What does an investment analyst do ?
An investment analyst is a strategist. Their role is to identify and seize the best financial and real estate opportunities on behalf of their company or clients. Their knowledge of financial mechanisms and their extensive network of investors enable them to implement everything necessary to ensure the profitability of their actions.
There are two types of investment analysts: the real estate investment analyst, dedicated to this sector, and the financial analyst, who also works in the banking and financial markets sectors. The Master's in Finance at the Université Paris Dauphine-PSL prepares future professionals for all the human, regulatory, strategic, and financial aspects of this exciting and demanding profession.
Areas of work of an investment analyst
An investment analyst is a valuable resource for all traders and portfolio managers (of stocks or real estate). Their activities are as varied as the prospects for investment are numerous.
Daily tasks
On a daily basis, an investment analyst will be called upon to:
- Collect market information and synthesize it to identify, study, and value new investment opportunities or adjust their strategy.
- Model the sale and acquisition of corporate and/or real estate assets.
- Develop business plans and commercial documents to present to potential investors.
- Conduct studies and strategic recommendations.
- Perform financial analysis of all companies in their portfolio with different valuation scenarios.
- Carry out simulations of capital operations such as various capital increases to consider the best scenario to follow.
- Prepare investment committees.
- Set up merger and acquisition operations.
- Assess the feasibility of a project.
- Create and update investor databases and transactions carried out.
Salaries and career path
The salary of a real estate investment analyst or a financial analyst is proportional to their professional experience. Following the Asset Management specialization of the Master's in Finance at the University, former students earn a median starting salary of €40,054 gross per year. This compensation varies according to the employer. It is higher in investment banking where bonuses, incentives, and profit-sharing related to the analyst's performance are added.
In this profession, the salary increases rapidly with experience. After 6 to 10 years of tenure, the salary of an investment analyst ranges from €65,000 to €110,000 gross per year.
If their results match their ambitions, an investment analyst can quickly move into the role of asset manager. They can then become the head of acquisitions or financial director in France or internationally. Thanks to their professional network, they can also found their own investment consulting firm.
Required
skills
- Unequivocal mathematical logic
- Rigour and organization
- Knowledge of new asset classes, regulations, and contractual and ethical standards related to them
- Proficiency in financial analysis models and asset valuation
- Analytical, planning, and coordination skills
- Proficiency in English and financial modeling software
- Passion for corporate finance
- Excellent work capacity
- Oral and written fluency
- Autonomy, versatility, and the ability to work in a team with other services
- Ability to manage multiple projects at once without being overwhelmed
- Resilience to pressure
- Responsiveness
How to become an investment analyst?
Securing a position as an investment analyst requires impeccable mastery of financial analysis models, regulations, and methods of evaluating financial and real estate assets.
Only advanced studies in finance (at a BAC+5 level) at a recognized university or school can allow one to stand out to recruiters. The Université Paris-Dauphine - PSL offers an intensive program in financial analysis: the Master's in Finance, which is available as a work-study or initial training program.
Training to become an investment analyst at the Université Paris Dauphine – PSL
The Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers an excellent Master's in Finance, which prepares students for the many challenges of the investment analyst profession. This Master's combines academic teachings and professional modules to equip the professionals of tomorrow with high-level technical skills. These studies also prepare for an international career, with many courses in English and the opportunity to spend a semester of the curriculum abroad.
The Université Paris Dauphine-PSL is recognized both in France and abroad. Its professional network - consisting of alumni, large investment groups, and numerous asset management firms - provides exclusive access to numerous internship and job offers in Europe and beyond.
Each year, many students from the Master's in Finance are recruited by renowned companies and firms even before obtaining their degree.