Securities Analyst is a financial expert who researches and evaluates companies, finds out their profitability and sustainability with the current profits, look for indications of growth and expansion, projects the company's future earnings, and on the basis of their observations, makes recommendations to their clients on which securities to buy or sell.
With the tilting of the interest of the present-day youth from government jobs towards self-employment/entrepreneurship and the spreading of knowledge about the world’s stock markets by the Print and Visual mass media among the general public, the interest of the present-day youth has increased toward the share markets as a profession and as a new field to make his fortune in quick times.
Some have started trading themselves and a few smarter ones are planning to be share brokers other highly talented and educated are seeking to join trading firms as Stock Analysts also known as Research Analysts, Securities Analysts, Market Analysts, Financial Analysts, or simply as Analysts. The job prospects of Securities Analysts are tied to the stock market i.e. its highs and lows.
An ideal share analyst should have a strong sense of purpose. They should be able to handle the heavy workload, prioritize and complete work under strict deadlines, work as part of a team, and be able to keep an eye on the new technologies and developments in this field. With a lot of scope for growth and specialization, the job offers new challenges every day and is quite prestigious and well paying too.
So to be a Stock analyst one has to be really dedicated and hardworking. The job of a Stock analyst demands intensive knowledge of every aspect of the share market along with foresight to predict to some extent the direction of flow of the market. For this, one should have the capacity to work hard with commitment and honesty. The job requires a lot of hard work, alertness of mind, foresight, and adaptability. To discharge his duties efficiently and effectively he requires special training and comprehensive knowledge in more than one area of the trade.
Securities Analyst Eligibility
Educational Qualification
- The essential qualification required to become a securities Analyst is an MBA Degree preferably in finance.
- The field is also open to aspirants with a Bachelor's/Masters's degree and experience in the financial services industry or statistical research.
- Trainee positions are available to candidates with bachelor's degrees in business administration, finance, or economics or those with postgraduate degrees in commerce.
Desired Additional Qualifications
- Working knowledge of the subjects like engineering, biotechnology, pharmacy, etc., in addition to subjects like accountancy, economics, and statistics gives analysts a bit more advantage in their field as this gives them a better understanding of those fields and can help them in making investment decisions in those sectors with confidence too.
Securities Analyst Required Skills
- Securities Analysts should have excellent presentation skills, self-confidence, maturity as well as the ability to work alone.
- They also possess skills like strong attention to detail, a drive for research, and an understanding of tax and other laws related to financial services.
- Candidates also have the computer, analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills to interpret the data of the company effectively in a scientific manner and predict the outcome as precisely as possible.
How to Become a Securities Analyst?
To become a Stock Analysts one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After clearing the 12th class preferably in the commerce stream the aspiring candidates can join Under Graduates Degree courses in related subjects like Financial Services or Financial Markets. The candidates may have to clear some kind of entrance exam to get admission to these courses in reputed institutes.
Some of the Related UG Courses to become a Securities Analyst are:
- Bachelor of Financial and Investment Analysis
- BBA (Financial Services)
- B.Com( Financial Markets)
- Bachelor of Financial Services
Step 2
After getting Under Graduate Degree in related subjects the aspiring candidates can join some investment or brokerage firm for job training or job for a Master's Degree in Financial Services or related subjects to enhance his/her job prospects at a managerial post in the field.
Some of the Related PG Courses to become a Securities Analyst are:
- MBA (Financial Markets Management)
- M.Com (Financial Management)
- Master of Investment and Financial Analysis
Step 3
After getting the Master's Degree in Financial Management or related subjects candidates can join Investment firms or can go for their own company for providing financial services to their clients.
Securities Analyst Job Description
A securities analyst's job includes researching and evaluating companies listed in stock markets finding out their profitability and sustainability exploring their growth and expansion, prospects, projecting the company's future earnings, and on the basis of their observations, making recommendations to clients on which securities to buy or sell.
Securities Analyst Career Prospects
Starting from Trainees Stock Analysts the aspirant can climb the following ladder to the apex of his field.
- Investment Banker
- Investment Advisors or Financial Consultants
- Portfolio Analysts
- Portfolio Managers (Require licensing from SEBI)
Securities Analyst Salary
Security analysts with MBA or Postgraduation as their professional qualifications can expect to get Rs.50,000 and above at the entry-level. Many employers may give bonuses that can be equal to or double the beginning analyst's salary.
This is actually the performance-based commission given in addition to the salary. The earnings of top professionals can go up to lacs and crores depending upon their performance and the consistency in it.
