Career Voyages Main Banner
You Are Here HOME > Financial Services > Securities  
High Growth Industries
Other Stuff
What's New
Other In-Demand Occupations
Careers Videos
Career Compass
Links
Document Library
InDemand Magazine
O*NET Tools and Technology
Get the Adobe Acrobat Reader
Get the Real Player Plug-In
Get the Windows Media Player Plug-In
Students Parents Career Changers Career Advisors
 
Securities Securities Espanol | Print Version Espanol Print Version
 
 
  Banking
  Insurance
  Securities
 
  Financial Services Videos
 
  Financial Services Links
 
  Tools and Technology
 
  STEM Occupations (PDF)
 
Industry Profile IconPDF Industry Profile

The U.S. Department of Labor divides securities into four major categories:

  • securities brokers, dealers, and floating companies;
  • commodities contracts brokers and dealers;
  • securities and commodities exchanges; and
  • services allied with the exchanges of securities.

So, what is a work day really like in the securities industry?

Financial analysts often work in teams, analyzing the future prospects of companies that want to sell shares to the public for the first time. They review financial statements of companies, evaluate economic and market trends, and make investment recommendations. Analysts also ensure compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and may make presentations to prospective investors. Financial analysts may also work in mergers and acquisitions departments, preparing reports on the costs and benefits of a proposed merger or takeover.

Financial managers are employed throughout the industry, preparing financial documents for the regulatory authorities or directing a firm's investment policies.

Sales representatives (also known as traders, market makers, and floor brokers) actually make the trades on the exchange floor or over the computer and handle much of the day-to-day operations within a brokerage firm.

Sales assistants take calls from clients, write up order tickets and enter them into the computer, handle the paperwork for new accounts, inform clients of stock prices, and perform other tasks as needed. Some sales assistants obtain licenses to sell securities. This allows them to call brokers' clients with recommendations from the broker on specific investments.

Financial planners provide advice to both individuals and businesses on a broad range of financial subjects, such as investments, retirement planning, tax management, and employee benefits.

Portfolio managers and commodity trading advisors are responsible for making investment decisions for clients with large sums of money to invest. These clients include mutual funds, pension funds, trust funds, commodity pools, and high net-worth individuals. Portfolio managers must know the investment goals of the client and ensure that the investments they make meet those goals.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Financial Analysts and Personal Financial Advisors
Securities, Commodities, and Other Investments

Key Links


Education and Training in Financial Services

Certifications Community Colleges 4-year Colleges Other Options
Industry Overview In-Demand Occupations

Top of Page


 
 
The White House - President George W. Bush [*]Home | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy & Security | Link To Us | Submit a Link
   Site Map | Promotional Materials | Partnerships | Freedom of Information Act
1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627); TTY 1-877-889-5627

The U.S. government's official web portal.
cgi.HTTP_REFERER: http://careervoyages.gov/, session.displaytopsectionyesno: 1yes2 Career Voyages - Brighter Future, Better Pay, Good Jobs Link to Department of Labor Link to Department of Education