Job Search & Hiring
How To Become an Investment Analyst
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | Jan 1, 2024
Are you thinking of becoming a Investment Analyst or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Investment Analyst, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Investment Analyst job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Investment Analyst
Investment analysts conduct research and report on stocks and bonds. This intense yet potentially lucrative work isn't hard. However, to become an investment analyst, you need more than a drive to succeed. Follow these steps to start working in this field:
-
Earn your bachelor's degree.
- Accounting.
- Business administration.
- Mathematics.
- Economics.
- Computer science.
- Statistics.
-
Gain some experience as a junior investment analyst.
Many investment analysts start their careers as junior analysts. Under the supervision of a senior member of the analytical team, you'll spend several years learning the ins and outs of the profession. Some typical job duties of a novice investment analyst include researching and collecting data and creating and updating financial spreadsheets. -
Hone your area of expertise.
- Updating data in response to new market developments.
- Planning and conducting new research projects.
- Communicating with contacts in the focus industry.
- Presenting research results to firm management, sales agents, or clients.
- Overseeing the work of one or more junior analysts in your chosen category.
-
Get licensed.
Investment analysts are generally required to obtain permission to operate from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. This national organization oversees America's securities firms, brokers, and investment analysts. To get your license, your employer typically must sponsor you. -
Earn a professional certification.
The CFA Institute is a professional organization that helps investment analysts with a bachelor's degree and at least four years of experience. You can earn your Chartered Financial Analyst designation — once you've passed three rounds of exams, that is. Most employers expect ambitious candidates to obtain these credentials before moving into more senior positions with the firm. -
Continue your education.
- Managerial economics.
- Financial accounting.
- Applied portfolio management.
- Financial technology.
- Investment theory and practice.
- Corporate finance.
- Global finance.
- Business analytics.
- Quantitative finance.
Glassdoor Team
Our team of savvy experts are here to help you, whether you’re navigating your career or working to make your company culture shine. Glassdoor has the unique insights and guidance you need to experience your best worklife. Stick around to learn how to prepare for an interview, negotiate your salary, develop DEI programs, engage your employees, understand the state of the job market, and more. Check out our community to share and learn from professionals just like you too.