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:
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
More Information
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
More Information
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
More Information
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
You'll need to:
- pass background checks
- pass security checks
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
Are you interested in becoming an investment analyst?
Search for training courses near you.
Jobs In the United Kingdom
The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.
