Stockbroker
Stockbrokers manage their clients' investments by trading stocks, shares and other financial products to get the best return.
- Potential salary
- £35,000 starter to £125,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 50 to 60 a week. Working pattern: early mornings flexibly.
- Career area
- Business and administration
- Where they might work
- You could work in an office.
- A typical task
- research financial markets and the latest trading figures
- Subjects that may help
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- Typical route
- You could start by doing a degree in a relevant subject like:
- Interest area used here
- Starting things and persuading, Asking questions and research
What you might do
- research financial markets and the latest trading figures
- work closely with investment analysts
- generate new business and develop close relationships with clients
- manage and review client portfolios
- give advice on financial risks
- instruct stock market traders to achieve the best market prices
More tasks (2)
- meet profit, new business and retention targets
- keep up to date with tax and financial legislation
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- excellent verbal communication skills
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- customer service skills
More skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Routes into this career
University route
- You could start by doing a degree in a relevant subject like:
- management
- business
- economics
- finance
- maths
- A course with a placement year or a summer internship will give you valuable experience and an advantage when applying for work.
- You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- 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. One of several possible degrees.
- Banking and Finance
Alternative route. Broking is not reserved to this degree.
- Economics
Alternative route. One possible background, not a requirement.
- Mathematics
Alternative route. Possible. The role is not reserved for mathematics graduates.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You may be able to get into this job by applying to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Investment Operations Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Financial Services Level 6 Apprenticeship
- You will take professional exams as part of these apprenticeships and at the end you will be able to apply for membership of a professional body that covers your particular area of work.
- 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 progress to become a trader, relationship manager or fund manager.
- You could also become a partner or set up your own business.
Registration and requirements
you'll need to register as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship