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

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

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

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.

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a stockbroker, you could:

• research financial markets and the latest trading figures
• work closely with investment analysts
• generate new business and develop close relationships with clients
• manage and review client portfolios
• give advice on financial risks
• instruct stock market traders to achieve the best market prices
• meet profit, new business and retention targets
• keep up to date with tax and financial legislation

You could work in an office.