Stock Broker By Matthew Begley

What is a stock broker? A stockbroker is a regulated professional usually associated with a brokerage firm who buys and sells stocks and other securities for both retail and institutional clients, through a stock exchange or over the counter in return for a fee or commission

What degree I need to become a broker? There is no degree you have to have from a college although it is hard to get a job at a firm without a degree. There are many certifications you can get to become the most qualified broker The most important of which is the Professional certificate in stockbroking. All the others are not necessarily required yet you sort of need them as people these days are extremely qualified QFA exam CFA program Microsoft VBA

What degree I would choose? The usual degree of choice for anyone who wants to become a stockbroker is BESS in trinity college. BESS stands for business economics political science and sociology. The norm to do this course is that you would at least do either business or economics, although it is better to do both. The points for this course is 500. Although this is the normal choice I would prefer to get a joint degree in business and economics

What do you actually do? Mainly what you do is advise your clients using your professional knowledge how and where to invest their money and advise them what to do with it from then on picking up commission for yourself along the way

Qualities and traits of a good stock broker Ambitious, entrepreneurial, self starters who are highly motivated to succeed in a financial market Excellent sales skills and the ability to build relationships Ability to work in a high energy, fast paced competitive environment Willingness to travel Good communication skills, highly articulate with the ability to push ideas to international investors.

What are the pay and hours like? In general in this job you get paid via commission although there are many more jobs in this area where you get a more steady salary such as a portfolio manager The hours are pretty extensive and are very stressful although you are scheduled to work nine to five you also have to keep up to date with current affairs

Future prospects The career chain for a regular stock brokerage firm goes like this – Execution desk dealer – Property department – Assistant portfolio manager – Portfolio manager – Senior portfolio manager Although this is the regular I would like to become a hedge fund manager.