Financial analysts seem to have a never-ending to-do list. Do you ever feel like, after long hours of work, your brain is so stuffed you can’t think anymore? Do you find yourself always caught up in the doing and that there is never enough time for thinking?
That was exactly my feeling a few days ago. [...]

In the world of financial analysts, there is little room for mistakes. I agree with the importance of accuracy when working with numbers. Number mistakes can be costly not only to the firm. I’ve seen more than one trader lost their jobs for keying in an extra zero. I’ve also seen equity analysts fall off [...]

The daily schedule of a financial analyst is unpredictable, particularly if you are in investment banking or equity research. How do you plan ahead when daily urgencies and constant changes are the order of the day? It could be the end of the day before you can make time for your top priority task on [...]

Many financial analyst interns find their summer experiences disappointing. It is true that some financial institutions offer excellent structured programs. Because of the steep learning curve, I believe that summer is too brief a time for any interns to be assigned an important role.
Summer internship is an excellent opportunity to learn about financial career opportunities [...]

As a financial analyst, you’ll be making countless presentations throughout your career and you’ll be listening to countless others. We’d all be doing everyone a favor if we can liven up the presentations with some powerful visuals.
I’d like to share with you some sample slides from Garr Reynolds, an expert on professional presentation design. Garr [...]

You’ve researched your company’s products and you’ve practiced your irresistible script. You’re almost ready to make the call. Here are a few tactical tips for cold-calling.
Time your calls. Depending on your prospects, try to determine the best time of the day to call. If you’re calling your prospect at the office, there’s a better chance [...]

Do any of you financial analysts out there hate cold-calling? Learn to master it. It is your ultimate training in marketing. Imagine what it can do for your career when you can sell your products to strangers over the phone?
As a financial analyst, you’re always marketing something. Before you can even step foot in the [...]

The recent volatility in the stock markets is cranking up the stress level for those in the financial market. Investment bankers, traders, financial analysts alike are affected.
A global stress survey published in March by hereisthecity.com, a website for financial market professionals, showed that nearly two-thirds of over 3,000 respondents felt more stressed than they did [...]

I came across the subject of face time several times these past two weeks, so here’s my two cents on it.
Face Time
Typical usage: “I’d leave right now but it’s only 9 PM… need to put in some face time.”
What it really means: “Face Time” refers to staying in the office until an acceptably late time [...]

It is widely known that a 100-hour work week is typical for financial analysts. The hours could be longer if you’re in investment banking or when you’re trying to meet a project deadline.
I can understand when you’re just starting out, full of energy and enthusiasm. No two days are alike and there is so much [...]