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 came from a science and mathematics background — I was actually teaching AP Mathematics and SAT exam preparation. While instructing, I began to recognise that numbers extended beyond theoretical applications into real-world financial decision-making. My curiosity gradually shifted toward economics and finance, particularly how companies are valued and how markets work. That growing fascination ultimately motivated me to pursue investment banking professionally.
What steps did you take to get into this field?
I followed a strategic four-step approach:
- Step 1: I pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) to establish strong business fundamentals.
- Step 2: I completed NISM certifications alongside my PGDM to deepen my financial market knowledge.
- Step 3: I enrolled in QuintEdge's Investment Banking Certification programme for practical valuation and financial modeling experience.
- Step 4: I consistently combined theoretical learning with hands-on practical experience to facilitate my transition from mathematics into finance.
What made you choose QuintEdge for Investment Banking?
I discovered QuintEdge through LinkedIn research, and my college faculty also strongly recommended the institute based on its practical approach and placement support. What I valued most was that QuintEdge emphasised real-world skills like valuation, financial modeling, and interview preparation rather than just exam preparation. That alignment with career readiness goals is exactly what I needed.
What challenges did you face during your preparation?
Coming from a science background, understanding commerce and accounting nuances presented significant difficulty. Financial statements, accounting principles, and corporate finance concepts initially felt overwhelming. Rather than accepting this as a limitation, I invested additional time reviewing fundamentals, asked lots of clarifying questions, and gradually built confidence through practical valuation examples.
How did QuintEdge help you in getting placed?
QuintEdge provided comprehensive support including internship placement assistance, interview preparation, and last-minute interview guidance. The hands-on internship exposure in valuation work directly connected to what I had learnt in the classroom. That practical experience ultimately became instrumental in securing my position at Protiviti Global Business.
Can you share your preparation strategy with us?
My approach emphasised discipline over lengthy study sessions. I relied on concise class notes aligned with industry expectations, practiced multiple case studies in valuation, and focused on understanding the reasoning behind formulas rather than just memorising them. I also reviewed frequently asked interview questions regularly and maintained consistent study habits throughout my preparation.
What would you like to tell others just starting this journey?
Build strong knowledge first. Then, make sure you get hands-on experience. Finance demands applying concepts practically through internships and real projects. If someone from a pure science background like me can successfully enter investment banking, anyone can — with the right guidance and dedication.