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, or equivalent, 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
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
University
Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this job through an investment specialist higher apprenticeship or financial services professional degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More information
Direct application
You could move into stockbroking if you have a experience in accountancy, banking or insurance and take further training on the job.
Other routes
You can apply for a place on a company's graduate training scheme if you have a degree. You'll usually need at least an upper second class degree to apply. Useful subjects include:
- business management
- economics
- finance
- maths
There's a lot of competition for places, so it'll 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 register as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority
Career tips
Companies sometimes offer summer internships and choose graduate recruits 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
You can find out more about careers and training in stockbroking from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and the Chartered Financial Analysts Society UK.
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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Investment Operations Specialist Apprentice
- Wage : Competitive salary
- Location: Salford M5 3EE
Courses In England
ACCESS TO HE BUSINESS
- Provider: SOUTHPORT COLLEGE
- Start date: 07 September 2020
- Location: Southport
Business & Finance - Access to HE
- Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
- Start date: 22 September 2020
- Location: LIVERPOOL
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