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How can i become a professional financialanalyst?

How and the steps to become a professional financial markets analyst and how to be one of the best in the industry
Share what I have to do and all I have to become to achieve this dream

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Ian’s Answer

Typically an analyst would start with a bachelors degree (major) in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. Mathematics and science degrees are also generally considered applicable. Jobs will be on what is known as the buy side (analyzing investments for funds to purchase) or sell side (working for banks and broker-dealers selling the investments). Established firms will typically have a process and format to follow in conducting analysis. Financial modelling via spreadsheets and writing up recommendations will usually be the core work. To be good, you would be expected to quickly learn the process of production for this analysis, and then be fast and accurate in performing the work. Then in more senior roles, in addition to conducting or supervising the analysis, you would be making recommendations for improvements or setting out your own process. You will need regulatory qualifications for most financial market analyst roles in the USA. The FINRA SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) and Series 7 exams (General Securities Representative) are usually the base requirements for professional analysts, with other exams depending on the specific working area. You can take these after joining a firm, though they will have a timeline for compliance, and so passing / obtaining these will be a condition of continuing employment. For more professional qualifications, the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Charter is known as the 'gold standard' qualification for investment management. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) would be a requirement of any job towards an accounting role (up to CFO, etc.) An MBA is always a good qualification for general business management and will usually offer some specialist classes for financial analysis. In summary, those at the top of the industry will usually first have a relevant degree, then pass regulatory exams, and then some form of professional or post-graduate qualification. After that, it's obtaining experience and establishing a track record of successful recommendations.
Thank you comment icon Ian provides a full answer about a career as a financial analyst. Let me add one more immediate opportunity. Many colleges offer extracurricular activities where students can analyze and trade stocks on behalf of the university's portfolio. This complements classroom studies of business topics. To check on this type of opportunity, speak with an admissions officer or other official at a college that interests you. Justin Pollack
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