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How to become a stockbroker

What are the typical a-level grades needed to become a stockbroker, and where can I find relevant experience and internships

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by m240i

What are the typical a-level grades needed to become a stockbroker, and where can I find relevant experience and internships

I don't think they typically focus on grades.

So long you have a suitable level 4 qualification in stockbrokering and you can sell/have superb people skills, I don't think the employers will care about your grades or A Levels.

Having said that, I would strongly recommend you complete your A Levels prior to going into stockbrokering as doing A Levels outside of college is a complete pain.

If you look at the job profile for stockbrokers:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/stockbroker
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stockbroker
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/finance-accounting/job-profile/stockbroker
https://life-pilot.co.uk/job-sectors/customer-services/job-profile/stockbroker
.. you would normally see the qualification of choice is from the CISI (I consider CFA overkill):
https://www.cisi.org/cisiweb2/cisi-website/study-with-us/wealth-retail/investment-advice-diploma
There are no entry requirements (you don't even need GCSEs). However, you would need to pass all papers to receive the qualification (you should be able to do them over 3 months).

In terms of internships, you're better off looking at stockbrokering firms in the London. There are some in other cities, but London is the go to. There are also smaller stockbrokering firms is large-ish towns in half decent neighbourhoods, but you would have to really look for them. You would ideally want a medium to large sized firm for internships, as the smaller firms tend not to offer internships.

I don't know of any relevant work experience that you can do since it's mostly regulated selling, and you can't sell financial securities legally without getting the qualification. In fact, the qualification alone should help you a lot.