Deepak Kumar Thakur always knew he wanted to build a strong career in finance, even if the exact path wasn’t clear at the start.
Coming from a middle-class Indian family, he grew up with values of discipline and hard work, and during his studies, his curiosity about how companies make financial decisions drew him toward Investment Banking.
Like many aspirants, he faced a key challenge: turning theory into a real core finance role. To bridge this gap, he chose the Certification in Investment Banking (CIB) at QuintEdge, where structured guidance and hands-on exposure helped him build confidence and direction.
Today, Deepak works as an Investment Analyst (M&A, IBC Solutions) at TSquare Capital Solutions LLP.- a milestone earned through focused preparation and persistence.
How did you develop an interest in Investment Banking?
My interest in Investment Banking grew gradually as I studied finance, accounting, and business. What truly drew me in was understanding how financial decisions shape a company’s growth and future.
As I explored mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and capital planning, I saw how these areas drive real business outcomes. Working with financial statements and valuation helped me connect theory with how companies actually operate.
Over time, this curiosity became a clear goal: to build a career in core finance and advisory roles, applying knowledge in the real world, not just in support or theoretical positions.
What steps did you take to enter the Investment Banking and core finance field?
I approached Investment Banking with clarity and intent, not trial and error.
First, I focused on understanding what analyst roles in core finance really demand. This helped me move beyond assumptions and set a clear direction.
I then recognised the gap between academics and industry expectations. Instead of keeping my options broad, I chose to specialise in Investment Banking, M&A, and restructuring, giving my efforts real focus.
To bridge that gap, I joined a structured Investment Banking program that offered industry-aligned, practical exposure, helping me shape my profile for core finance and advisory roles.
What made you choose the Certification in Investment Banking (CIB) at QuintEdge?
I chose QuintEdge because I wanted more than theory. I wanted to see how Investment Banking actually works in the real world.
What stood out was the focus on hands-on financial models, real deal examples, and practical exposure to restructuring and special situations. The CIB program pushed me to apply concepts, not just study them, exactly what I needed for core finance and advisory roles.
Alongside this, the Investment Banking Bootcamp sharpened my preparation with analyst-focused sessions on resume & LinkedIn building, body language, pitch decks, and mock interviews, giving me clarity and confidence for entry-level roles.
What challenges did you face during your preparation journey?
Key challenges I faced:
- Moving from theory to application– building models, linking statements, and working with real company numbers felt overwhelming.
- Time management & consistency– balancing learning, practice, and revision without losing momentum.
I tackled this by breaking concepts into smaller steps, practising regularly instead of rushing, and revisiting weak areas with structured guidance and feedback.
Over time, what once felt intimidating became familiar and my confidence in applying finance grew steadily.
How did QuintEdge support you and make a difference in your journey?
QuintEdge, and especially Yash Jain sir, played a defining role in my Investment Banking journey. His mentorship, clear explanations, and hands-on modeling changed how I think and work in finance.
I learned to look beyond numbers, To understand assumptions, business drivers, and the logic behind every decision.
With regular doubt-solving, real case discussions, and the IB Bootcamp, I gained the confidence that helped me crack my placement within a month through the Placement Assistance Program.
What outcome did you achieve after completing the program?
Through the CIB training and consistent preparation, I was able to convert my learning into a core finance role.
I am currently working as an Investment Analyst (M&A, IBC Solutions) at TSquare Capital Solutions LLP, where I actively apply financial modeling, valuation, and restructuring concepts in real transaction work.
This placement was an important milestone for me, as it marked my transition from preparation to execution and helped me step into a role aligned with my long-term goal of building a career in Investment Banking and advisory.
Can you share your preparation strategy with us?
I followed a disciplined, step-by-step approach:
1. Fixed my accounting fundamentals
I focused on understanding-
- How line items appear across statements
- How numbers flow between IS, BS, and CF
- What adjustments really mean for the business
This built a strong base for everything else.
2. Built financial models from scratch
Instead of templates, I-
- Built models step by step
- Rebuilt them to improve speed and accuracy
- Focused on structure, linking, and logic
Repetition gave me control and confidence.
3. Applied concepts to real companies
Through valuation, M&A, and restructuring cases, I worked with-
- Actual company data
- Realistic assumptions
- End-to-end analysis
This showed me how models drive decisions.
4. Questioned assumptions, not just outputs
I asked-
- Do these assumptions make business sense?
- How do key variables change outcomes?
- Does the model tell a clear story?
This sharpened my analytical thinking.
5. Used feedback to improve
I actively sought feedback, fixed mistakes, and refined my approach to avoid repeating errors.
What made the difference:
Consistency, regular revision, and hands-on practice, the habits that steadily built my confidence and moved me closer to a core finance role.
What would you like to tell others who are just starting their Investment Banking journey?
For anyone starting out in Investment Banking or core finance: be patient and trust the process. Focus on fundamentals, practise consistently, and don’t be intimidated by complex models early on.
Choose practical learning, seek mentorship, and stay disciplined. With the right guidance and sustained effort, breaking into high-finance roles is absolutely achievable.
Deepak’s journey from exploring finance to securing a core Investment Banking role shows what focused learning, steady effort, and the right mentorship can achieve. QuintEdge is proud to have supported his transition and continues to guide many more students toward confident, purpose-driven finance careers.
