The Truth About Success in Banking: A Quiet Revolution
In the world of banking, where the rat race is intense and the demands are high, it's easy to get caught up in the noise. But here's a secret: true success lies in the quiet, steady achievements, not the flashy boasts on LinkedIn.
For those who've chosen the path of investment banking, a technically demanding and unforgiving career, the journey is often paved with hard work, perseverance, and a good dose of humility. It's like lifting weights; technique is everything. Do it right, and you build strength. Do it wrong, and you risk injury and burnout.
So, how do you navigate this path successfully? Embrace your intrinsic motivation for achievement. If you've made it through the competitive exams, internships, and interviews, you've got the drive. Don't let the noise on LinkedIn distract you from your own goals.
The LinkedIn Illusion
Your LinkedIn feed might be filled with advice on finding purpose and living your best life, but remember, it's often just a highlight reel. Most posts fall into two categories:
- The Unscathed Linear Achievers: These are the people who've had a smooth ride, untouched by market downturns. They might be talented, but they often overlook the role of luck and good mentorship. The danger is losing humility.
- The Marketeers and Pretenders: Their feeds are filled with "pleased to announce" posts, masking insecurity. Some have never truly built sustainable success, but they project an image of constant triumph. It's rarely genuine.
Your measure of success should be your own sense of achievement, not someone else's online persona.
Setbacks and Resilience
Even the most successful in banking have faced challenges. From MDs at Deutsche Bank to veterans at UBS or Citi, setbacks are part of the journey. The key difference lies in how you respond. Humility, self-awareness, and the ability to rebuild are what set the enduring apart from those who falter.
Companies can take away titles, but they cannot erase your knowledge and experience. I speak from experience; during a tough five-year stretch, I faced limited opportunities and internal politics, but it taught me invaluable lessons. Being an observer, learning, and quietly improving is a strength.
I've seen MDs at bulge brackets reinvent themselves, showing that true success is about resilience and purpose. The real winners aren't those constantly marketing themselves online; they're the ones who bounce back gracefully, silently, and with renewed focus.
The Power of Time and Relationships
In my networking journey, I've learned that the real winners always make time. Whether during my university years or at key career inflection points, I've reached out to Goldman Sachs MDs, and they've always engaged with genuine interest. It's a contrast to the ghosting often seen online.
The public face of our profession doesn't always reflect the experts who are confident in their craft and generous with their time. It's a shame, but it shouldn't deter us from finding our own sense of fulfillment.
Finding Fulfillment and Perspective
Your fulfillment should come from the work itself: structuring unique deals, uncovering new research angles, or engaging with fascinating clients. You don't have to be a rainmaker all the time. Sometimes, being a keen observer brings a much-needed balance.
And if things go wrong, remember, very few face real financial peril in this field. It's a position of privilege. The world may be unfair, but don't let it define you. The people who truly matter won't judge you based on a LinkedIn post.
The Quiet Achievers Win the Race
In the end, it's the quiet achievers who outlast the loud prophets. This doesn't mean giving up ambition; it's about mastering the right technique. Learn to separate the joy of professional achievement from the joy of your personal life: your family, hobbies, and adventures. If professional success takes a hit, fall back on these rooms of joy to keep your balance.
Otherwise, you're training for a lifelong injury. Physically, emotionally, or both.
Philippe Carrel is a pseudonym.
