Research Analyst: Finance Career Paths

roles of research analyst

Sell-side research jobs are often likened to marketing and sometimes pay higher salaries. Research analysts may have a background in the industry that they cover, or might join market intelligence firms as a junior analyst or researcher. Once they are recognised as an expert, there is little need for them to polish their CVs — job offers from rival firms are a perk or downside of the job, depending on your view of head-hunters.

A person can also seek entry-level research jobs and volunteer work to build up their knowledge and various skills and tools to succeed as a research analyst. The World Economic Forum listed it as number two in growing jobs in the US [1]. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports related occupations as having extremely high growth rates. A research analyst is someone who typically performs investigative analysis, which can involve finding financial information, examining, interpreting, and reporting on the data collected. A research analyst is a professional who prepares investigative reports on securities or assets for in-house or client use. Other names for this function include securities analyst, investment analyst, equity analyst, rating analyst, or simply “analyst.”

Buy-side versus sell-side analysts

The demand for operations researchers is expected to increase dramatically, according to the BLS, with 26 percent growth projected between 2018 and 2028. While there are some entry-level market research analyst roles, most employers tend to prefer at least two years of experience. If you’re interested in becoming a market research analyst, consider a related role to help you gain experience and grow more competitive. Working as a marketing assistant or data analyst can provide you with the experience necessary to move into market research analysis.

  • A vital part of research analyst roles and responsibilities, processing data is essential to uncovering its value to businesses.
  • Above all, analysts should always possess the ability to embrace new skills; the learning curve within this career never truly ends.
  • Therefore, nearly any academic background could viably serve a prospective researcher, as long as the researcher has the requisite technical, mathematical, and analytical skills.
  • Typical fields of study that research analysts have included business, economics, and mathematics.
  • Generally speaking, financial analysts focus on analyzing investments and market performance.

The detailed process might include analyzing a company’s profitability, revenue, earnings, sales, and outstanding debt. Entry-level candidates typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, math or engineering. Many begin their careers as analysts, then progress to become senior analysts or directors of a team or department.

So what does a research analyst do, exactly?

Read on to find out more about what a data analyst is, what skills you’ll need, and how you can start on a path to become one. Work hours tend to increase as an analyst’s work draws closer and closer to New York, London, or Tokyo. Investment bankers and other high-level financial professionals rely on analysts for support. Companies that employ research analysts sometimes require a master’s degree in finance or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation on top of several regulatory hurdles. Research analysts might be required to take the Series 86/87 exams if they are involved with a member organization. Buy-side analysts will determine how promising an investment seems and how well it coincides with the fund’s investment strategy.

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These are businesses which specialise in collecting information and then selling it to clients. Some market intelligence firms cover a whole range of topics — Datamonitor will sell you reports on everything from pet foods to car fleets — but many are specialised. But in each firm, the individual research analysts will have their own patch, and customers will come to them for guidance on the marketplace. Employers expect a prospective market research analyst to have cultivated the aforementioned skills over several years of academic and professional experience. For instance, a recent graduate might begin working as a marketing specialist before advancing to an analyst position. Applicants with at least one internship position on their resume will be more competitive than those without any prior hands-on experience.

Research analyst hierarchy and progressing within the role

They might lead focus groups to gather opinions on a new product, or analyze statistical data to better understand consumer behavior and the current market conditions. Organizations turn to operations research analysts for critical decisions that can affect the success of their operations. Operations research analysts can help corporations, manufacturing firms, airlines, technology companies, government agencies, and other businesses and organizations. They work with business leaders to tackle problems that lead to reduced operational costs, improved efficiency and increased profitability.

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It’s important to point out that salaries can range quite significantly between firms and location, with larger banks usually paying higher than smaller ones. The chance to communicate and collaborate with colleagues and clients also makes this an appealing role. Professionals who roles of research analyst strive to offer a high caliber of customer service and fill a consultative role will have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate these skills in the workplace. Additionally, since much of an analyst’s work is done at a desk, 65% reported sitting continuously throughout the day.

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