A career as an investment analyst combines deep research, sharp market insight, and sophisticated financial modelling to drive investment decisions that can move millions. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic role where your analysis and judgment can help reshape industries and create real value.
If you’re wondering what it takes to break into the field, Kaizen Recruitment’s Investment Analyst Roadmap is a fantastic starting point. It’s based on insights from working with over 400 analysts across super funds, private equity, venture capital, family offices, and fund managers, and lays out the core traits that set top performers apart.
What you’ll find in the Kaizen Roadmap
The roadmap gives a clear, structured view of the building blocks for success as an analyst, including:
- Strong academic foundation - Finance, economics, and accounting majors from leading universities provide the technical grounding employers value.
- Advanced qualifications and early career experience - Postgraduate degrees and designations like the CFA, plus internships or analyst roles in investment banking or consulting, help you stand out.
- Mastery of financial modelling - Beyond basic valuation, analysts need to handle three-way statement modelling and increasingly use tools like Python.
- Genuine passion for markets - Staying informed, researching trends, and showing initiative before you even land your first role can make a big difference.
- Commitment to continuous learning - Markets evolve fast, so top analysts keep their skills sharp through courses, industry events, and self-directed research.
- Strong communication skills - Turning complex analysis into clear, actionable insights is critical for influencing decisions.
- Asset class specialisation – Building expertise in areas like private credit, infrastructure, or alternatives can accelerate your career trajectory.
- Read the full Kaizen Roadmap here
How Future IM/Pact can help
The Kaizen Roadmap tells you what you need - here’s how we can help you build those skills, connections and experiences now.
Build your professional network
Opportunities often come through people. The more you connect with professionals already working in investment management, the more you’ll understand career pathways, skills, and day-to-day realities. Career Connect is a great place to start - it’s our flash mentoring platform that lets you book one-on-one conversations with experienced investors. Use these chats to ask questions, explore different asset classes, and get advice from people doing the job you aspire to.
Do your research and hone your skills
Don’t wait for a job to start acting like an analyst. Build and manage your own small portfolio, take a course in financial modelling, or have a go at preparing a solid investment thesis. Better yet, upload your thesis to Career Connect and connect with an investor who has relevant experience and can give real-world feedback. Be sure to explore our extensive resources section for everything from skills videos to career advice from top investors.
Already working as an analyst? Join Keystone to grow your career
If you’ve landed your analyst role and want to grow the skills that make you truly impactful - conviction, humility, and self-belief - the Keystone Analyst Program is designed for you. Over eight weeks, you’ll deepen your self-awareness, sharpen your influence, and connect with a network of ambitious, like-minded investors.
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