Let’s face it — investment banking isn’t just another job. It’s a high-stakes world that demands sharp skills, deep knowledge, insane stamina, and nerves of steel. Whether you're an undergrad dreaming of Wall Street, an MBA student aiming for the big leagues, or a finance nerd looking to level up — you need the right content to stand out. The problem? There’s a LOT out there. And it’s easy to get lost in the noise.

 

So, we’ve made it simple. Here’s a curated list of 5 must-read books and YouTube channels that every aspiring investment banker should consume like their career depends on it — because it kinda does.

Top 5 Books Every IB Student Should Read

Feeling overwhelmed? Start with these resources designed to help you organize, manage stress, and develop effective study techniques tailored for the IB:

1. Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions – by Joshua Rosenbaum & Joshua Pearl

This book is often called the “Bible of Investment Banking.” It’s not just theory — it gives you practical tools, real-life case studies, and breakdowns of how deals are done. Think of it as your unofficial training manual for summer internships and full-time roles.

Why read it?
Because when interviewers throw technical questions at you, this book helps you not panic.

2. Monkey Business: Swinging Through the Wall Street Jungle – by John Rolfe & Peter Troob

If you want the inside gossip of what really goes on in IB — the brutal hours, the crazy bosses, and the emotional rollercoaster — this memoir is hilarious and brutally honest.

Why read it?
To get a reality check before diving headfirst into the IB grind.

3. The Intelligent Investor – by Benjamin Graham

Written by Warren Buffett’s mentor, this classic is more about long-term investing than deal-making, but it builds your understanding of value — something every good banker needs.

Why read it?
Because great IB analysts also understand how to think like investors.

4. Barbarians at the Gate – by Bryan Burrough & John Helyar

This isn’t a textbook — it’s a thriller based on a real LBO (Leveraged Buyout) war. The RJR Nabisco deal is legendary, and this book turns it into a binge-worthy story.

Why read it?
To understand the drama and strategy behind big-time M&A deals.

5. Liar’s Poker – by Michael Lewis

Ever wondered how Wall Street culture really looked back in the 1980s? This wild memoir is full of ego, risk, and excess — and still shockingly relevant today.

Why read it?
To learn the history and mindset of aggressive finance pros. Bonus: It’s super fun to read.

Top 5 YouTube Channels to Learn IB Skills & Stay Updated

1. Mergers & Inquisitions / Breaking Into Wall Street

Run by Brian DeChesare, this channel breaks down IB concepts, resumes, interviews, case studies, and valuation methods in simple, digestible videos.

Best for: Cracking IB interviews and learning the technical stuff without falling asleep.

2. Patrick Boyle

A former hedge fund manager with a sarcastic edge. He blends humor with economics, markets, finance scandals, and hedge fund behavior.

Best for: Staying informed and entertained while learning deep stuff about market behavior.

3. Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)

CFI offers professional-level finance tutorials, including Excel, valuation models, financial statements, and more.

Best for: Hands-on learners who want to practice skills that actually matter in real jobs.

4. Aswath Damodaran

He’s known as the “Dean of Valuation” and teaches at NYU Stern. His valuation lectures are legendary — complex but so, so good.

Best for: Advanced learners who want to go deep into company valuation and understand the “why” behind the numbers.

5. Wall Street Prep

Like CFI, but with a more investment banking and private equity focus. Their tutorials cover Excel modeling, DCFs, M&A, and everything you need to pass IB training.

Best for: Prepping for internship tasks or analyst-level modeling.

Exam Prep: The Final Push

As exams loom, targeted practice is essential. These resources will help you refine your exam technique and build confidence:

  • IB Past Papers: Nothing prepares you better than working through past exams. Familiarizing yourself with the question format and time constraints is crucial for maximizing your score.
  • Exam Mate: This website provides access to a wealth of past papers and mark schemes, allowing you to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Concluding Thoughts: Your IB Journey

You can’t fake it in investment banking. You either know your stuff or you don’t. These books and YouTube channels will help you build the kind of rock-solid foundation that gets noticed by recruiters and respected by colleagues.

But here’s the deal — don’t just read/watch them passively. Take notes. Build models. Apply concepts. Follow financial news and try to connect the dots with what you learn. The more you think like a banker, the easier it becomes to become one.

And hey, don’t forget to breathe, sleep (at least sometimes), and stay curious.

You got this.