Tips for Becoming an Investment Analyst

00:00 - Intro
01:20 - Technical Skills
04:16 - Soft Skills
05:11 - Keeping a Pulse
06:11 - Networking
07:52 - Resume/Applications
10:41 - Tip 1
12:10 - Tip 2
13:46 - Sponsor
14:52 - Outro

Resources
Courses: Wall Street Prep
Newsletters: Morning Brew, The Daily Upside, The Economist Espresso

Today, I go over some tips for becoming an investment analyst, which have been helpful in my own career.

DISCLAIMER:
This channel is for education purposes only and does not constitute financial advice - Richard is not responsible for investment actions taken by viewers. Please seek out a registered advisor if you require assistance (while Richard is a registered portfolio manager at WDS Investment Management, he does not provide advice through The Plain Bagel, which is not affiliated with his employer).

[Genericmember]

Thank you for being a genuinely good person man. Been watching you for awhile now. You’re always honest in your videos and don’t try and sell people BS. The world would be better off with more channels like this one.

[InvestorCenter]

As a professional investment analyst myself, I think all of your points are spot on. I help out with recruiting for my fund and I agree with all your points. The only thing I would add is make 100% sure you love investing and the stock market. There is a big difference between dabbling in investing as a hobby and doing it 60-80 hours a week

[fwbs]

"What do you mean I can't use my 30 shares of GME as experience of saving a company from complete failure?"

[rationalmoney]

As a recent Engineering graduate that is interested in moving more towards a finance related career this was super helpful!

[jaker]

Accepted my first offer for an Investment Analyst position earlier this week! Took me a little over 3 years to achieve.

[jeffreyserro]

Thanks for all of the helpful information! Love your sense of humor and the channel as a whole. Providing links and did lots of good work to help a bunch of people out!

[grigi]

Thanks, Richard! Would be very interested in a similar video where you discuss professional development for young investment analysts (ones that already got through the door). What to focus on, pitfalls to avoid, tips, etc.

[OddTJ]

I highly recommend the book "Negotiating Effectively Within Your Own Organization" by Karrass. There is a course as well, but even just reading the book is a great strategic way to frame the goals of two parties in a conversation so that you can better select the specifics of your communication pattern. I've found that not understanding your goals and your conversation partner's goals is a bigger hinderance to good communication than akwardness or a small vocabulary are in general.

[mrvideogame]

I literally looked this question up yesterday evening and you upload a video today. Thank you!

[financelearn]

Great video, you can tell Richard genuinely wants to educate with his videos, Thank you.

[nathanm]

Thank you so much for this, this is exactly what i needed - couldn’t think of anyone better on youtube to talk about this

[sounddude]

I find the use of the Wii Shop channel music in the intro both thematically hilarious and very well timed considering the current markets 😂

[Tsakaman]

One more thing to note about résumés. Most large institutions these days use automated systems to screen them, so it's a good idea to pass your résumé from a few free online screeners to see what the systems can pick up. This is to say don't spend too much time creating fancy word/pdf/LaTeX/whatever documents which may in the end not even be recognized by such systems

[cherrypoutines]

So much good info, even as a general job application video! Thank you!!

[mzie]

Top advice, personally, I went down the Finra route, did my SIE while I was in University and then did my series 86 & 87 straight after uni.. my employer is now paying for my series 7..

[tkdmike]

While im not an Investment Analyst, I am a Credit Analyst. I can concur with most of Richard’s advice. I often join my boss for new hire interviews and internships, and asking detailed questions to your interviewer can really help. Also, intern experience in finance is also very helpful, but it can be hard to get since companies like mine only hire 2-4 per year compared to 5-8 analysts per year. Letters of recommendation can be the difference here, so Network Network Network!!!!

[KuroTenshi]

You did a fantastic job. Very good for prepping for getting a job and outlining steps. I wished I saw this earlier and got ready with my interview 😅

[kiandes]

i am currently taking major in business economics and aspiring to be a analyst someday. I do hope you keep doing these kind of videos. thank you so much!

[maranpakeer]

It’s a privilege being able to watch, listen and learn from your videos 🙏

[bc-guy]

Nice job Richard, as usual! Your passion for instruction and education is evident!
"I wasn't hired for my communications skills..." You're killing it Man. Patrick Boyle - watch out!