Even though stockbroking is a major source of financial freedom, starting a career as a stockbroker may pose a challenge. So, ”How to become a stockbroker in 2024” is a must-read for you.
The World Scholarship Forum has your best interest at heart, and seeing you achieve your career dream is our satisfaction. Hence, this post will give details on how to become a stockbroker in 2024.
It will also explain the stockbroking degree and other educational requirements to excel in this career path. Finally, you will get information on training, cost, and how much you will earn as a stockbroker.
Well, people buy stocks daily, yet you may not find physical stores on every corner selling stocks. So, being a stockbroker is vital. The market is fertile and a natural source of cool passive income. Now, let’s get you into a career path you would love.
Table of contents
- What is Stockbroking?
- How do I become a Stockbroker?
- Full guide on How to become a Licensed Stock Broker.
- What exams do Stockbrokers sit for?
- What training or requirements do I need to become a Stock Broker?
- What does it Cost to Become a Stock Broker?
- What does it take to be a Wall Street broker?
- What is a Stock Broker’s Salary?
- Where do Stock Brokers Work?
- How to Become a Stock Broker FAQs
- Conclusion
- Reference
- Recommendation
What is Stockbroking?
Stock is a type of security that shows proportionate ownership in the issuing corporation. It is also known as “shares” or ”equity.”
So stockbroking is a service that allows retail and institutional investors to buy and sell equities.
In a nutshell, stockbroking is the professional activity of buying and selling stocks for clients.
Who is a Stockbroker?
Similar to a broker, the definition of a stockbroker is someone who buys and sells goods on behalf of others. The difference is what a stockbroker buys to resell shares and equities.
Stockbrokers buy and sell stocks and other securities on behalf of clients; those clients might be individuals or institutions. Stockbrokers receive a commission for making the transaction for the client.
Due to the complicated nature of investments and other factors, stockbrokers must pass exams to become licensed to buy and sell securities legally.
What do Stockbrokers do?
A stockbroker starts his day early before the stock market starts. His goal is mainly to find clients who need his stocks and shares and sell them to them.
The work of a stockbroker starts immediately. He has even just one person that needs help in investing. So, to excel, he must find and sustain your client’s interest.
Also, a stockbroker’s job continues after he finds a client because he needs to give proper investment advice. A stockbroker must have a strong understanding of the stock market. He should be able to analyze a portfolio.
Furthermore, because the earnings of a stockbroker come from his ability to close a deal: a stockbroker who gives better advice gets more money for his client.
Subsequently, the client will do more trades with you, transcending into more commission, which is more money for you as a stockbroker.
How do I become a Stockbroker?
Ironically, there is no required degree to become a stockbroker. However, we aim to get you to be a stockbroker with a difference. One who will scale the corporate ladder in no distant time.
So, even though you may need your high school diploma to start, this guide will help you advance and excel in the Stock Broking career path.
Full guide on How to become a Licensed Stock Broker.
#1. Get a High School Diploma.
Like we said earlier, to excel as a stockbroker who has the license and can practice as a professional, a high school diploma is essential.
So, to become a stockbroker, pay attention to details in high school courses, especially mathematics, accounting, consumer education, and entrepreneurial skills.
However, you may try taking online summer classes if you are yet to complete high school. Also, you may enroll in other credit recovery strategies to meet requirements and graduate high school.
#2 Obtain a Bachelor’s degree
Once you meet the requirements for a high school diploma, enroll and complete your coursework to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Although there are no particular major educational disciplines for students who wish to become stockbrokers, earning a degree in the business or financial field is advisable.
Working in a brokerage firm requires a good knowledge of statistics and financial accounting. So, common degrees for you to obtain include
- Accounting
- Business management
- Finance
- Economics
- Statistics
- Mathematics
#3 Get Experience
The best way to know if you are ready is to practice what you have learned. So, get experience in stockbroking. One way to do that is to complete internships for brokerage firms and investments.
Normally, brokerage firms and investment banks hire summer interns to work for them. Subsequently, these internships may become extended job interviews and recruitment processes.
Consequently, successful summer interns have a significant advantage over others doing job searches.
#4 Sit for Licensing Exams and Pass
Usually, to become a stockbroker with a license, you must sit for the necessary exams. You will need a sponsor who may be the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a registered firm, or any regulatory authority.
Now, you must take and pass the Series 7 and Series 63 exams. While the series 7 exam covers financial topics relating to trading many types of securities, 63 covers securities and state rules and laws.
What exams do Stockbrokers sit for?
You may start your career journey with just a bachelor’s degree. However, to get a license, you must sit for Series 7 and Series 63.
While the Series 7 exam earns you a certification to make you a Certified Financial Planner, the other Series 63 certification earns you a Chartered Financial Consultant title. Alongside other state licensure requirements, you must pass the above exams.
Also, to be an investment advisor, you will sit for Series 65 and pass it before you can get a license to practice in the stockbroker career path. This exam awards a certification and earns you a Chartered Financial Analyst title.
You may write series 63 and Series 65 in one sitting (Series 66).
Furthermore, certifications are available to increase your relevance and keep you on top of your game.
What training or requirements do I need to become a Stock Broker?
