Business Analyst Financial Career Guide and Counseling

Question: How can a guy with a Psych. Degree become a Financial/Business Analyst? I just graduated in December 2006 from the University of Kentucky. My degree is in Psychology, but I have a passion for financial analysis and business developement. I was involved with a wonderful small business throughout college in which I was able to manage all of the financial/customer/business data and use it to help grow the company (a lot.) However, now that I am out of college and want to move into a sustainable career (i.e. support my family with pay and benefits,) I am finding it difficult to pursue my passion. My wife and I want to move to the Central Florida area (where we were engaged, honeymooned, etc.) I have applied for dozens of analyst jobs down there, but, as of yet, no bite. How does one "break into" this field?

Answer: Most analyst positions require a degree in Accounting at minimum, and many want a CPA. Take classes in accounting and maybe you'll get closer to your goal.

Question: How can I get into the Financial Analyst career track? I currently have experience using Access and Excel as a Business Analyst but no Financial experience. Next year I'm planning on beginning either an MBA w/ focus in Finance or an MS in Finance.

Answer: See if the program you take offers an intership. Most MBA programs have some relationships with large financial institutions. Just getting that on your resume will be enough to get you in the door for an interview. There is a need out there for good financial analysts. If you have strong access/excel skills and a working knowledge of sql with the MBA, internship experience and practical experience as a business analyst you should do fine.

Question: why is SQL is required in all financial and business analyst jobs. what is use of it in analyst.? As far as i know it is a pure data base language. can any one please explain why is it require and what SQL should be helpful to to compelet the requirment of financial analyst. I am so confuse, as do i need to learn the programing or something else bcause i only know little bit about it. ( only professional analyst answer) As far as i know it is a pure data base language. can any one please explain why is it require and what SQL should be helpful to to compelet the requirment of financial analyst. I am so confuse, as do i need to learn the programing or something else bcause i only know little bit about it. and no one has yet told which what SQL I need to do ( only professional analyst answer)

Answer: SQL is an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard computer language for accessing and manipulating database systems. SQL statements are used to retrieve and update data in a database. SQL works with database programs like MS Access, DB2, Informix, MS SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, etc. SQL stands for Structured Query Language,allows you to access a database, can execute queries against a database, can retrieve data from a database, can insert new records in a database, can delete records from a database, can update records in a database AND is easy to learn. That is why it is preferred !!

Question: I am a Senior Financial analyst, how can I transition over to Business Intelligence analyst/administror? I would love to become a Business intelligence administrator i.e. Hyperion, Cognos, SAP, Business Objects, etc. What do I needt to do to make the transition?

Answer: Hi, You need to find the skill sets for that position. Once you do that you should try matching up your personal experience to those skill sets. In regards to SAP it id very difficult to settle into that type of position because of the vast amount of experience that is needed. You may want to start looking at vendors of SAP/ HYPERION/ HP and such, become an Account Manager and move into an analyst position that way.

Question: How can I become a Financial analyst. Lately I hav been asked at work to do financial studies new business? The categories to analize are: Personnel expense, Depreciation, sundry purchase expense, indirect materials cost, utility expense & other expenses. I have to make assumptions in order to get the report. Basically I have to start from zero now!, can someone of you can help me giving me the knowledge to do it. PLS!!!

Answer: u need the knowledge of accounting and finance....without which you will make a fool of yourself

Question: I am interviewing for a financial analyst job at General Motors. Should I wear a suit or business casual? I am a 45 year old mid career worker. Should I wear a suit, sport jacket, or just nice business casual wear for the interview.

Answer: Here is the thing. When interviewing for a job you should always wear a suit. When working in a job you should dress one level above what is recomended. So if the job is business casual than you should wear a suit without the jacket.

Question: Does Financial analyst speak purely business english? When financial analysts work, do they mostly speak with the words that are very different with normal talking and it sounds like they are using a new language? like math teachers give lectures using only the words in its particular field of profession?

Answer: Depends on the person, their work, and who they are talking to. Many analysts work inside companies and thus are constantly presenting things to people who are not very financially literate, and can not afford to be misunderstood by speaking in highly technical terms. Others work solely in the financial services industry and assume others will understand the lingo. Like any other field it is easier to use jargon and communicate with similar people than it is to speak to people outside the occupation and culture. If you're question is do financial analysts have their own set of jargon, the answer is yes.

Question: Can I work as a stockbroker or equities analyst if I complete a Bachelor of Business in Financial Planning?

Answer: That degree might offer some background for being a stockbroker, but it's not necessary. A stockbroker position is a sales position, not a financial planning position. On the other hand, if you consider a position as a financial advisor at a major investment firm, where you serve as a stockbroker as well, then it could be helpful. An equities analyst, however, would do better to study Finance or Economics & Finance. Good luck

Question: What is the difference between a Financial Analyst and a Financial Advisor? The title says it all. Also, my head is a bit clouded of what i want to be in the future. I'm currently 18 years old in a Community College. I'm planning to transfer to Santa Cruz in Business Management/Economics. I heard a Financial Analyst helps plan and maximize people's profit, and that's what i like to do. I want to plan out things in a timely matter and i love to maximize profits from doing integrals of graphs (calculus). Any suggestions? Also, any difference with a Chartered Financial Analyst as well? Thanks everyone.

Answer: Financial Analysts have a function to acquire & interpret financial data of companies, projects, etc. Their reports are used as tool to make managerial decisions. A Financial Advisor is a person who gives recommendations on personal financial planning. They typically get paid by selling financial products either by commission or fee based A Chartered Financial Analyst or CFA is a professional designation in the field of investment banking, investment management, & financial analysis of stocks, bonds, an associated derivatives.

Question: Where do I start to become a financial analyst? Hello everyone. I just finished with a Bachelor's in International business and Finance (Double major). I have no related work experience. Every position I see as a financial analyst says YEARS of experience needed. HOW and WHERE can I start entry-level and build this kind of experience?

Answer: See if you can find a place to intern. If you go for an MBA, by the end you'll have 2 years experience and an MBA, so you'll get a better job.