You could start by doing a degree in a relevant subject like:
- management
- business
- economics
- finance
- maths
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
Stockbroker
Stockbrokers manage their clients' investments by trading stocks, shares and other financial products to get the best return.
Average salary (a year)
£24,000 Starter
to£125,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
50 to 60 a week
You could work
early mornings flexibly
How to become a Stockbroker
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly and getting training on the job
University
Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this job through a degree apprenticeship as a financial services professional.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a degree apprenticeship
More information
Work
You could move into stockbroking if you have a experience in accountancy, banking or insurance and take further training on the job.
Direct application
A common way into this job is to apply for a place on a company's graduate training scheme. You'll usually need at least a 2:1 degree to apply. Useful subjects include:
- business management
- economics
- finance
- maths
There's a lot of competition for places, so it will help if you have some relevant work experience.
Many graduates also have a postgraduate qualification like a master's in business administration.
More information
Registration
you'll need to be registered as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority
Career tips
Companies sometimes offer summer internships and choose graduate recruits to start when their degree finishes. They usually recruit graduates through university job fairs.
Skills in a second language can also help you to find a job.
Further information
The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and the Chartered Financial Analysts Society UK have more information on jobs and training.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- excellent verbal communication skills
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- customer service skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to use your initiative
- You will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You'll be:
- researching markets and the latest trading figures
- working closely with investment analysts
- generating new business and developing close relationships
- calling clients to manage and review their portfolios, and advising on risks
- giving presentations to clients
- instructing stock market traders, to achieve the best market prices
- meeting profit, new business and retention targets
- keeping up to date with tax and financial legislation
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience and a good track record you could progress to become a trader, relationship manager or fund manager.
You could also become a partner or set up your own business.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship (Bournemouth)
- Wage : £17,000.00 Annually
- Location: Bournemouth BH7 7DA
Courses In England
Access to Business & Enterprise L3
- Provider: MidKent College
- Start date: 09 September 2019
- Location: Gillingham
Access to Business Studies Diploma
- Provider: GUILDFORD COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
- Start date: 18 September 2019
- Location: Guildford