Paralegal Jobs | Guide to Becoming a Paralegal

Working as a securities analyst is actually quite different than paralegal jobs, but is worthy of consideration for paralegals thinking of making a career transition.  This is because the organizational and motivational requirements of each role are of the same caliber, and the types of individuals that excel in one position are likely to be able to make a go of the other.

Securities analysts are also known as financial analysts, equity analysts, or investment analysts.  Their role is that of an analyst (as the name suggests) who studies the financial performance of corporations, whether with internal or external affairs, and advises on potential investments.  This role uses fundamental analysis principles, but also incorporates chart analysis and tactical evaluations of the market environment.  Similar to components of paralegal jobs, securities analysts are responsible for studying records and filings, making conference calls and interacting with clients, they schedule meetings, write reports and make spreadsheets, make presentations, and use specialized software programs to help them with their duties.  The nature of the work is very much a system, much like the work of a paralegal.

Employment is often found in pension funds, hedge funds, securities firms, banks, insurance companies, and other types of businesses.  The securities analyst is essentially responsible for helping the company, or their clients, to make important investment decisions; they are highly trained in knowing how to manage money in such a way that is of significant benefit to the company or clients that they work for.  In a similar way, paralegals’ work is extremely beneficial, if not crucial to the well being of a law firm.

While the education requirements are not entirely specific, most securities analysts have received graduate level training in a related field.  The most common of these are an MSF (Master of Science in Finance), or an MBA.  The undergraduate portion of their education is often in a related field of some sort, as well.  So, if you are serious about making the transition from paralegal jobs to another career, and are considering becoming a securities analyst, you may need to acquire additional schooling.  If you are willing to take on additional schooling, you won’t be disappointed as securities analysts tend to make between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with the median being towards the latter.  Chances are that if you like the type of work you do in paralegal jobs, you will also enjoy a new role as a securities analyst.