Investment analyst
Investment analysts help stock market traders, stockbrokers and fund managers make decisions about investments.
- Potential salary
- £28,000 starter to £75,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 40. Working pattern: evenings / weekends away from home.
- Career area
- Business and administration
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office.
- A typical task
- find new investment opportunities for clients
- Subjects that may help
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- Typical route
- You'll usually need a degree at upper second class or higher. Most degree subjects are accepted, but you may find these particularly useful:
- Interest area used here
- Asking questions and research, Starting things and persuading
What you might do
- 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
More tasks (5)
- make sure all work meets strict financial regulations
- track fluctuations in investment types, like commodities, bonds and cryptocurrencies
- 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
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- analytical thinking skills
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
More skills
- customer service skills
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- 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.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Accounting and finance
Alternative route. Finance content helps. Economics and mathematics are also common.
- Actuarial science
Alternative route. Relevant quantitative training. Not a dedicated investment qualification.
- Banking and Finance
Common route. A finance degree is a common academic background. Employers also recruit other degrees.
- Economics
Common route. A frequent graduate route, alongside mathematics and finance.
- Financial Mathematics
Common route. Analyst roles hire from several numerate degrees. The degree is not the job qualification.
- Mathematics
Alternative route. A common graduate background. The job also recruits other degrees.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- 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.
- 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
- equivalent entry requirements
- guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
- With experience and a good track record, you could become a stockbroker and progress to account manager or wealth fund manager.
- You could also become a freelance investment consultant.
Registration and requirements
pass background checks
pass security checks
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 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
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship