Entering the Stockbroker’S World
For those with financial acumen and big dreams, the role of the stockbroker is highly coveted. Choosing to become a stockbroker is daunting. Many firms now require Russell Group degrees, and a growing number are choosing to focus on those with a postgraduate education to boost their academic ranks. However, there are two routes available to the stockbroker's world, making this a career that is accessible for many.
Working as a Stockbroker on the Trading Floor
Films like €Wallstreet' and the €Pursuit of Happiness' have popularised the high-speed world of stockbrokers. Often this is made to look glamorous, but in reality, there is a lot of hard work behind that glamour. This often means long hours, extensive training, and nerve-wracking decision making processes.
Still, if you feel you have the stomach for that sort of role, you are looking at a good basic salary as well as commission. But what do you have to do to get there? First, you are going to need at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject. This means economics, business, finance, or accounting. In addition to this, many hedge fund management companies are going to what the best graduates. This often means coming from a Russell Group University, or having a 1st from another university.
Being able to demonstrate previous experience in this role is useful. If you are currently at university, consider finding yourself an intern-ship. Alternatively, find out if your university or course offers €sandwich placements'. These placements involve taking a paid year out to work at a company. At the end of the placement, you may find that the people you work for offer you a position upon graduation.
In the absence of a sandwich placement, intern-ship, or connections, begin looking at graduate recruitment programs that work towards stockbroker jobs. These programs open every year around October time, with more cropping up until around June. They typically begin between September the following year and the January after that.
Working as a Stockbroker from Home
There is nothing stopping anybody becoming an €unofficial' stockbroker, also known as a home-based day trader. However, if you enter into this role without undergoing training, you may find yourself struggling. Do bear in mind that you will be risking your own finances, which means you need to prepare.
There are two avenues you can take here. You could train in Forex, which allows you to manipulate the currency market. Alternatively, you can train in stocks and begin trading. Opening up practice accounts and playing with them for a few months is highly recommended. In addition to this, having a float lump sum of 1500-2500 is also essential. Doing this ensures you are not gambling money without having something to counteract the risks.
Regardless of which route you take, anticipate learning about the changes that can impact stocks. This can include political events, natural disasters, and legislation changes. Think the U.S. shut-down of September 2013, Hurricane Sandy, and bedroom tax laws. The slightest thing can have an impact, so the sooner you get keen about the news, the better.
Working as a Stockbroker on the Trading Floor
Films like €Wallstreet' and the €Pursuit of Happiness' have popularised the high-speed world of stockbrokers. Often this is made to look glamorous, but in reality, there is a lot of hard work behind that glamour. This often means long hours, extensive training, and nerve-wracking decision making processes.
Still, if you feel you have the stomach for that sort of role, you are looking at a good basic salary as well as commission. But what do you have to do to get there? First, you are going to need at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject. This means economics, business, finance, or accounting. In addition to this, many hedge fund management companies are going to what the best graduates. This often means coming from a Russell Group University, or having a 1st from another university.
Being able to demonstrate previous experience in this role is useful. If you are currently at university, consider finding yourself an intern-ship. Alternatively, find out if your university or course offers €sandwich placements'. These placements involve taking a paid year out to work at a company. At the end of the placement, you may find that the people you work for offer you a position upon graduation.
In the absence of a sandwich placement, intern-ship, or connections, begin looking at graduate recruitment programs that work towards stockbroker jobs. These programs open every year around October time, with more cropping up until around June. They typically begin between September the following year and the January after that.
Working as a Stockbroker from Home
There is nothing stopping anybody becoming an €unofficial' stockbroker, also known as a home-based day trader. However, if you enter into this role without undergoing training, you may find yourself struggling. Do bear in mind that you will be risking your own finances, which means you need to prepare.
There are two avenues you can take here. You could train in Forex, which allows you to manipulate the currency market. Alternatively, you can train in stocks and begin trading. Opening up practice accounts and playing with them for a few months is highly recommended. In addition to this, having a float lump sum of 1500-2500 is also essential. Doing this ensures you are not gambling money without having something to counteract the risks.
Regardless of which route you take, anticipate learning about the changes that can impact stocks. This can include political events, natural disasters, and legislation changes. Think the U.S. shut-down of September 2013, Hurricane Sandy, and bedroom tax laws. The slightest thing can have an impact, so the sooner you get keen about the news, the better.
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