An analyst is an individual who performs analysis of a certain industry or domain .An analyst is an individual who performs market research various segments of industries to identify trends in business and finance. Although, the above definition, is way too broad for someone trying to research and understand the job role before venturing into the field. The best way to go about researching the job role would be to have conversations with people already doing the job, in this case, analysts. So how about we show you what analysts have to say..
What does your typical workday look like?
Workdays are a good workout for the attention span and grasping capacity. It helps improve efficiency because the days can get quite long, 10-12hours on average, and more, if multiple deals are in progress.
Aishwarya Acharya, Investment Banking Analyst at JPMorgan Chase and Co.
1. Wake up at 2. Start my system and start working. Do daily tasks like lunch and shower in between work. Take a break of an hour at 5:30 pm for a 5 km walk downstairs. Come back take a shower and resume work. Have dinner by 9. Work gets done by 1 am. I spend 1 am to 5 am following my hobbies. Usually includes reading a book for a while, watching a movie at times and playing chess. Go to sleep at 5.
Amandeep Saluja, Derivatives Trader at Futures First
A typical day involves talking to a lot of clients and then talking to the dev team. Checking to see if everything is functioning well. Trying to understand and fix issues. Making sure everything is running smoothly.Â
Purva Tayde, Business Analyst at CERTIFY Health
What are the tools you use at your job?
I mainly use MS Office, FactSet, Bloomberg, CapIQ for the job.
Aishwarya Acharya, Investment Banking Analyst at JPMorgan Chase and Co.
Software and Trading Technologies I used: Reuters, Excel and Bloomberg.
Amandeep Saluja, Derivatives Trader at Futures First
Excel, SQL, and Power BI are tools that I use a lot.
Purva Tayde, Business Analyst at CERTIFY Health
What are the key skills required?
High perspicacity to understand financial concepts and apply them strategically. Attention to detail and strong presentation skills as well as communication
Aishwarya Acharya, Investment Banking Analyst at JPMorgan Chase and Co.
Strong EQ, discipline, extremely high patience level, adaptability, hard work
Amandeep Saluja, Derivatives Trader at Futures First
Great communication skills, a keen eye for details, thinking on your feet, and learning to deal with “crisis situations” are some of the soft skills you need. Other than that, in terms of technical skills there are the ones I mentioned above Python and are some important skills. Then again a lot of companies use a lot of different tools, it’s very subjective.Â
Purva Tayde, Business Analyst at CERTIFY Health
What was the one reason you felt that you got hired?
Doing well in the tests and interviews
Aishwarya Acharya, Investment Banking Analyst at JPMorgan Chase and Co.
Having a straightforward attitude.
Amandeep Saluja, Derivatives Trader at Futures First
Getting the job done. What backs that claim is if you have practical work experience. That is a clear indication that you have done this job, you know what it takes and hence you can do it again. If you don’t have enough relevant experience, then you tell them that you have acquired the skill set they need through certifications or a degree and are smart enough to pick up anything else they need. Also, it’s very important for them to know that you will be a good fit with the rest of the team and it won’t be “difficult” working with you.Â
Purva Tayde, Business Analyst at CERTIFY Health
What’s the career progression in this domain?
Many opportunities to work in PE/VC companies, or strategic finance, corporate advisory or other IB roles across the globe.
Aishwarya Acharya, Investment Banking Analyst at JPMorgan Chase and Co.
The progress is all monetary. You can earn as much as a CEO of a firm earns in a year in your first year as well. Unlimited potential.
Amandeep Saluja, Derivatives Trader at Futures First
