Career path: Research and Analysis
Turn data into investment insights.
Imagine unraveling the stories behind numbers. In Research and Analysis, you investigate companies, industries, and economies to guide smart investment decisions. Your detective work blends data science, investigative curiosity and compelling storytelling to deliver insights that influence real-world outcomes.
Useful skillsets
- Analytical and quantitative
- Attention to detail
- Curiosity
- Communication
What is Research and Analysis?
Research and Analysis is about applying expertise and cutting-edge tools to transform complex information into clear, actionable insights. But it’s more than just financial modeling and forecasting. Professionals in this field interpret signals, spot patterns, and provide context that helps investment decision-makers see both opportunity and risk.
Start here: Early career roles
Curious if Research and Analysis is your path? Explore what your first step could look like towards mastering investment insights with these roles.
Career trajectory
Senior Equity or Fixed Income Analyst
Evaluates stocks (equity) or bonds (fixed income), analyzing company performance and market trends to advise whether an investment is a smart opportunity or carries significant risk.
Economist
Studies economic trends, policies, and market data to predict how the economy may perform and what that means for investments.
Research Director
Oversees research projects, ensures high-quality analysis, and helps turn data into clear recommendations for investors.
Head of Research
Manages the team that studies markets, companies, and economic trends to provide insights that help investment decisions.
CIO
Leads the investment team and oversees how capital is allocated and managed to grow and protect the firm’s or clients’ assets.
Begin your career journey with a strong foundation
The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate gives you essential building blocks of knowledge, helping you confidently begin a career in finance. Available to full-time students for just USD 79.
Find out where you fit in finance
Take the ICAN Finance Career Quiz and in a few minutes, you’ll discover personalized career paths to explore further, based on your skills, strengths, passions, and values.