How can I start to be an investment analyst? What are the qualification?

Question

How can I start to be an investment analyst? What are the qualification?

Answer 1

1. If you can, move to a city like New York or Boston with a high concentration of money management firms.

2. If you're in college (or getting ready to attend college), get your degree in Finance, and get as many summer internships as you can with investment firms (these are in high demand, so there's a good chance you'll have to work for free).  This way, when you graduate, you have some experience under your belt.

3. Once you've graduated, try to find work with an investment firm as an assistant analyst.  If you can do this, you're in great shape.  However, the field is extremely competitive, so you may need a few years of stock broker experience (for which you'll need your Series 7 license) before you get hired.  Also, you may want to get an MBA from a solid business school to give you an edge.

4. Ultimately, you'll need to get your CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation, which is a bear (it makes the Series 7 look like a cake walk).  You have to pass three levels of exams, prove that you have industry experience, and get referrals from current CFA's.

It is a very competitive field, and it will not be easy.  But if you know that going in, and you're willing to put in the work, it can be highly rewarding - both financially and in job satisfaction.

I wish you the best of luck!