Investment analyst
Spot the companies that you think will be successful in the future. You’d then advise people whether to invest money in them – could you unearth a new sustainable company?
About the job
What it's like
To be an investment analyst, you'll need to be able to spot trends in the economy and identify companies that are likely to be successful in the future. You'll provide information and reports to help investors decide whether to invest in these companies. Your research will also help investors identify when a company or fund is losing value.
Your tasks might include:
researching the financial performance of companies
keeping up to date with political and economic developments that may affect the financial markets
monitoring the financial press
examining company accounts
analysing economic and business data
making recommendations about investments
writing reports for fund managers and stockbrokers
You'll need to be comfortable working with numbers and spreadsheets. You'll also need to understand economics, business, and financial markets. You could specialise in a particular industry or geographic region. For example, you might focus on energy companies or South American markets.
There is a growing demand for green finance analysts. You would help identify sustainable practices and investment opportunities. This'll help companies adapt as the world transitions towards greener ways of life.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- written communication
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Accounting
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Business
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Economics
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Skills for Work: Financial Services
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Statistics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Financial Services
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Accountancy
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Though there are no set qualifications to enter this job most applicants have a degree at 2:1 or above; a professional qualification or both.
You can apply with a degree in any subject but a numerate, finance or business qualification can be particularly helpful. Some employers may look for languages and specialist knowledge in areas such as engineering.
To enter a course in a relevant degree subject such as finance, investment and risk requires National 5s and minimum of four Highers at BBBC.
Entry to a postgraduate course usually requires a relevant degree.
Once in the job you will be expected to gain professional qualifications that meet standards set out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) such as the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Investment analyst'
