WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN INVESTMENT ANALYST

What does it take to be an investment analyst? Let’s enumerate the ways.

Education

An investment analyst should hold a bachelor’s degree that focuses on accounting, economics, finance, as well as other subjects related to analytical and quantitative skills such as engineering, mathematics, physics, or statistics.

In general, a master’s degree is not a requirement to become a senior analyst. Many companies look for candidates with relevant graduate degrees. A master’s degree is necessary for higher analyst positions and investment management positions.

Career

Many investment analysts started working as junior analysts collating data, creating and updating financial spreadsheets, and learning the nuts and bolts of the profession. They are normally trained by an analytical team’s senior member. After many years, some analysts study again to finish a graduate degree. A new analyst with a master’s degree often begins in a senior analyst role immediately, regardless of his working experience.

Several analysts focus on a particular category of securities, developing a high level of expertise in the area. Duties include updating research data, planning and conducting new research projects, communicating with contacts in the focus industry, and presenting research results to the management, clients, or sales agents. In some cases, senior analysts supervise the work of their subordinates.

A senior analyst with good performance can be promoted as a portfolio manager in a buy-side company administering all facets of an investment portfolio. Portfolio managers choose the suitable investment strategy and the combination of securities in a portfolio according to a senior analyst’s workings. Portfolio management usually signifies the end of the career path.

Licensure

All investment analysts are required to secure a license from the Financial Industry and Regulatory. In order to get one, a candidate needs sponsorship from an eligible employer. Also, they need to become a Chartered Financial Analyst. This is awarded to analysts with bachelor’s degree and at least four years of working experience. Many companies prefer analysts with such credentials.