High School

Exceptional grades are needed to get into an elite college, so you need to be dedicated to your studies in high school. Take as many classes as possible in business, microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, accounting, mathematics, computer science, foreign language, English, and speech. Any classes and activities that help you to develop your critical-thinking, analytical, and communication skills will be useful.

Postsecondary Education

Since there are so few analyst positions available, your educational credentials must be outstanding (i.e., a degree from an Ivy League or other top-tier school, excellent grades, active participation in business and investment clubs, and participation in at least one internship at a top VC firm, investment bank, Big Four accounting firm, or other prominent employer). Analysts typically have bachelor’s degrees in business, finance, entrepreneurism, or a related major.

Other Education or Training

Many professional associations provide continuing education classes, webinars, and workshops. For example, the CMT Association offers webcasts on various investment management topics. Such educational offerings give you an opportunity to build your skills and impress hiring managers. Professional development classes and webinars are also provided by the CFA Institute and the National Venture Capital associations. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification

The Investments & Wealth Institute offers the Certificate Investment Management Analyst Certification program. In this online, self-paced course, you’ll learn about the differences between traditional and alternative investments, due diligence, risk management, investment returns and risks, venture capital and private equity, and other topics. Visit https://investmentsandwealth.org/certifications/welcome-to-cima for more information. 

Certification or Licensing

Becoming certified is an excellent way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to prospective employers. Many certification programs are available, but some are only open to those with several years of on-the-job experience. One credential that’s available to those with either a bachelor’s degree or those who are in the last year of undergraduate study is the three-level chartered financial analyst (CFA) program, which is administered by the CFA Institute. Although it takes an average of four years to complete the CFA program, pursuing this credential will impress potential employers and provide you with excellent knowledge about financial analysis. Another useful certification is the chartered alternate investment analyst credential, which is offered by the Chartered Alternate Investment Analyst Association. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, and have more than one year of professional experience, or alternatively, have at least four years of professional experience. 

Aspiring venture capital analysts must complete at least one internship or co-operative educational experience at a top venture capital firm, Big Four accounting firm, investment bank, or other prestigious employer.

Communication and interpersonal skills rank among the most-important traits for analysts, who frequently meet with start-up founders, industry experts, and others to source deals and conduct due diligence on potential investments. Analysts need to work well as a member of a team, and be able to effectively communicate their opinions to principals and partners. Other important traits include a strong work ethic; good research, organizational, and analytical skills; the ability to multitask; and familiarity with financial statements and data.