In the Air Force:
Contracting; Contracting Apprentice; Contracting Craftsman; Contracting Helper; Contracting Journeyman; Financial Management and Comptroller; Financial Management and Comptroller Apprentice; Financial Management and Comptroller Craftsman; Financial Management and Comptroller Helper; Financial Management and Comptroller Journeyman
Investing has become more complex than ever. There are literally thousands of stocks, bonds and funds to choose from. That's why advice from Financial Analysts is in great demand. They do the research that helps investors make decisions. The analyst examines a company's financial records, its projections, even its competitors to get a handle on whether it's a smart investment...or a risky one. While analysts may travel to visit companies they're analyzing, for a first hand look, much of the work is done from an office desk, using computers and phones. Based upon their research, they make recommendations to their clients. Some analysts advise banks, insurance companies and other large investment groups. Other analysts are employed by firms that handle investments for individuals. In either case, the requirements are the same: you need strong math and analytical skills, as well as keen business savvy. A college education is usually a must. To move ahead in the field, a financial analyst might seek an advanced degree in business, and certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst. More and more organizations and individuals are turning to investing to increase the return on their money. That means the job outlook for financial analysts is becoming increasingly "bullish."
What they do:
Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.
On the job, you would:
Inform investment decisions by analyzing financial information to forecast business, industry, or economic conditions.
Prepare plans of action for investment, using financial analyses.
Evaluate and compare the relative quality of various securities in a given industry.
Business
accounting and economics
customer service
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
communicate by writing
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
Ideas and Logic
use rules to solve problems
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Achievement/Effort
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
You might use software like this on the job:
Financial analysis software
Delphi Technology
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Analytical or scientific software
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics GP
Oracle PeopleSoft
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps.
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