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Investment Analyst

Do you want to become a Investment Analyst? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Investment analysts carry out research and provide data about the performance of investments to fund managers, stockbrokers and traders. Investment analysts:

• usually specialise in one industry sector and geographic region; it is important that they understand all the activities affecting their sector, such as how exchange rates, prices of commodities like oil, and political events can affect the value of stocks
• carry out research, which may include examining individual companies, performances in industry sectors, the global and local economy, and how share prices might move
• interpret all this information and prepare reports to highlight investment opportunities.

Investment analysts usually work from Monday to Friday. They may start early and work late into the evening. The work is office based but can involve frequent travel, sometimes overseas.

Salaries range from around £26,000 a year to over £200,000 a year for specialists.

Investment analysts should be:

• good team players, but able to think independently
• inquisitive and creative thinkers
• good at working with numbers
• able to work well under pressure
• interested in current affairs.

Employers include stockbrokers, investment banks, pension funds and insurance companies. Most jobs are based in London, but there are opportunities in other cities throughout the UK, including Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Leeds. The number of analyst positions is predicted to grow over the next few years.

Most analysts are graduates with at least a 2.1 degree. Generally, employers accept any degree subject, but economics, accountancy, maths and statistics are helpful. Increasingly, new entrants have postgraduate qualifications. It may help to take an internship whilst studying.

Few people start this work over the age of 30 years, although experience in certain industry sectors and an accountancy qualification may help entry to the profession.

Training is mainly carried out on the job, combined with studying for an additional qualification. Analysts who give clients advice or manage investments must pass a professional exam and be registered with the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

Promotion to more senior posts depends on performance, and many analysts study for higher qualifications. Successful analysts are frequently headhunted. There may also be opportunities to work abroad.

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