Investment bankers make a difference in the success of businesses and countries by raising capital through the sale of securities, such as stocks and bonds. This process is known as underwriting and it is part of an investment banker's core job. An investment banker can also help a company to make strategic decisions by providing advice, whose success is often determined by meeting the needs of both the buyer of the debt and the borrower.

An investment banker's primary responsibility is to structure deals, which involve the buying and selling of financial instruments. These deals can involve debt and equity securities, commodities, derivatives, foreign currencies, or proprietary assets. Investment bankers must understand the different elements of the securities markets, including the interests of issuers, buyers, and investors, in order to provide sound, expert advice.

In order to be successful, investment bankers must possess a variety of specialized skills and must also have a thorough understanding of the financial markets. These skills include knowledge of accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, and legal principles. They must also be able to effectively interpret and analyze financial data. In order to give the best advice and improve their financial returns, investment bankers must be able to think on their feet and make decisions quickly and accurately.

Investment bankers also act as financial advisors, helping companies to make important business decisions. This can involve working on mergers and acquisitions, as well as complex financial restructuring plans. On top of this, they are also needed to help underwrite new securities offerings, something they do via a detailed analysis of the company's financial strength and liquidity.

It's clear that an investment banker's job is a challenging and exciting one. It requires the ability to juggle a variety of different tasks, from conducting evaluations to helping companies and governments with their financial strategies. In return for their efforts, investment bankers offer tremendous satisfaction and the potential for substantial rewards.