Making a career in investment banking in France is hard, but finding the perfect institution that offers the perfect course for your specific needs is harder. Therefore, we have compiled in this article all the information you need to make your career decisions wisely with an overview of the European Investment Banking career, the different career paths to choose from, and the top 10 investment banking courses in France.

Investment Banking Courses in France

What is Investment Banking, What Does an Investment Banker Do and How Much Do They Earn

The area of financial services known as investment banking is dedicated to raising capital for governments, big businesses, and individual investors. Investment banks and companies assist clients in raising capital and completing mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by offering underwriting services.

Large-scale, intricate financial transactions are facilitated by investment banking, which functions as a middleman in these transactions. By obtaining information, building financial models, and providing their clients and employers with strategic guidance based on their analysis, investment bankers play a critical role.

Investment Banking Analysts are early-career specialists in this industry who specialize in securities trading and help with major corporate transactions like mergers and acquisitions.

They work at Banks, Insurance Agencies, Mutual Fund Companies, and Stock Exchanges and assist their clients with a variety of financial transactions such as arranging financing, equity financing, underwriting deals, arranging private placements, negotiating mergers and acquisitions, etc.

Although the salary of an Investment Banker may vary by work experience, company scale, location, and position, on average, an Investment Banker makes about EU 49,304 per year, i.e. an hourly rate of EU 24 with an additional EU 7608 worth of bonus.

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Investment Banking Career in France and Why You Should Consider It

 An Investment Banking career in France will prove immensely lucrative to aspirants since the market is growing at a steady rate and many small and large firms are investing in this field.

With France set to become Europe’s second-largest economy, a country so rapidly flourishing provides students from all over the world a promising future to work in a global financial hub.

It allows them to gain exposure to many industries and sectors and work on complex financial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and raising capital for clients.

Additionally, France offers a diversified and renowned higher education system and a student-friendly environment so you may not have to worry about anything else but your education.

There are also many scholarships available and most universities in the country have excellent placement records, tied to top-tier companies like JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley France, etc.

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What Are the Types of Investment Banking Courses

 Investment Banking is one of the most demanding programs in France and therefore, choosing the correct course that caters to your future goals and aspirations becomes of utmost importance.

There are a variety of Investment Banking Courses in France options from undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional, both online and on-campus. Below is a list of Investment Banking Courses in France for your consideration:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance – A three-year Bachelor’s Degree in Finance can be a stepping stone to aspiring Investment Bankers as it goes into much detail about the basic concepts necessary to pursue higher education. Some subjects touched upon in a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance are financing principles, statement analysis, investment strategies, and global financial systems, both traditional and current.

Masters in Finance and Financial Engineering – A two-year Master’s Degree in Finance and Financial Engineering is an advanced, more in-depth program of the financial concepts taught in the Bachelor’s Degree. In addition to that, students are introduced to new concepts and mathematical problems such as corporate valuation, derivatives, institutional investing, banking and insurance, corporate governance, responsible financing, and development finance. This degree becomes very crucial when it comes to recruitment since most of the top-tier companies in France only hire candidates with a Master’s Degree.

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MBA in Finance – A one-year MBA in France is a degree mostly pursued by professionals looking to advance their careers in the financial sector. In this program, students are taught from both French and global perspectives. As one of the best-paying courses in France, it is a mixture of finance and management with a focus on finance, accounting, and human resources.

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – A CFA degree in France is exclusively a professional Investment Banking certification course that is globally recognized and respected. It may not be a traditional university degree but CFA charter holders enjoy better international career mobility since its curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for the international market. It consists of a three-part exam to test your knowledge of the fundamental concepts of investing and management and also includes at least four months of paid internships.

Professional Training – Many institutions such as ESCP Business School and HEC Paris offer hands-on, result-driven professional training courses to individuals already in the Finance and Investment field to enhance their skills and knowledge. The study period may vary from a few years to a few months and a lot of them come with a job guarantee upon completion.

Online Courses – Online Courses in Investment Banking are offered by international massive open online course providers such as Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, etc. as well as industry-specific companies such as Imarticus Learning, DataTrained, etc. Instead of covering broad topics, they focus on covering specific aspects of Investment Banking such as financial modeling, valuation, and risk management.

They are available to both French and international students and can be accessed in both free and paid forms. Online Courses in Finance are a popular choice for students across the globe because of the benefits of learning at your own pace, in the comfort of your home as well as being cheap and effective.

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Internships and Apprenticeships – Internships and apprenticeships at financial institutions are valuable when it comes to gaining experience and building your portfolio before you are ready to enter the job market as an investment banker.

Many top companies in France hire candidates with appropriate degrees to work for them for free and sometimes even pay them for their work. These internships can be project-based as well as have a period for which you have to work to obtain a decent amount of exposure and weightage as a professional.

