How to Become an Investment-Analyst?
Steps to Become an Investment Analyst
Investment analysts conduct research and report on stocks and bonds. This intense yet potentially lucrative work isn't hard. However, to become an investment analyst, you need more than a drive to succeed. Follow these steps to start working in this field:Earn your bachelor's degree.
Even an entry-level job as an investment analyst in this field requires a bachelor's degree. Fortunately, there are many relevant subjects from which to pick. Although, every discipline shares an analytical and quantitative component, like finance. Most aspiring investment analysts earn bachelor's degrees in business disciplines such as:
- Accounting.
- Business administration.
- Mathematics.
- Economics.
- Computer science.
- Statistics.
What type of degree should you pursue to become an Investment Analyst?
72% of people working as an Investment Analyst earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be an Investment Analyst?
- Microsoft EXCEL
- Powerpoint
- Attention To Detail
- Evaluating
- Calculations
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Spreadsheets
- CRM
Gain some experience as a junior investment analyst.
Many investment analysts start their careers as junior analysts. Under the supervision of a senior member of the analytical team, you'll spend several years learning the ins and outs of the profession. Some typical job duties of a novice investment analyst include researching and collecting data and creating and updating financial spreadsheets.
Hone your area of expertise.
During your tenure as a junior investment analyst, you'll find a specific securities category to focus on. Gain a high level of expertise in this area by spending your time:
- Updating data in response to new market developments.
- Planning and conducting new research projects.
- Communicating with contacts in the focus industry.
- Presenting research results to firm management, sales agents, or clients.
- Overseeing the work of one or more junior analysts in your chosen category.
Get licensed.
Investment analysts are generally required to obtain permission to operate from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. This national organization oversees America's securities firms, brokers, and investment analysts. To get your license, your employer typically must sponsor you.
Earn a professional certification.
The CFA Institute is a professional organization that helps investment analysts with a bachelor's degree and at least four years of experience. You can earn your Chartered Financial Analyst designation — once you've passed three rounds of exams, that is. Most employers expect ambitious candidates to obtain these credentials before moving into more senior positions with the firm.
Continue your education.
After working several years in an entry-level position, some investment analysts choose to head back to school to complete a graduate degree program. While a master's degree isn't generally required to advance in this field, bringing an MBA with a focus in finance or economics will get you noticed by upper management.
Choosing the right school is challenging. Aspiring finance professionals like you should start by narrowing down your options. Look for MS programs with courses that touch on various financial topics, such as:
- Managerial economics.
- Financial accounting.
- Applied portfolio management.
- Financial technology.
- Investment theory and practice.
- Corporate finance.
- Global finance.
- Business analytics.
- Quantitative finance.
Investment-Analyst Career Path
Investment Analyst
Senior Investment Analyst
Principal Investment Analyst
Total Pay Trajectory
Investment-Analyst Career Path
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