What does a Research Analyst do?
Research analysts scour public market information and glean valuable insights for the use of companies in buying, investing and selling products or services. Their specialty is condensing large amounts of information into workable financial advice for their clients. As a research analyst, you may specialize in finance, equity or investment markets, among other sectors. Your services may be provided on a freelance basis, you may work for an agency or you may be employed in-house within an organization. Those with experience in marketing, investment or company finance may pursue careers in research analysis.
Research analysts must, at a minimum, hold extensive background knowledge in the market they represent. Most often, a bachelor's or Master's degree in research analytics or a related field is required for employment. You must have strong organizational and communicative skills in order to process relevant information and convey it to clients or employers. Market research skills are also a requirement for this career.
- Perform qualitative and quantitative research and consultation on relative markets
- Keep up-to-date knowledge of the industry and related markets being researched
- Understand the needs of the hiring organization or client in order to target research to their benefit
- Contact companies and agencies who can provide useful financial data
- Create clear and useful reports and recommendations for organizational use
- Communicate with business leaders, financial officers and market representatives
- Interpret markets to conclude financial recommendations for clients
- Advise businesses to buy or sell products based on market insights
- Firm grasp on the financial decision-making process within the company or organization of employment
- Experience collecting, interpreting and organizing data
- Additional certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are preferred
- Ability to prepare extensive reports and present findings to companies with clear and concise action advice
- Working knowledge of the target industry and market
- Advanced speaking and report-writing skills for effective communication
- Attention to details and a commitment to accuracy
- Ability to keep sensitive business financial information confidential
- Ability to keep sensitive business financial information confidential
Research Analyst Salaries
Average Base Pay
Research Analyst Career Path
Learn how to become a Research Analyst, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Research Analyst Insights
Assured Investment Management“Unstructured management; fund performance was not the best while I was there (2016)”
ExchangeBase“In my opinion one of the most important things a job can provide is a good work/life balance.”
BOL Network“Onr of the best reasons to work here includes the friendly environment where the seniors also treat you very well.”
“Good Company that helps us to grow in our career path with many technological skills.”
Industryarc“If you are starting your career this is the best place to learn new things related to market research.”
Safe Security“As this was my first internship / job I felt very comfortable pinging them to ask them about my doubts and concerns.”
Service Management Group“Career growth is Associate Research Analyst > RA I > RA II > Senior RA and then you hit a ceiling.”
University of Westminster“It was fun and helpful”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Research Analyst
When working as a Research Analyst, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Arabic, Critical Thinking, Network Analysis, Turkish and Researching.
- Research Fellow
- Research Consultant
- Research Manager
- Researcher
The most common qualifications to become a Research Analyst is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.