Investment Trainee Jobs

Learning the ropes of investing includes lots of fine print.

Breaking into the investment world can be daunting. While it's true most professionals work their way from the bottom up, the good news is there are a variety of entry level positions that can help potential candidates get their foot in the door. Job applicants should research firms and positions thoroughly before applying. Certain candidates may enjoy analyst jobs, while more extroverted job seekers might want a position at a brokerage house.

Junior Broker

Junior brokers start at the bottom of brokerage houses and try to climb the ladder. Most firms will provide trainees with materials and time to study for the Series 7 exam. The Series 63 exam is also usually required. Passing the exams is essential to moving forward as a junior broker. Generally, broker trainees are given training and materials for the first few months by the firm. After that, sweat equity, hard work and ambition are what raise junior brokers from investment trainees to full-fledged professionals.

Junior Analyst

Analysts gather data about investments and make recommendations or reviews based on patterns and trends. Mutual fund firms, brokerage houses and even banks employ analysts to help predict the potential success of an investment vehicle. A junior analyst works under several senior analysts, assisting in reporting, gathering data and poring over spreadsheets. For those who are detail-oriented and enjoy research, this can be a great start to a lucrative investment career.

Specialized Training Tracks

Many of the big banks, hedge fund companies and larger brokerage houses now offer "tracks" to entry level job candidates. These tracks start the candidates off in lower level trainee jobs with an end goal of moving into a higher position. Starting off as a junior associate at a hedge fund, for example, would prepare a candidate to become a portfolio manager. Banks often use this strategy to train investment bankers in more specialized areas of finance.

References

• Goldman Sachs: Your Career - Training
• Princeton Review: Careers: Investment Banker
• Wet Feet: Entry Level Asset Management

Resources

• Business Week: Finance