Investment analyst | Explore careers (2024)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an investment analyst

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

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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

You'll usually need:

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

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Other Routes

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:

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Career tips

You may find it useful to have knowledge of a specific industry for some jobs, for example experience in areas like energy, engineering or life sciences could be helpful.

Language skills, particularly French, German or Japanese, can also be useful if you're working with overseas clients and markets.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join organisations like the CFA Institute and Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an investment analyst from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an investment analyst right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

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Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Investment analyst | Explore careers (2024)

FAQs

How to answer why do you want to be an investment analyst? ›

When responding to the interview question, talk about how the natural skills, qualities, and attributes you possess are a match for the job description. Explain how you got interested in investment banking and which aspects of the role you will find the most rewarding.

Is it hard to become an investment analyst? ›

Investment Analyst Qualifications

But some of the most common requirements include: A bachelor's degree in Finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. 1-3 years of experience working in the financial industry. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

How to ace an investment analyst interview? ›

How to prepare for a financial analyst interview
  1. Review the job description. ...
  2. Research the company. ...
  3. Review key concepts. ...
  4. Prepare for challenging interview questions. ...
  5. Consider your response to simple interview questions. ...
  6. Make a list of questions to ask.
Jan 26, 2023

What skills do you need to be an investment analyst? ›

An investment analyst requires a strong background and education in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field, as well as excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills and the ability to use various software tools and databases.

How to answer why are you interested in a career in investment banking? ›

Common Answers for “Why Investment Banking”
  1. Learning experience.
  2. Fast-paced environment.
  3. Relevant internship / club experience / personal experience.
  4. Opportunity for lots of responsibility at a young age.
  5. Interface with executives from different companies.
  6. Exposure to different business models and industries.

Why are you interested in a career in investment? ›

Some generic themes to draw on for your answer to “Why Investment Banking” could include: Fast-paced environment. Exposure to high profile transactions. Surround myself with intelligent and motivated people.

What is the best major for an investment analyst? ›

Since investment analysts typically have a strong background in finance, it can be common for candidates to major in finance or accounting to ensure they receive the education they need. You can also choose a closely related subject, such as economics or business, as long as you complete coursework in finance topics.

What is the highest salary for an investment analyst? ›

Highest salary that a Investment Analyst can earn is ₹31.0 Lakhs per year (₹2.6L per month). How does Investment Analyst Salary in India change with experience? An Entry Level Investment Analyst with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹10.0 Lakhs per year.

How long does it take to become an investment analyst? ›

You can become a financial analyst within four years, or the time it takes you to earn a bachelor's degree. Depending on the type of work you plan to do, it may take additional time to earn licensure through FINRA as well.

How do I stand out in an IB interview? ›

Demonstrating your Interest and Knowledge of the Industry

Investment banks want to hire candidates who have a genuine interest in the industry and keep up with industry trends. Therefore, demonstrate your knowledge by reading industry publications, attending seminars, and following relevant social media accounts.

How to ace JP Morgan interview? ›

Stay up to date on the news, both general and firm-specific, so you can speak from a place of knowledge and confidence. Mock interviews with friends or family can help you practice your responses. Have specific examples of your previous experience that reflect the competencies of the opportunity you are applying for.

How do you nail an IB interview? ›

Preparing for an investment banking interview requires a lot of preparation. Before going into an interview, research the particular bank, familiarize yourself with the deals it has done in the past or is currently working on, and be prepared to talk about the economy and financial markets.

Can you become an investment analyst without a degree? ›

Financial Analyst Degree and Educational Requirements. There is no specific degree required for a career as a financial analyst, but finding a job will probably be easier if you have a bachelor's degree, and most companies require it. Nearly all financial analysts start with an internship or entry-level position.

What do investment analysts do on a daily basis? ›

While younger analysts tend to do a lot of data gathering, financial modeling, and spreadsheet maintenance, more senior analysts tend to spend time on developing investment theses, speaking with company management teams and other investors, and marketing ideas (if they are on the sell-side).

How to get a job as an investment analyst? ›

Continue your education.
  1. Earn your bachelor's degree. Even an entry-level job as an investment analyst in this field requires a bachelor's degree. ...
  2. Gain some experience as a junior investment analyst. ...
  3. Hone your area of expertise. ...
  4. Get licensed. ...
  5. Earn a professional certification. ...
  6. Continue your education.

Why do I want to work as an analyst? ›

Business analysis is a great career choice for anyone who enjoys thinking analytically and digging for evidence to answer questions and solve problems. If you're the kind of person who wants to find the answer whenever you hear an interesting question, business analysis will be right up your alley.

Why would I want to be a financial analyst? ›

They play an integral role in finding ways for their organization to reduce debt and grow financially. Because of the value they bring to their employer, nearly 40% of Financial Analysts feel that their job improves someone else's life or helps make the world a better place.

Why would I want to be an analyst? ›

Business analysts work to improve certain business practices and processes and can usually see the positive impact that an effective new policy has on the organization, its employees and its clients. This can be a powerful motivational tool, as you get to see firsthand how many people benefit from your good work.

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