How does one break into the competitive field of Investment Banking? Mr. Akshat Madaan has the answer. In less than three years, he’s gone from strategy consulting at a big 4 firm to investment banking at SBI Capital Markets, handling deals worth hundreds of millions and getting recognized for top performance just months into new jobs.
In this edition of Calculated Conversations, I got to dig into his approach to breaking into competitive finance roles. This conversation shows the practical skills and the mindset that pushes someone to tackle the toughest challenges in business and finance.
1. You’ve quickly moved into big roles in M&A strategy and now Investment Banking. What first got you hooked on the world of finance, and what was a key step or decision you made that helped you break into these competitive fields?
I have always had interest in numbers and data, this was the primary driver for my career in the field. Additionally, finance has been close to my heart ever since I was a kid. My father used to ask me questions related to finance in a playful manner, which hooked me up in the field.
To break into these roles, I pursed Bachelors in Commerce and then MBA Finance later on. Moreover, I had been working on strengthening my excel skills which are important in this field. Furthermore, good consistent grades also count.
2. You deal with complex financial analysis and strategy daily. For young people keen on a finance career, what’s one or two essential skills, whether technical or a mind-set, they absolutely need to start building now?
You should be curious, think about even the most random things. Your brain should be used to churning.
Academically – Work on case studies solving and excel skills, which is crucial for breaking into finance.
3. You mentioned having a “knack for numbers.” How did you actively turn that natural interest into the serious skills needed for financial statement analysis and business valuation, and any quick tips for others looking to do the same?
I gave my “knack for numbers” a direction to grow by attaining the relevant qualifications. For Investment Banking that is a Business/Management Degree ( MBA or MIM).
4. You’ve been involved in some high-stakes strategy and investment banking projects. Without sharing any specific company details, what’s it generally like to contribute to big, impactful deals early in your career, and what’s a key lesson you’ve learned from operating in those high-pressure environments?
There are times, when you feel overwhelmed, one just take deep breaths and think with a relaxed mind, you will find your way through. Don’t panic, as panic kills creativity and thought process.
At the end, you really enjoy the result of your projects, the impact you create, the team mates you bonded with.
5. Your career has been on a fast track with notable achievements. What’s one practical piece of advice you’d give to ambitious students (perhaps especially in India, but also broadly) who are aiming for top roles in finance or strategy consulting?
You should be hungry and greedy for knowledge, skills. Be ambitious/have a goal. One should always be ambitious, only then you will be able to achieve something.
After talking with Mr. Akshat Madaan, one thing becomes clear: making it in finance isn’t about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about staying hungry and thinking smart. His path from student to investment banker wasn’t built on shortcuts; it was built on doing excellent work consistently and taking on roles that pushed him to grow.
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