Investment analyst

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree at upper second class or higher. Most degree subjects are accepted, but you may find these particularly useful:

• economics
• maths
• business studies
• accountancy
• finance

If your degree is not related to business or finance, you could do a relevant postgraduate qualification like a master's in business administration (MBA).

A course with a placement year or a summer internship with give you valuable experience and an advantage when applying for work.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a senior investment and commercial banking professional degree apprenticeship. This is at level 7, which is equivalent to a master's qualification.

This will usually take about 18-24 months to complete. You will take professional exams as part of the apprenticeship and at the end you will be able to apply for membership of the relevant professional body.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

You could start as a graduate trainee in an investment bank or a stockbroking firm. Trainees must pass an exam that is recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority . These include:

• Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society UK
• Investment Advice Diploma through the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• analytical thinking skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• business management skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to sell products and services
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Investment analysts help stock market traders, stockbrokers and fund managers make decisions about investments.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• find new investment opportunities
• research the financial performance of your target companies
• keep up to date with political and economic developments that affect the financial markets
• examine company accounts
• analyse data
• produce reports for fund managers and stockbrokers
• ensure that all work meets strict financial regulations

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £65,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends away from home

Career Path:

With experience and a good track record, you could become a stockbroker and progress to account manager or fund manager.

You could also become a freelance investment consultant.