Investment analyst
Investment analysts help stock market traders, stockbrokers and fund managers make decisions about investments.
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£75,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As an investment analyst, you could:
- find new investment opportunities for clients
- 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
- make sure all work meets strict financial regulations
- track fluctuations in investment types, like commodities, bonds and cryptocurrencies
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- analytical thinking skills
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- customer service skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a 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 can do a postgraduate qualification like a master's in business administration (MBA).
A course with a placement year or a summer internship will give you valuable experience and an advantage when applying for work. Your university careers service can help you with this.
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
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Investment Operations Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, with a bank or regulator, or investment and financial services company.
You could also join a Senior Investment and Commercial Banking Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship, depending on your experience and qualifications. This is equivalent to a postgraduate award.
These normally take up to 2 years to complete. You will sit professional exams as part of the apprenticeship. At the end, you will be able to apply for membership of the professional body that covers your role.
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 higher or degree apprenticeship
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:
- Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society UK
- Investment Advice Diploma through the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass background checks
- pass security checks
Career path and progression
With experience and a good track record, you could become a stockbroker and progress to account manager or wealth fund manager.
You could also become a freelance investment consultant.
Career tips
You may need in-depth knowledge of a specific industry for some jobs, for example experience in energy production, engineering or life sciences.
Business language skills 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.
Guides for this industry
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