A day in the life: Investment Banking into Investor Relations (mid-market)

The Investor Relations and Distribution team at Dartmouth Partners specialises in guiding professionals through pivotal career transitions - whether it's securing their first Investor Relations (IR) role or helping seasoned professionals explore exciting new opportunities.

We often assist Investment Banking Analysts in making a successful transition into their first IR position. I recently reconnected with a candidate that I placed in such a role to discuss their journey and a breakdown of their day.

Investor Relations Analyst - Mid-market Private Equity Firm

1. What motivated you to move into IR?

During my two years in Investment Banking, I realised my strengths and passions lie in communication, storytelling, project management and data processing. When I was ready to consider a career change, I wanted to prioritise these skills, whilst maintaining the somewhat technical and commercial angle of my previous role. Investor Relations ticked all of these boxes, with a shift towards a more qualitative work style, yet still centred on value creation and data.

2. What would you say is the most important skill to have in this role?

Having a keen eye for detail and good time management skills are essential for this role. Materials must be prepared in a timely manner, but also with little to no errors, as investors rely on our work when deciding to make multi-million-pound investments.

3. What does a typical day look like?

9:00 - Arrive at the office and review emails

10:00 - Complete any outstanding work from the day before

12:00 - Share work with Associate or Director for review

12:30 - Take a lunch break with colleagues

13:00 - Start work on a new due diligence request from an investor

15:00 - Have a group discussion with colleagues on a data-focused workstream

16:00 - Continue working on the due diligence request and reach out to other teams for input

17:00 - Ask for guidance from Associates in my team on any outstanding points

18:00 - Finalise the due diligence request for the day and begin work on the data-focused workstream

19:00 - Order dinner for the evening and eat at my desk

20:00 - Finalise work for the night and head home

4. What is your favourite part of the job?

We learn more about the business with each request and constantly connect and network with the wider firm. Consequently, each day is different and an opportunity to learn something new.

5. What is your favourite thing about working for your employer?

They care about their employees, and they invest in their culture. As a result, we benefit from monthly social activities hosted by the firm, as well as opportunities to volunteer or take on more responsibilities in our role.

6. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking at getting into IR?

Learn as much as you can about the fundraising process before applying. Even if there are disparities between Investor Relations roles within different PE funds / VC funds / placement agents, this base understanding will be applicable to all interviews that you do and is fundamental to asking thoughtful questions to the interviewers.

7. Is it what you expected it to be?

Yes!

If you are thinking about making the move yourself or would like to make a similar hire, please don't hesitate to get in touch.