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

A course with a placement year or a summer internship will give you valuable experience and an advantage when applying for work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job by applying to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Investment Operations Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Financial Services Level 6 Apprenticeship

You will take professional exams as part of these apprenticeships and at the end you will be able to apply for membership of a professional body that covers your particular area of work.

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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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

More information

Career tips

You may find it useful to complete professional qualifications with an organisation like the CFA Institute or the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Skills in a second business language can also help to widen your options.

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.

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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).