How Do I Become an Asset Analyst?

In the business world, the term assets is used to describe tools and equipment such as hardware, computer software, and machines, though assets can also be financial, as in the case of stocks and other financial securities. Individuals who work as asset analysts are responsible for ensuring that assets maintain their value. They also perform risk management functions, meaning that they work to prevent unwanted events from occurring and to minimize losses should unfortunate events occur. To become an asset analyst, you should first identify a field you would like to work, since this decision impacts the kind of training you should pursue. An individual who wants to become an asset analyst in the financial field, for example, should take courses in finance and economics, while an aspiring information technology (IT) asset analyst can benefit from computer science training.

In most cases, a person who wants to become an asset analyst should plan on earning an undergraduate degree. Many people might find that graduate degrees in their respective fields are helpful, especially in tougher job markets. It is often possible to begin working in a related field while you study for a graduate degree during evenings and weekends or online. For aspiring asset analysts, education and experience are of equal importance.

A person who wants to become an asset analyst should be able to perform statistical analysis and use critical thinking to make decisions that affect an organization's overall profitability. Asset analysts who work with tangible assets, such as computers and machinery, use software to track levels of productivity. Individuals who work with financial assets, on the other hand, use software to read historical performances of financial securities and to predict future performances.

An individual who wants to become an asset analyst must also be a proficient communicator in business contexts. He or she must often give presentations to executives, clients, and shareholders about the statuses of assets and about ideas for generating greater returns in the future. It is also common for an asset analyst to write daily progress reports.

To become an asset analyst who deals with tangible assets, it is normally a good idea to join professional organizations that offer members opportunities to attend workshops, seminars, and trade shows where they can learn about new technologies being developed. These organizations might offer members opportunities to earn professional certification that can help them establish themselves as experts to clients and employers. Many asset analysts also publish articles about technological solutions in trade magazines and on professional websites.