An industry analyst collects and analyzes data in order to evaluate existing and potential product and service markets. It is their responsibility to identify and monitor competitors and research market conditions or changes in the industry that may affect sales.
Industry analysts in the computer field analyze and report on industry trends for industry or investment publications and brokers. They analyze the performance of companies and advise on opportunities for investment. They recommend which companies to invest in, how much to invest, and whether to increase, hold or sell their stocks.
Industry analysts compile information on the whole industry or on particular companies, and this information is used by investors, economic planners, government agencies and other companies in the industry. They seek investment opportunities in companies and investigate areas such as financing, development of products, market plans, management capabilities, competition and buy-outs of smaller companies. They also check for potential problems in a company such as product portfolios, balance sheets and market share. They usually work in their own offices and make presentations in boardrooms and meeting rooms.
Satisfying Aspects
- highly paid profession
- exposed to interesting aspects of the stock market
- satisfaction of seeing your clients prosper from your advice
- comfortable working conditions
Demanding aspects
- stressful if you have given the wrong advice
- having to deal with demanding and difficult clients
- working long hours, especially when working on proposals for clients
Requirements
- good computer skills and knowledge
- able to work well with people
- mathematically and financially inclined
- analytical, diagnostic and problem-solving skills
- good communication skills
- self-disciplined and methodical
- good concentration abilities
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Information Technology
Training
Degree: suitable degree such as BCom with subjects such as Information Technology, Business Management, Investment Management, Statistics etc - most universities
Employer
- computer companies
- brokerage firms
- trade publications
- economic planners
- government agencies
- banks, stock exchange
- investment research companies
Contact
Any of the above