Here's the truth: As an investment banker you stand to earn a lot of money, especially if you can snag a fat holiday bonus by helping your firm drum up new business. Of course, you have to be willing to dedicate yourself to working long hours in a seriously intense, fast-paced environment. These number-crunchers raise capital and find investors for new corporations, which gives them the chance to schmooze with smart, creative people from all over the world. They may also help individuals buy and sell securities, which are tradable financial assets (such as stocks and bonds). This job is stressful because clients are trusting you with their money, so making an unwise decision will cost you in more ways than one. But the work can be challenging and fun, and the chance to earn a high starting salary right out of school is tempting for many recent grads.