Types of Jobs, Eligibility Criteria, Recruitment Process and Career Options

 On completion of Investment Banking Courses in France, there are many routes you can take. The four most popular career choices after an Investment Banking degree are Analyst, Associate, Vice President, and Managing Director.

You may work at Wall Street, private equities, or startup companies, and if with an MBA, you can also go for the State or Local Government Finance department.

It is important to note that candidates with a Master’s degree are preferred over ones with a Bachelor’s degree and it is highly probable that a top-tier bank with a good salary will only hire you if you have a Master’s degree in Finance.

Additionally, you will also have to be fluent in the French language as well as have satisfactory English-speaking skills for conducting international deals. A one-year gap is advised after completing your Master’s degree to take part in an off-cycle internship of 6 to 12 months to gain some experience as well as trust from your future employers.

These are the basic eligibility criteria you need to pass to go onto the next level and that is the recruitment process for Investment Banking jobs in France. There are a bunch of ways a candidate with a Master’s degree in France can be recruited in Investment Banking companies and Banks with a high pay scale.

The first way is through networking. Reaching out to your University Alumni or contacting your dream company’s existing employees through their LinkedIn profiles can prove helpful in building a network and your presence in the Investment Banking Industry.

The exposure and experience you will gain while working on your off-cycle internship can also be useful. The company you intern for may become your gateway into the Investment Banking world.

Lastly, traditional interviews with your preferred Investment Banks and Companies may land you the job of your dreams. The interview will consist of a panel of about 6 to 12 people including company heads such as the HR and MD who will ask you technical as well as process-related questions to see if you are fit for the role or not.

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Below Are Some Investment Banking Career Choices You Can Consider :

Investment Banking Analyst – An Investment Banking Analyst job is the most direct career path chosen by students with a Finance background. This job requires them to prepare client presentations and financial models, work on projects, analyze data, and even work directly on advising clients. On average, Investment Banking Analysts in France earn up to EU 1,04,500 per year.

Private Equity Analyst – A Private Equity Analyst as the name suggests, works at private equities. These are mostly research-oriented jobs where the employee is required to conduct research on the market and provide detailed analysis according to their findings. Private Equity Analyst’s salaries in France vary from EU 60,000 to EU 80,000.

Asset Management – Asset Managers primarily deal with managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients, who are mostly retail or professional investors whether individuals or institutions. With their help, clients can invest safely and securely to gain value in the long run. The average salary of an Asset Manager in France is EU 70,646 per year.

Hedge Fund Manager – Hedge Fund Managers manage short and long-term investments for clients and oversee the operations of Hedge Funds with the help of a particular investment strategy. Hedge Fund Managers usually have a team of finance professionals to assist them with their work. They earn up to EU 84, 125 on average per year and are also heavily compensated by their loyal customers.

Corporate Finance – In Corporate Finance, Investment Bankers oversee the financial and operating aspects of a company in addition to raising money and capital for their clients. They navigate financial trends and patterns and identify and mitigate financial risks. Depending on the industry and company size, an Investment Banker working in Corporate Finance earns from EU 60,000 TO EU 100.000 per year.

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Real Estate Investment – Real Estate Investment Banking is a branch of Investment Banking where Investment Bankers act as mediators between the buyer and seller of a property. They research, analyze, and document live transactions, and provide financial and decision-making advice to both parties to facilitate the sale of the property. The average salary of a Real Estate Investment Banker is EU 2,14,496 per year.

Risk Management – A Risk Management team is crucial in every company and hence Investment Bankers working in this department have a very important responsibility of identifying and mitigating risk factors to avoid negative financial outcomes. In France, the average salary of a Risk Manager or Analyst is EU 1,04,500 per annum.

Consulting – Investment Banking Consultants are usually hired by Management and Financial Consulting firms to provide consultation services to clients regarding their investment decisions and strategies. They also provide detailed financial analysis, models, and strategic advice to senior colleagues. EU 49,304 per year is the average salary of Investment Banking Consultants in France.

Compliance and Regulation – As an Investment Banker working in the Compliance and Regulation department, you will be responsible for making sure financial institutions adhere to the relevant laws and regulations, and that they comply with the regulatory functions provided. An Investment Compliance Analyst is paid EU 37,582 in France per year.

Venture Capital – A Venture Capitalist is similar to an Investment Banker in the sense that they both help to raise capital for their clients but in the case of the former, they invest in the company themselves, mostly startups with long-term growth potential, then sell their shares to earn money. They earn up to EU 46,800 per year excluding bonuses.

