The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Mid-level Investor Relations Analyst
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Deepen your understanding of financial modelling, master the earnings cycle logistics, and build initial relationships with sell-side analysts. You'll need to show you can take ownership of key IR processes.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently deliver accurate and timely market summaries and consensus models.
- Successfully manage smaller IR projects independently.
- Demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
- Receive positive feedback on your ability to work collaboratively with internal teams.
- 2
Equity Research Analyst (Associate/Junior)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Transitioning from the 'sell-side' to 'corporate' means learning to articulate the company's story from an internal perspective, understanding Reg FD, and managing internal stakeholders. Your analytical skills will be a huge asset.
You're ready to move on when
- Strong track record of publishing insightful research reports.
- Excellent financial modelling and valuation skills.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
- A genuine interest in moving to a corporate role and understanding internal dynamics.
- 3
Corporate Finance Analyst
4-6 yearsSkills to master
- You'll need to adapt your internal finance knowledge to an external, market-facing context. This means learning how to communicate financial performance to investors, understanding market perception, and mastering the nuances of public disclosure.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven experience in financial planning, analysis, or treasury functions.
- Strong understanding of our company's financial statements and business drivers.
- Desire to engage with external stakeholders and shape market perception.
- Ability to translate internal financial data into external messaging.