Keshav Bajpai began his journey as a mathematics graduate and SAT tutor. From early on, he was curious about how numbers go beyond textbooks and shape real decisions in economics and financial markets.
That curiosity slowly turned into a clear goal, to build a career in investment banking. This realization led him to Quintedge’s Investment Banking program.
Here, he gained hands-on experience in valuation through an internship, which later became the key stepping stone to his final placement at Protiviti Global Business.
Let’s dive into Keshav’s background story and preparation strategy that helped him turn curiosity into a career. Below are the excerpts from our interview with him…
How did you develop an interest in Investment Banking?
I come from a science and mathematics background. I started teaching students preparing for AP Mathematics and SAT exams after my graduation.
While teaching, I realized I wasn’t just enjoying numbers. I was curious about how these concepts are actually used in the real world.
That curiosity slowly moved towards economics and finance. I began seeing how math drives decisions in financial markets and business.
I wanted to go beyond textbooks and understand markets, valuations, and how companies are analysed. That’s when I decided to pursue investment banking as a career.
What steps did you take to get into this field?
Once I decided that finance was the direction I wanted to move in, I knew I needed both strong basics and practical exposure.
Step 1: I first decided to build a strong base in business, so I enrolled in a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM).
Step 2: To understand financial markets better, I completed a few NISM certifications alongside my PGDM.
Step 3: I then joined the Investment Banking Certification program at Quintedge to gain practical skills in valuation and financial modeling.
Step 4: Throughout this journey, I focused on combining theory with hands-on learning to smoothly transition from a mathematics background into finance.
These steps helped me move closer to my goal of building a career in investment banking.
What made you choose QuintEdge for Investment Banking?
I first came across Quintedge through LinkedIn while researching finance coaching institutes.
I also spoke to faculty members in my college, and many of them strongly recommended Quintedge based on its practical approach and placement support.
What stood out to me was that Quintedge wasn’t just about clearing exams or teaching concepts it focused on real-world skills like valuation, financial modeling, and interview preparation.
That aligned perfectly with what I was looking for: not just knowledge, but career readiness.
What challenges did you face during your preparation?
Coming from a science background, the biggest challenge for me was understanding certain commerce and accounting nuances. Concepts like financial statements, accounting logic, and corporate finance were new to me, and initially, they felt overwhelming.
But instead of seeing that as a limitation, I treated it as a learning curve. I spent extra time revising basics, asking doubts in class, and slowly building comfort with the language of finance.
Over time, those concepts started making sense, especially when linked with practical examples in valuation and modeling.
How did QuintEdge help you in getting placed?
Quintedge played a crucial role at every stage of my journey.
From helping me secure an internship, to guiding me in interview preparation, and even giving last-minute advice before interviews, the instructors were always available. I relied heavily on their mentorship, whether it was technical doubts, mock interviews, or career guidance.
The hands-on exposure I got during my internship, especially in valuation work, was directly linked to what I learned at Quintedge.
That practical experience later became a key factor in helping me convert my final placement at Protiviti Global Business.
Can you share your preparation strategy with us?
My preparation strategy was simple but disciplined.
I primarily relied on class notes for revision because they were concise and aligned with industry expectations.
For interviews, Quintedge provided a rigorous and structured preparation process, which was extremely useful, it covered key formulas and frequently asked interview questions, making last-minute preparation much more structured.
I focused on:
- Revising concepts regularly
- Practicing valuation and problem-solving via multiple case studies Quintedge provided.
- Understanding the “why” behind formulas, not just memorizing them
- Using the most asked interview questions that Yash sir gave us for comprehensive interview revision
Consistency mattered more than long study hours.
What would you like to tell others who are just starting this journey?
My message is simple:
First, build strong knowledge. Then, make sure you get hands-on experience.
Finance is not just about knowing concepts, it’s about applying them in real situations. Internships, live projects, and practical exposure make all the difference.
If you combine learning with real work experience, you’ll be far more confident and industry-ready.
If someone like me, from a pure science background, can transition into investment banking, then with the right guidance and effort, anyone can.
Keshav Bajpai’s journey of investment banking is a testament to the power of curiosity, disciplined learning, and the right mentorship. QuintEdge proudly celebrates his success and remains committed to shaping many more Keshav’s as they take confident steps toward their dream careers in finance.
