." You want to show your potential employers that you can think for yourself, that you can help them innovate new products, and that you can actually grasp the risks and benefits that each investment poses to the bank.

The most important thing, though, is to network. Successful businesses are by and large driving by personal relationships. Steve Eisman, who made a fortune during the financial crisis, started out in life as a lawyer and eventually got a job as an analyst because his parents worked at the firm that hired him. The same firm also hired his nanny, again because of his parents. Dr. Michael Burry, a neurologist who went on to become a successful hedge fund manager, got his start by posting his trades online, and was discovered by famous investor Joel Greenblatt.

So get an internship on Wall Street and meet and befriend as many people as possible. Understand too that Wall Street is a hyper competitive environment where coworkers are more than willing to commit fraud and stab each other in the back because of the vast sums of money involved. The key to success there is having lots of allies who can recommend you for positions and protect your back.