Stockbroker

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could move into stockbroking if you have a experience in accountancy, banking or insurance and take further training on the job.

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.

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.

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

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

You could work in an office.