Entrepreneurship – To become an Entrepreneur, having a background in Investment Banking can give you an upper hand although entrepreneurship also requires a different set of skills as well. You can start your own Investment company, garner a group of loyal clients, and raise money for them as well as your company. As for the salary of an Entrepreneur, there is no fixed amount one can earn and therefore the possibilities are endless and depend upon your skills as a leader and a business person.

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Top 10 Investment Banking Courses in France

 Now that you have an overview of the European Investment Banking Career, taken into consideration the different career paths available in the field, and planned your goals accordingly, let’s take a look at the top ten Investment Banking Courses in France with placement to kickstart your dreams for the future.

A French University degree cannot be afforded by many and there are also restrictions posed by location when it comes to on-campus education. In such cases, there are various, respected online courses and Investment Banking certifications available that students can enroll and take part in from any corner of the world. Some of the best Investment Banking courses online are:

 

Rank #1. Investment Banking Courses in France

1. IIM SKILLS

This Certified Investment Banking Master Course from IIM SKILLS is an online, instructor-led course in which subject matter professionals have skillfully organized every subject from foundational to advanced levels.

Furthermore, the entire course curriculum is designed to prepare you for the workforce once you graduate.

 

They have the best online learning platform for a wide range of professional courses. They are highly recommended for offering the best-certified investment banking courses worldwide.

The course curriculum is personally designed by their mentors and is upgraded on a regular basis so that the students learn and be in sync with the ongoing trends. Also, this course is followed by the internship which gives the student a professional learning experience.

 

The course is 100% tool-oriented and certified course. Also, online training offers flexible learning opportunities.

Also Read: IIM SKILLS Investment Banking Course Review

Details: Course duration – 2 months classes + project work

Fees – 444.13 Euro + GST

Scholarships and Financial Aids – EMI available

Placement – Accenture, TCS, Goldman Sachs

Location – Remote

Key Highlights:

  • 100+ hours of practical assignments
  • 1 month guaranteed internship + 100% job support
  • Assistance in LinkedIn profile building and interview prep

 

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Rank #2. Investment Banking Courses in France

2. Burgundy School of Business

The MSc. in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking at Burgundy School of Business, is held in high regard when it comes to Investment banking courses in France. If you have strong mathematical and technical abilities and are looking to study investment banking, M&A, and auditing at a global level, this is the best program for you.

Details:

Course duration – 1-year

Eligibility – Bachelor’s degree in any mathematics-related subject

IELTS score – 6

Fees – EU 15,500

Scholarships and Financial Aid – Available

Placement – PWC, KPMG, Philips, etc.

Location – Dijon, France

Key Highlights:

CFA Certification – On completion of this Master’s program, you will be CFA certified, which is the highest distinction achievable in the Investment Banking Industry.

Teaching Approach – This course will prepare you for the real world by giving you hands-on projects to work on both individually and as a team.

Field Trips – You will be able to attend various financial and investment conferences to get a better idea of the world of Investment Banking.

  Rank #3. Investment Banking Courses in France

3. IÉSEG School of Management

The Master in Banking, Capital Markets, and Financial Technology from the IÉSEG School of Management is a program committed to heightening your knowledge of capital markets, finance, and investment.

It explores the most recent technical developments in the financial sector and prepares students for the future.

Details:

Course duration – 2 years

Eligibility – Bachelor’s degree in any related field

IELTS Academic – 6.5 Fees – EU 17,900

Scholarships and Financial Aids – Available

Placement – JP Morgan, UBS, Royal Bank of Canada, etc.

Next Intake – September 2024 Location – Lille, France

Key Highlights: Technical Skills –

Quantitative methods, Computer programming, Investment Management, Financial Technology

Diversity – Students from different cultural, and academic backgrounds and regions of the world encourage global perspectives.

Accredited by the French Higher Education Ministry – State-recognized Grade de Master.

 

Rank #4. Investment Banking Courses in France

4. SKEMA Business School

The SKEMA Business School’s Master in Finance program has been ranked Top 4 by the Financial Times for four consecutive years. This prestigious degree is a market-driven finance program with a practical approach.

Details:

Course duration – 2 years

Eligibility – 4-year university degree or equivalent, minimum 6 months of work experience

IELTS Academic – 6

Fees – EU 25,000/year

Scholarships and Financial Aids – Available

Placement – BNP Paribas, Microsoft, Citibank, etc.

Next Intake – September 2024 Location – Lille, France

Key Highlights: Three in one – One program, three locations, five specializations

 

Teaching method – Hands-on, problem-solving approach

 

Rank #5. Investment Banking Courses in France

5. TBS Education Paris

The MSc. in Banking and International Finance program offered by TBS Education is tailored to equip students with both technical as well as professional financial standards. This program has received national accreditation for the top business schools in France.

