Stockbroker

Career path and progression

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Stockbrokers use maths constantly – calculating returns, analysing price movements, assessing risk, and working out portfolio performance. They need to be comfortable with percentages, ratios, and statistical analysis to make sound trading decisions for their clients.
• Economics - Stockbrokers need to understand how economies work, including interest rates, inflation, supply and demand, and how government policy affects financial markets. This knowledge helps them predict how markets might move and advise clients on when to buy or sell.
• Business - Stockbrokers work with companies' financial reports, understand how businesses generate profit, and assess whether a company is a good investment. They also need to generate new business, manage client relationships, and meet commercial targets.
• Accounting - Stockbrokers analyse company balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports to assess whether a stock is worth investing in. Understanding how financial accounts work is essential for evaluating the true health of a business.

Also relevant

• English Language - Stockbrokers need excellent communication skills to explain complex financial information clearly to clients who may not have a finance background. They also write reports, market updates, and investment recommendations that need to be precise and persuasive.
• Psychology - Stockbrokers need to understand how emotions like fear and greed drive market behaviour, and how to manage their own decision-making under pressure. Understanding client psychology also helps them build trust and give advice that clients will actually follow.
• Modern Foreign Languages - Stockbrokers often work with international clients and trade on global markets. Skills in a second business language – such as Mandarin, Arabic, or French – can open up opportunities and help build relationships with overseas investors.
• Politics - Stockbrokers need to stay aware of political events – elections, trade agreements, regulations, and geopolitical tensions – because these can have a major impact on stock prices and market confidence. Understanding how political decisions shape economic policy helps them anticipate market shifts.
• Law - Stockbrokers must keep up to date with financial regulations, tax legislation, and compliance rules set by bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority. Understanding the legal framework they operate within helps them avoid breaches and protect their clients' interests.