Industry Analyst

An industry analyst collects and analyzes data in order to evaluate existing and potential product and service markets. It is their responsibility to identify and monitor competitors and research market conditions or changes in the industry that may affect sales.


Industry analysts in the computer field analyse and report on industry trends for industry or investment publications and brokers. They analyse the performance of companies and advise on opportunities for investment. They recommend which companies to invest in, how much to invest, and whether to increase, hold or sell their stocks.

Industry analysts compile information on the whole industry or on particular companies, and this information is used by investors, economic planners, government agencies and other companies in the industry. They seek investment opportunities in companies and investigate areas such as financing, development of products, market plans, management capabilities, competition and buy-outs of smaller companies. They also check for potential problems in a company such as product portfolios, balance sheets and market share. They usually work in their own offices and make presentations in boardrooms and meeting rooms.


Personal Requirements

  • good computer skills and knowledge
  • able to work well with people
  • mathematically and financially inclined
  • analytical, diagnostic and problem-solving skills
  • good communication skills
  • self-disciplined and methodical
  • good concentration abilities


How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution has its own entry requirements.



What to Study

Degree: suitable degree such as BCom with subjects such as Information Technology, Business Management, Investment Management, Statistics etc. - most universities


Employment

  • computer companies
  • brokerage firms
  • trade publications
  • economic planners
  • government agencies
  • banks, stock exchange
  • investment research companies


Further Information

Any of the above


Getting Started

  • speak to an industry analyst about this career
  • read up on the stock market
  • read up on computer industry trends in computer publications at the library, or in newspapers


Programmes by Study Institutions

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