To become an equity analyst, you must complete four steps: post-secondary education, related work experience, analytical skills, and a job interview. An equity analyst’s job entails reviewing data on financial transactions involving equity in real estate or financial instruments. A financial, securities, or investment analyst is a job that is very similar to this one.
This type of work is most satisfying to people who have an analytical thought process, enjoy working independently, and are comfortable exploring multiple scenarios. Data manipulation and management are the most important skills for an equity analyst. Anyone who wants to work as an equity analyst needs to be meticulous, disciplined, and focused.
To become an equity analyst, you must first complete a post-secondary education program. A bachelor’s degree is required by the vast majority of investment and banking firms. Accounting, math, business, statistics, or a related field can be used to earn the degree. A master’s degree in statistics or math is more commonly required.
Financial analyst, statistician, finance officer, or accounting are all jobs that are related. Computer software analysis and statistics programs are used in all of these jobs. Analyst positions are typically held by people in their mid-career, with few opportunities for recent graduates.
As an analyst, you’ll spend the majority of your time reviewing data, running what-if scenarios, or responding to specific information requests. Analytical skills such as comparative analysis, data segmentation, and outlier detection are required on a daily basis. Many people learn these skills as part of their post-secondary education and then hone them in the workplace.
Make sure to proofread your resume and cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors before applying for a job as an equity analyst. Investment firms are increasingly requiring a credit and criminal background check as part of the application process. Keep this in mind when filling out your application.
Most employers have a standard list of questions for job interviews and are looking for complete, concise responses. Keep in mind that everything you say will be recorded and analyzed. Consider your responses, remain calm, and be sure to respond to the question that was posed.
Many analysts continue to work as analysts throughout their careers, either expanding their responsibilities within the finance industry or branching out into other related fields. Accounting analysts, data management, and working for a software company are all options for equity analysts. Completing additional education could open up even more possibilities.