• researching companies, particularly in terms of their financial functioning
• analysing company accounts, profit and loss sheets and cash flow information
• interpreting complicated financial information
• writing financial research summaries
• regularly meeting with company managers, stock market traders, fund managers and stockbrokers
• making informed recommendations
• collating detailed, up-to-date information about the economy and financial markets.

Qualifications and training required

Graduates will need a degree of 2.1 or higher. Qualifications in business studies, management, statistics, mathematics, accounting or economics can be particularly helpful, as can an MBA or similar professional qualification. Relevant paid or voluntary experience gained via internships can be beneficial. Language skills may also be useful when working for an employer with international clients.

Key skills for investment analysts

• Research skills
• Confidence
• Determination
• Self-motivation
• An interest in current affairs
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• IT skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Teamworking skills
• Numerical skills
• Communication skills.