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
Senior Investor Relations Associate (L3)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering the end-to-end drafting of presentations, consolidating input from various teams, managing version control meticulously, and beginning to shape the narrative under guidance. You'll need to demonstrate strong project management for the earnings cycle.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers error-free first drafts of earnings presentations.
- Proactively identifies and flags potential inconsistencies or risks in the narrative.
- Successfully manages the project plan for at least 4-6 earnings cycles.
- Receives positive feedback from senior leadership on proactive communication and reliability.
- 2
Equity Research Analyst (Sell-side or Buy-side)
5-8 yearsSkills to master
- Deep financial modelling, valuation techniques, sector-specific knowledge, and the ability to articulate investment theses clearly. You'll need to adapt from an external, critical perspective to an internal, advocacy-focused role.
You're ready to move on when
- Published high-quality research reports with strong analytical rigour.
- Demonstrated ability to build and defend complex financial models.
- Strong understanding of what drives investor sentiment and how analysts think.
- Proven ability to translate complex financial concepts into digestible insights.
- 3
Corporate Finance / FP&A Manager
6-10 yearsSkills to master
- In-depth understanding of internal financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. You'll need to develop stronger external communication skills and learn to translate internal financial jargon into investor-friendly language.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed significant financial planning cycles and budget processes.
- Developed and presented financial analyses to senior management.
- Strong command of internal financial data and reporting systems.
- Demonstrated ability to explain complex financial performance to non-finance audiences.