Usually, a four-year bachelor's degree is required, at minimum. A degree in the areas of economics, investments, or a general business degree with an emphasis on economics is useful. And MBA can be useful for working within the securities fields (Hobsons College View). Successful competition of the General Securities Registered Representative Examination is often required, and many states require a stock broker to take the Uniform Securities Agents State Law Examination. Stock brokers generally must go through a period of time when they are considered a trainee before being considered a stock broker (Princeton Review). Work conditions as a stock broker are generally good. Stock brokers work in offices during business hours, in all parts of the country, under safe conditions (Sify.com; FastWeb).

However, although the career may entail considerable stress. The pace of work can become hectic when sales activity is high due to unexpected economic changes. Similarly hours can be long for those beginning in the profession, who must often work over 60 hours a week to build a client base. However, established brokers may work less than 40 hours per week (FastWeb).

The textbook career map for a successful stock broker would include a number of different steps. To begin, a stock broker candidate would take classes in mathematics, business, languages, and science while in high school, as well as a number of extracurricular activities. The candidate would then obtain a four-year bachelor's degree in financial field or economics. The degree holder would then gain employment, and undergo a four-month training period. To prepare...

The candidate may also take the Uniform Securities Agents State Law Examination. As a stock broker, the individual would continue to take classes related to his or her field. If possible, the individual would gain experience in a field like insurance sales prior to completing college (Princeton Review).
A person-to-person interview has given me a strong insight into a career as a stock broker. This interview, with the beginning stock broker, highlighted the often the stressful experience in the first few years of the career.

In conclusion, a career as a stock broker is a potentially stressful, challenging, but financially rewarding career. Educational requirements are high, specific skills are needed, and the ability to deal with stress and the demands of lifelong learning are essential. However, at career as a stock broker can be profoundly rewarding for those willing to make the commitment.

Works Cited

Hobsons College View. Training to be a Stock Broker. 11 October 2004. http://www.collegeview.com/college/ask_experts/choosing_mj/stockbroke.html

FastWeb. Career Overview: Stock broker. Monster.com. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 11 October 2004. http://fastweb.monster.com/fastweb/content/career_db/stockbroker/index.ptml?ID=

Princeton Review. Career: Stock broker. 11 October 2004. http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=150

Sify.com. Stock Broker. 11 October 2004. http://sify.com/news_info/education/careerguide/fullstory.php?id=13360233