A Day in the Life of an Investment Banking Partner
Apr 9
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themodelingschool
aka: The Face of the Franchise Who Doesn't Sleep — Just Travels
I’m Mark, a Managing Director at a global investment bank. My job is to bring in business, close deals, and pretend I still know how to use Excel. I spend more time on planes than in the office and more time on calls than at dinner.
Morning (Whenever My Flight Lands): Selling Mode
I start the day in a hotel room in Chicago, Boston, or Dubai — depending on the week. I check emails, respond to clients, and forward three one-liner comments to the VP, all before breakfast. I ask if the deck is ready for the 10 AM pitch. I don’t check it — that’s their job.
I arrive at the meeting, shake hands, and present the top three slides. The rest is fluff. The client smiles. I smile. We say things like “strategic fit” and “unlocking synergies.” After the meeting, I tell the team it went well. I also tell them to rework the deck completely.
Midday (Client to Client): The Marathon of Face Time
I go from meeting to meeting, telling the same story in different suits. I text the VP: “Any updates on the XYZ deal?”
He replies with a bullet-point summary. I forward it to the client, adding “See below.” They thank me for the insight.
Lunch is usually with a client. I listen, nod, and drop phrases like “capital markets optionality” and “market tailwinds.”
Then I ask for their strategic priorities, take mental notes, and text the VP: “Need a positioning deck. Fast.”
Afternoon (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Calls, Planes, and Pressure
I hop on a call with legal, then one with internal compliance.
I get on a plane, review a CIM while boarding, and send a quick message: “This looks too technical. Make it more punchy.” I don't explain what "punchy" means.
On the flight, I write follow-up notes to three CEOs. My AirPods die, so I take a nap for 30 minutes — the longest break I’ll get all day.
Evening (7:00 PM – Late): Chasing Deals, Always
Back in NYC, I join a dinner with a prospective client. I order steak and talk about “strategic alignment” between their growth plans and our capabilities. I promise to send over “some materials.” I text the VP: “Let’s pull together a short deck by tomorrow.”
At 11:00 PM, I check emails again. The team’s still working. I write, “Appreciate the hustle,” and go to bed.
Tomorrow, it all starts again — in another city, with another pitch, and another deck I won’t read until it’s already been revised five times.
