Investment analyst

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

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.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming an investment analyst from:

• Financial Conduct Authority
• CFA Institute
• Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

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

We've identified this as a potential green job

For an investment analyst to be a green job, you could advise clients on:

• the benefits of sustainable investment over the longer term against short-term deals
• backing companies that value their environmental and social responsibilities
• financing opportunities in emerging technologies, like renewable energy generation

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office.