Being a share broker demands you meet some requirements. So, we will see these requirements in different facets.
- Stockbroker License requirements
- Educational Requirements for a Stock Broker
- Skill requirement to become a stockbroker
- Training Requirement to become a Stockbroker.
Stockbroker License Requirements
Usually, to become a professional stockbroker, you must obtain a state license, and, to get a license, most states require a high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, internship, and work experience before they can issue a license.
Also, some states may need on-the-job training and demand you provide a sponsor. This boils down to experience.
Hence, you must gain enough experience from either fellowships, internships, or volunteering to work in brokerage firms.
Educational Requirements
Students seeking to become stock brokering professionals must pursue an undergraduate degree. Preferably, a degree program in:
A bachelor’s degree in business that covers a wide range of business-related courses is essential.
This degree will allow graduates to gain familiarity with securities and trading stocks.
Also, it will provide insight into aspects of a company, such as marketing, operations, and ethics. Furthermore, a business degree should cover
- Introduction to Marketing
- Business Law
- Managerial Accounting
- Introduction to Finance.
Well, this is another great choice of degree for stockbrokers. Stock brokering involves a lot of financial accounting and the transfer of funds.
So, to be a share broker, a degree in finance though less comprehensive than a business degree, is a good choice.
Usually, this degree will introduce you to subjects you may encounter as a stockbroker, such as investments, risk management, and financial analysis.
Therefore, an ideal degree in finance must cover the following:
- Valuation of Securities
- Investment Banking
- Financial Accounting
- Business Quantitative Analysis
Skill Requirement for Stock Broker
Well, a rich stockbroker can close deals with clients. The more your clients return, the more commission you make which means more money.
So, to become a stockbroker, it is advisable to acquire, learn or imbibe the following skills.
It takes good communication skills to become a stockbroker. Trading security is a complicated topic. Getting people to part with their money and do business with you requires special communication.
So, you must explain your investment advice in layman’s terms. In other words, in simple English, using clear terms Actually, communication doesn’t require vocabulary, so you must mind your choice of words.
In summary, excellent communication skills will allow your clients to understand your advice better and help build both trust and bond.
From the foregoing, it is clear that no one will hand clients over to you upon employment. You must be able to market yourself and network to build a portfolio.
Your sales skills are essential to convince people, earning their trust, and get them to do business with you continuously.
Well, good communication and sale skill is important to get clients. However, numerical skills will decide whether you can retain or lose clients to better brokers.
Since numbers value securities, it is important to understand what they mean. This will help you explain it to your clients.
So, don’t panic if you think you lack any of these basic skills. Interestingly, they could be acquired through study. So click the button below to enroll for one or more of these skills.
What does it Cost to Become a Stock Broker?
There is no static price range to become a stockbroker. However, from the requirements above, you may need about $34,080-$75,240 for a four-year degree program to earn a bachelor’s.
In addition to undergraduate degree costs, you may spend about $129 or $99 monthly for a standard full-time or continuing education high school diploma program, respectively.
Are there Schools for Stockbrokers?
While there are no universities offering stockbroking as a degree program, there are universities offering degrees in finance and business. These are the basics you need to excel as a stockbroker.
So, below are universities where you can get a degree in business or finance to meet the educational requirements of becoming a stockbroker.
Alaska Pacific University Anchorage
This university offers online and campus programs that award Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Investment and Security.
With an acceptance rate of 60% and a student population of 906, Learn how to become posits that their tuition fee for in-state and out-state students is about $19,500.
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh PA
Interestingly, it offers a master’s degree program in investment and securities, available both on-campus and online for distance students who intend to be stockbrokers.
Learn to become posits that tuition fees for both in-state and out-state students are about $48,030, with an acceptance rate of 88.3% and a student population of 13 355.
Gannon University Erie PA
Like Alaska university, Gannon University offers a post-bachelor certificate program in Investment and securities.
With tuition fees as low as $27,760 for both in-state and out-state students, this program is available for campus and distance students.
This school for stockbrokers’ degrees in finance and business has an acceptance rate of 65.81% and a student population of 4,862.
University of San Francisco San Francisco CA
This university offers a master’s degree program in investment and securities. It has an acceptance rate of 70.46% and a student population of about 11 934.
However, to get this degree you may spend $40,996 for both in-state and out-state students.
Interestingly, this degree program is available both online and on-campus.
The University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls IA
This university has one of the lowest tuition fees for undergraduate degree programs. It offers a bachelor’s degree program in investment and securities for as low as $6,648 for both in-state and out-state students to learn to become posits.
In addition, this degree is available both online for distance students and on-campus.
What does it take to be a Wall Street broker?
Well, Wall Street is home to the major U.S stock market and also home to a large number of stockbrokers. Some of these wall street brokers, like other stock brokers work in offices as seen in career paths for stockbrokers.
Others work anywhere in the world. Majorly recruiting investor clients and then placing orders to buy and sell stocks on their behalf.
In addition, Wall Street houses large firms like Citigroup incorporated, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Lehman Brothers, amongst others. It is one of the most famous in the world and known for its role in the international financial system.