Details: Course duration – 1-year

Eligibility – 4-year university degree or equivalent

IELTS Academic – 6.5

Fees – EU 18, 500

Scholarships and Financial Aids – Available

Next Intake – September 2024

Location – Paris, France

Key Highlights:

Global Approach – This course takes a global approach to finance and deals with contemporary debates and controversies. CGE Certified – This course holds the CGE label which is a national accreditation for the top business schools in France.

 

Rank #6. Investment Banking Courses in France

 6. KEDGE Business School

This Banking and Finance double degree from KEDGE Business School prepares its students to gain the necessary knowledge in the fields of Banking, Finance, Investment, and Asset Management.

Details:

Course duration – 1-year

Eligibility – university degree or equivalent, personal and professional experience

IELTS Academic – 6.5 Fees – EU 16,000

Scholarships and Financial Aids – Available

Placement – MAIF, BNP Paribas, Barchen, etc.

Next Intake – September 2024 Location – Bordeaux, France

 

Key Highlights:

Triple Accreditation – Equis, AMBA, AACSB

Inclusive curriculum – This course incorporates the latest financial developments as well as challenges faced by the financial and investment industries.

 

Rank #7. Investment Banking Courses in France

7. PSL Research University 

A Master in Finance from PSL Research University supports an international career in Finance with their numerous international exchanges during the first two semesters. They train professionals for financial institutions.

Details: Course duration – 1-year Eligibility – university degree or equivalent

IELTS Academic – 6

Fees – EU 486

Scholarships and Financial Aids – Available

Next Intake – not specified Location – Paris, France Key Highlights:

  • Recognized international expertise
  • Research-based teaching
  • Strong synergies with businesses

 

Rank #8. Investment Banking Courses in France

 8. CFI Education

CFI Education offers the best Investment Banking courses online which are globally accredited certifications that prove your technical and practical skills.

Details:

Course duration – 2 months classes + project work

Fees – Varies

Scholarships and Financial Aids – Available

Placement – Genpact, Wipro, Bank of America

Key Highlights:

  • Instructor-led live online classes
  • CV building, Interview prep, and Placement assistance
  • Study material and recorded lectures

  Rank #9. Investment Banking Courses in France

 9. DataTrained

Data Trained prepares students to be industry-ready with their PG program in Investment Banking and Financial Modeling and gets them one step ahead to booking their dream job. This Investment banking course includes basics of finance, economic knowledge, investment banking, financial modeling and so much more.

Details:

Course duration – 6 months

Fees – EU 3800

Scholarships and Financial Aids – Available

Placement – Barclays, BA Continuum, Investor’s Clinic

Key Highlights:

  • Case Study Approach
  • Taught by domain experts
  • Weekend classes for working professionals

 

Rank #10. Investment Banking Courses in France

10. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a US-based non-profit educational organization where many Investment Banking courses are available for students, completely for free. This is the best option for students who can’t afford a university degree but are still willing to gain the required knowledge and skill set.

Key Highlights :

  • Completely for free
  • Learn at your own pace with pre-recorded classes
  • Video, article, practice questions
  • Easy, progress tracking interface

 

FAQs

 Q. Why is Investment Banking important?

Investment Banking is important since it benefits a country’s economy by bringing buyers and sellers together which in turn gives liquidity to the market. Moreover, it facilitates capital raising for businesses, supports mergers and acquisitions, manages financial risks, and offers financial advice and research.

Q. What are Investment Banking courses in France?

Investment Banking courses are courses that teach students financial concepts and practices, that help them pursue a career in Investment Banking involving, banking, debiting, crediting, loans, and capital markets. There are numerous types of Investment Banking courses both paid and free, online and on-campus, traditional university degrees, certification courses as well as professional courses.

Q. Where to study Investment Banking?

In order to decide where to study Investment Banking, you have to take into consideration your current educational and professional status, career goals, budget, and location. Take a look at our top ten Investment Banking courses in France which are guaranteed to help you make a better decision.

Q. What qualifications do I need for Investment Banking?

A Bachelor’s degree in any related field such as Finance, Economics, Accounting, or Business is enough to become an Investment Banker however to be in a top position in a top company with a high salary, a Master’s degree or MBA will give you an upper hand.

Q. Can you become an Investment Banker with a finance degree?

Yes, a finance degree is a prerequisite to becoming an Investment Banker. Some other acceptable majors to become an Investment Banker are Economics, Accounting, Business, and Mathematics.

In Conclusion:

We hope the information provided by us has helped you gain insight into the complex Financial market and given you some clarity regarding what career path, course, or university best fits your interests. Remember, to do further research by surfing through the original websites and take into consideration that for making a successful European Investment Banking career you will need not only a degree from a reputed university but also the required skill set and knowledge. With the combination of a reputed university degree and skill-specific online courses, your Investment Banking career will sprout wings.

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