Finance & accounting

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

You could start by doing a degree in a relevant subject like:

• management
• business
• economics
• finance
• maths

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through an investment specialist higher apprenticeship or financial services professional degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

You could move into stockbroking if you have a experience in accountancy, banking or insurance and take further training on the job.

Other routes

You can apply for a place on a company's graduate training scheme if you have a degree. You'll usually need at least an upper second class degree to apply. Useful subjects include:

• business management
• economics
• finance
• maths

There's a lot of competition for places, so it'll help if you have some relevant work experience.

Many graduates also have a postgraduate qualification like a master's in business administration.

More information

Career tips

Companies sometimes offer summer internships and choose graduate recruits when their degree finishes. They usually recruit graduates through university job fairs.

Skills in a second language can also help you to find a job.

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in stockbroking from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and the Chartered Financial Analysts Society UK.

With experience and a good track record you could progress to become a trader, relationship manager or fund manager.

You could also become a partner or set up your own business.

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and the Chartered Financial Analysts Society of the UK (CFA Society UK) have information on jobs and training.

You'll need to be registered as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).