The analysis above is for you to know how important it is for you to become a Wall Street broker as a stockbroker. However, to become a stockbroker on Wall Street, first, you must gain an undergraduate degree in either business, finance, or economics.
Yous must concentrate on courses such as calculus, individual investment, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. Also, courses like securities and financial reporting provide and equip you with the basics required for this position.
Other Association you should identify with
- National Association of Day Traders: this professional association works to improve day traders’ professional standing and education.
- National Association of Stock Brokers: NASB has various chapters, and it facilitates information sharing between stockbrokers, companies, and analysts.
- Security Traders Association: This trade organization advocates on behalf of security professionals. It provides educational and lobbying resources for its members.
- US Securities and Exchange Commission: SEC works majorly to protect investors and the integrity of capital markets. It is the leading regulating agency for investments.
- National Organisation of Investment Professionals: This organization has a major duty of improving the regulatory setting to benefit all investment professionals.
What is a Stock Broker’s Salary?
All factors that influence the take-home pay of employers are in favor of stockbrokers. Aside from being a means of generating passive income, the need for stockbrokers is growing faster than the national average.
However, the actual income of a stockbroker relies on many factors, some of which are the basic skills discussed above.
We will look at the salary of stockbrokers by analyzing career concentration for stockbrokers.
What can I do as a Stock Broker?
Even though stockbrokers may switch careers, choosing a career concentration as a security trader is a good choice.
As a security trader, you will buy and sell securities on behalf of your employers. The sole aim here is to make money for your employer.
Anyway, you may be required to take a high risk in high reward trades that is worth millions of dollars.
Interestingly, your stockbroker’s salary is about $71,550 on average.
As a personal Financial Advisor, you will get a stockbroker’s salary of $89,160 on average.
This career path will allow you to give financial and investment advice to clients. So, your job entails listening to the client to understand their investment and financial goals.
Then, recommend financial instruments and investment strategies to achieve those goals best.
With a stockbroker salary of about $117,990, this career path is the highest-paid. Just like their name, you will manage financial matters.
Your work in this career path is to manage the financial goals of an organization. So, you will find ways to improve the company’s financial position.
If you choose this career path as a stockbroker, you will act as an intermediary for businesses and investors. So, you will need to raise capital and often do so by selling securities.
Your daily job will be to find investors looking to buy securities to make a profit. Then, advise businesses and business owners on how to raise more money.
You will help them raise the capital they need. Well, your take-home salary as an investment banker is about $71 550 on average.
Where do Stock Brokers Work?
To become a successful stockbroker, you will need to work long hours, especially as a newbie in the business. However, as a stockbroker, you may work in the following work environments.
Online Discount Brokerage
Before now, it was quite impossible to invest in stocks without getting a human stockbroker or physical outlet.
However, the story has changed. So, you may now work in an online discount brokerage. This stockbroking firm will allow you to trade stocks using its online platform. This offer is available for less than $10 per trade.
Because discount brokerages have broken down barriers and lowered the cost of investing for most people, trading stock is no longer restricted to the wealthy. So, you can provide a valuable service.
Banks
Of course, with a degree in finance or business, you can work as a stockbroker in a bank as an investment analyst or forex trade expert.
Brokerage Companies/ Investment Firms
Yes, as a stockbroker, you can work in any of these financial institutions with a degree in business and finance as any of the professionals listed in the career path.
How to Become a Stock Broker FAQs
Yes, you may be a stockbroker without a college degree. However, to get a license and practice as a professional you must sit for Financial Industry Regulation Authority Licensing exams. Its basic requirement is a college degree.
No, it’s not. The article above will guide you on how to become a stockbroker. In summary, you need the educational requirement, a license, and three basic skills to excel in this career path.
To become a good stockbroker, you will need to finish high school, get a degree, write licensing exams, get a license, acquire communication, sales, and numeracy skills and continuously renew your license to remain on top of your game.
It may take you a total number of 6 years to become a licensed stockbroker. Two years you spend to get a high school diploma and four years for an undergraduate degree. However, it may take about 8 years if you need a master’s degree to practice in your state.
Even though there are no basic educational requirements to be a broker, to be a successful broker you may need to get a degree, get a license, go for professional pieces of training and gain enough experience alongside relevant skills.
Learn the practical ways of becoming a Stockbroker by watching this video.
Conclusion
Being able to buy and sell stocks and others requires access to one of the major exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). So, there will always be stock, shares, and securities to sell. However, the world lacks stock brokers.
Therefore, it is vital for a decision to make to become one in your area today. This profession allows you to raise passive income. Not much money is ever enough. This article was put together for your benefit.
It explains in detail how to become a stockbroker. It also throws more light on the requirements to become a stockbroker, which borders around the educational qualification of a stockbroker, skill requirement, and stockbroker license requirement.
Now, read through to get accurate and exact information. All you need to become a stockbroker is right in front of you. Take action today and excel as a stockbroker.
Reference
- Investopedia: Stockbrokers
- Collins Dictionary: Stockbroking
- Wikipedia: What Is Stock?
- Wikipedia: Wall Street
- FXstreet: How do Do stockbrokers work?
- Wallstreet: How to Become a Stockbroker
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