Financial Analysts

The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts that employment for financial analysts will grow much faster than the average for all careers from 2023 through 2033. Demand will increase for financial analysts because of the growth of international securities markets, the increasing complexity and variety of financial products, the need for in-depth knowledge of geographic regions in order to make informed investment decisions, the growing use of data analytics to gather more financial information during the investment-making decision process, and the increasing number of business mergers and acquisitions.

Because of the close scrutiny analysts have been under, it might become more desirable for financial analysts to hold the CFA charter. Despite the prediction for good growth, competition for positions as financial analysts will be very strong since many people are interested in entering the field. Applicants with strong college grades in finance, accounting, and economics courses, a graduate degree in business or finance, and certification will have the best job prospects.

Individual investing will also affect the need for financial analysts, in that the more people invest in mutual funds [often through 401(k) plans], the greater the need there will be for financial analysts to recommend financial products to the mutual fund companies.

The state of the economy and the stock market have a direct effect on the employment outlook for financial analysts. When the economy is doing well, companies are more likely to make investments, resulting in a need for financial analysts. When the economy is doing poorly, companies are less likely to make investments, and there will be less need for financial analysts.