Role

Investment Analyst

Researches companies and markets to support investment recommendations.

10 chaptersAbout 2–4 months15–30 min a day11 skills1 projects
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Chapter 1 is free. No card needed.

Day 1 on the Investment Analyst path.

What a Investment Analyst does

Analyzes companies, industries, and market data to help investment teams choose where to invest and manage risk.

  • Analyze company financial statements, earnings, and key performance drivers
  • Build valuation models to estimate what a stock or asset may be worth
  • Track markets, news, and economic data that can move prices
  • Write clear research notes and investment recommendations for decision makers
  • Compare investment options using risk, return, and scenario analysis
  • Meet with company management or experts to gather insights and test assumptions
  • Monitor existing holdings and flag changes that may require action

A day in the life

  1. Scan overnight market moves, news, and earnings updates
  2. Update models and dashboards with new data and assumptions
  3. Draft a short note explaining what changed and why it matters
  4. Discuss ideas and risks with the team and answer follow-up questions
  5. Review portfolio performance and plan the next research tasks

Tools you will use

Spreadsheets: Excel, Google SheetsData analysis: Python, RDatabases: SQLMarket data terminals: Bloomberg, Refinitiv EikonPresentation: PowerPoint, Google SlidesDocumentation: Word, Google Docs

Your plan

Chapter by chapter.

1~1 wk

See investment analyst work up close

StartFree
21–2 wks

Financial Modeling and Forecasting

Skills
31–2 wks

Backtest a simple factor strategy and write up the results

Proof
41–2 wks

Analytical Judgment

Skills
51–2 wks

Communication and Stakeholders

Skills
6~1 wk

Meet working investment analysts

People
71–2 wks

Accuracy and Deadlines

Skills
81–2 wks

Choose your investment analyst route

Decide
91–2 wks

Prepare for investment analyst interviews

Interview
10on your timeline

Apply for investment analyst roles

Apply

By the last chapter

This is what you can show.

Things you've made

Backtest a simple factor strategy and write up the results

Skills you can prove

11 skills, each rated on work you actually did.

People you've talked to

3 people who do the job, with a message ready for each.

Questions you can answer

20 interview questions and a mock interview, with feedback.

Credentials

7 credentials compared, so you can pick one, or decide you don't need one. None is required.

Ways in

There is more than one route.

Ways to study

  • Bachelors degree in finance, economics, accounting, or business
  • Bachelors degree in math, statistics, engineering, or computer science with finance electives
  • Professional learning in investment analysis such as CFA program study
  • Short courses in financial modeling, valuation, and accounting fundamentals

How people get their first job

  • Apply for investment research or asset management internships
  • Start in financial analyst or corporate finance roles to build modeling skills
  • Build a small research portfolio with 2 to 4 stock write-ups and models
  • Earn a finance credential such as CFA Level I or a modeling certificate
  • Join student investment clubs and practice pitching ideas with evidence

Life skills on this path: Networking · Job interviews · Job search

How the work is changing

What AI is doing to this role

How AI is changing this role · one of 6 tasks we track

Build and stress-test financial models

Sped up a lot

What AI does

AI scaffolds DCF, LBO, and comps in minutes rather than hours.

Still yours

You catch the assumptions that do not fit this company.

Reviewed September 2026

In the app · Premium

The rest is in the app

  • How AI affects the other 5 tasks
  • Whether this job is growing or shrinking
  • How hard the first job is to get
  • Similar roles that are easier to get into
  • Updated every month, with sources
See it in the app →

How we rate a job →

Already working

Already a Investment Analyst?

Plan your move to Senior Investment Analyst: 8 chapters that end with a strong case for your next review.

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Questions

Questions about this path

How long does it take to become a investment analyst with Welica?

The path is 10 chapters, 2–4 months at 15 to 30 minutes a day. You can go faster or slower; the plan moves with you.

Do I need a degree?

Not always. Common routes are bachelors degree in finance, economics, accounting, or business, bachelors degree in math, statistics, engineering, or computer science with finance electives, professional learning in investment analysis such as CFA program study, or short courses in financial modeling, valuation, and accounting fundamentals.

What is free?

Chapter 1, See investment analyst work up close, is free for good. Premium unlocks the rest of the path.

Start the Investment Analyst path.

Chapter 1 free. About 15 to 30 minutes a day.

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