Key considerations to make career as financial analyst

Disha Desai (Finance Professional) (173 Points)

05 June 2015  

As a financial analyst, one will likely work in a bank, investment firm, or insurance company performing research and analysis to help companies maximize profits while reducing risk. Financial analysts research current market trends, and use various models to predict the opportune moments for investing, or selling investments, in order to maximize profits and minimize risk for a company. As a financial analyst one has to engage in a number of research related tasks, read financial statements while analyzing market trends including sales, costs, expenses, and tax rates. From this analysis, they will generate reports that show projected earnings, opportunities for growth, or ways to reduce losses. After successful completion of financial analyst course, one plays a key role in determining a company's current value and projecting its future earnings. With completion of the course, one may expect to be hired on as a junior analyst. Most financial analysts will go on and get their MBA, which positions them for a job as a senior analyst.

 

 

Financial analysts gather information, assemble spreadsheets, write reports, and review all information about prospective deals. They examine the feasibility of a deal and prepare a plan of action based on financial analysis. Establishing oneself into a career as a financial analyst requires a vigilant awareness of financial trends. They have a heavy reading load, keeping abreast of news stories, market movements, and industry profiles in financial newspapers, magazines, and books. Successful financial analysts become senior financial analysts after years of hard work at some firm. Those with strong client contacts and immaculate reputations can start their own consulting firms. They work long hours and deadlines are strict. Most people become financial analysts because they feel it is the best way to immerse themselves in the world of finance. Entry-level positions are highly competitive. To become a financial analyst, one needs to have a strong sense of purpose, be able to meet and interact with clients, handle a heavy workload, prioritize and complete work under strict deadlines, work as part of a team, and work with computer spreadsheet and valuation programs.