We surveyed 7,449 financial analysts to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical financial analyst. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a financial analyst?

Low

High

Working as a financial analyst typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that financial analysts are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.

Can I learn to become a financial analyst?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a financial analyst typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a financial analyst?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a financial analyst. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for financial analysts.

Info

Do financial analysts work full-time or part-time?

94% of financial analysts work in full-time roles while 6% work part-time.

Is being a financial analyst stressful?

Low

High

Stress is not uncommon amongst financial analysts, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

Is being organized important as a financial analyst?

Low

High

Organization is considered a very important trait for financial analysts, and is critical to success in the field.

How competitive is the workplace for financial analysts?

Low

High

Financial analysts tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.

Does being a financial analyst require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Financial analysts will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.

Are financial analysts allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Financial analysts rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do financial analysts have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Financial analysts tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a financial analyst physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a financial analysts is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.

Are financial analysts exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Financial analysts tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a financial analyst require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail is a vital skill for financial analysts, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.

Does being a good financial analyst require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a financial analyst.