Here, you can discover how to become a stockbroker. Learning about the role will allow you to consider if your skills and attributes are a good fit. We’ll also explore stockbroker qualifications so you can create a clear map to success.
This guide is ideal if you’re thinking about the best degree choice for you, or if you’ve already embarked on a course such as undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Do you want to give yourself a head start on a career in finance? You’ll find the right pathways here at Warwick Business School with our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
A stockbroker buys and sells securities. Securities can increase or decrease in value depending on the price changes in the markets. The stockbroker can conduct business through stock exchanges or over the counter markets which aren’t featured on formal listings.
It’s important to be able to answer the question ‘what does a stockbroker do?’ before deciding if it’s a possible career. The role is dependent on the development of relationships with clients, therefore, having good communication skills is vital. As well as buying and selling stocks and shares for clients, you would be expected to advise on their investments and manage their portfolios.
Establishing trust amongst all parties is vital to the job. It’s also essential to maintain a current knowledge of financial regulations and industry updates. You’ll also be networking with other professionals and maintaining a reputation as a respected business and financial advisor
As you learn more about how to get into stockbroking, it’s useful to understand the variation in roles that you could end up in:
A stockbroker needs a wide range of skills and personal qualities, including:
Employers look for stockbrokers who combine all these skills so that they can deliver the highest possible value of service for their clients.
Studying for a degree in finance, economics or accounting can be an excellent means of entering a career in the stock market. This equips you with the academic know-how to understand stocks and shares and the impact of different kinds of investments. They also help you develop your mathematics skills, giving you the edge when it comes to making important calculations.
For those with a degree outside these areas, gaining work experience within a financial institution will be an important step to entering the profession. There are degree apprenticeships that can be especially helpful for aspiring stockbrokers: read about these in our course finder.
The straightforward answer to how to become a stockbroker is that you should study for a relevant degree, such as finance, economics or accounting. To study for a BSc Accounting & Finance with Warwick Business School, you’ll need to gain A* A A at A-Level.
You can increase your chances of success in becoming a stockbroker by going on to study a Master’s such as MSc Finance, MSc Finance & Economics or MSc Accounting & Financial Management. Getting work experience during your studies to gain a good understanding of the industry will also increase your employability. Here at Warwick Business School, we equip our students for success by offering careers support that can be accessed throughout their time with us.
Gaining practical experience using a graduate training scheme can increase your prospects. To gain entry, you must graduate with a top degree to outshine competitors. It’s also a good idea to consider getting work experience in areas related to stockbroking, such as banking, accounting, investing and insurance. That allows you to get a working knowledge of the financial services industry and you’ll be able to make connections to help you progress.
Undergraduate Careers Coach, Comfort Asaolu, discusses why experience matters in today’s climate:
“In the current economic climate and highly competitive job market, employers are looking for relevant experience which backs up your academic abilities and demonstrates your 'soft skills’. An internship or work placement highlights to employers that you have some understanding of what it’s like to work and that you will have gained some of the basic employability skills they want.”
You can read more in How to leverage your work placement and/or internship for future career success.
The next step is to register with the FCA. The Financial Conduct Authority provides the licensing needed to be able to work as a stockbroker. The FCA is responsible for overseeing the work of stockbrokers and financial markets and ensuring both are properly regulated. Being registered with the FCA means you have been officially classified as a professional who can manage client portfolios.
It’s a good idea to consider graduate schemes as a means of entry. Many of them allow you to progress into a permanent role upon completion, so they can be a great way to kickstart your career. Also, a great cover letter can be helpful in securing your chosen role. That is especially relevant if you are moving from a related role in finance, accounting or insurance into stockbroking. The cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain how the skills, knowledge and experience you have developed make you the ideal candidate.
Here at Warwick Business School, we actively support our students in achieving their career goals. We offer advice on how to search for jobs and how best to present yourself in applications. All our guidance is tailored to your goals. Master’s students get access to our dedicated CareersPlus & Employer Relations team.
Having figured out how to become a stockbroker, you’ll be keen to know about the potential for career progression and how much you could earn.
You’ll have lots of opportunities to move up the ladder. Having mastered your craft, you might consider moving into positions where you can mentor others. You could also opt for a management position or become a partner in your organisation. For the most ambitious stockbrokers, setting up your own firm will provide you with the autonomy you need to soar.
A career as a stockbroker can be rewarding and intellectually stimulating and has opportunities for progression. Gaining a degree in areas such as finance, accounting or economics is your first step to securing this role and work experience can be instrumental in getting your career started. Here at Warwick Business School, we give you the tools to become a successful stockbroker. We offer a choice of undergraduate courses and master’s courses to allow you to achieve your potential.
Have a look at our course finder or download a course information brochure to find out more about our programmes of study that are respected across the globe. Already studying with us at Warwick Business School? Contact the careers team to get advice and guidance.
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