How Do I Become a Stock Broker?

A man or woman hoping to become a stock broker should begin by obtaining education in a field linked to finance. The next step typically involves obtaining an entry-level position with an investment bank or brokerage firm. A certain amount of additional training and certification is generally required before a candidate can reasonably expect to secure a position working as a stock broker.

Selecting the right undergraduate institution is an important step for anyone wishing to become a stock broker. A good formal education is very important, and a school with a reputation for delivering high-quality education in fields related to business and finance is an ideal choice. Many aspiring stockbrokers also rely on their schools to help them begin the process of establishing a network of professional contacts as classmates may form useful professional relationships with one another. Financial services firms may have relationships with particular schools, and students attending these schools may have an easier time securing positions with those firms.

Academic achievement is important for people planning to work as stockbrokers. An advanced degree in a business-related field can sometimes be helpful in securing work in this field, and graduate programs in finance typically require that students have a good record of undergraduate academic performance. Students planning to pursue advanced coursework should also make a point of building strong personal relationships with key faculty members.

Professional internships are often available to promising students who are pursuing degrees in fields related to finance. Internships can provide valuable experience for a candidate trying to become a stock broker. In some cases, they serve as a sort of preliminary job interview, and a successful internship often leads to the offer of a permanent position.

The next step for a man or woman aiming to become a stock broker involves attempting to obtain a position with a firm that trades securities. It can be difficult to secure an entry-level position. Many candidates are often in competition for a relatively small number of positions as careers in finance are often seen as a pathway to personal wealth and status.

Every firm has a different promotion strategy, and the career path from an entry-level position to work as a broker will vary. In many nations, a candidate looking to become a stock broker must obtain special licensing in addition to earning the confidence of a major firm. Once certified, a broker may work directly on the floor of an exchange or in a number of connected facilities.