Investment analysts conduct research and analyze trends and information to provide their clients guidance regarding their investment portfolios. They work for investment firms, banks, and pension plans to offer analysis that guides investment managers toward high-yield, minimal loss investments.
Investment analysts meet with clients to clarify their financial needs and goals. They research investment opportunities to discover if they align with these needs and goals. If a client already has investments, they assess them to determine which perform well and which need attention. They investigate other investment opportunities and make recommendations to clients from their findings. They evaluate business assets, earnings reports, and industry-related variables to determine whether they can recommend investing in a company. An investment analyst needs a minimum bachelor's degree in finance or a related discipline, including business or economics. Investment analysts may also be required to earn chartered financial analyst certification or another financial certification to improve their skills.