Would you like to predict the impact of changes in policies, inflation rate and changing economic trends on the share market? Do you read the business pages before the sports news? Do you follow the ups and downs in the share market? If the answer is ?yes?, then stock broking is the perfect choice for you. Deciding on a competent financial advisor is an important decision for everyone.

Most people buy their stocks through a broker, a traditional route for investing in the stock market. Stockbrokers act as agents for buying and selling stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) .

The work of stockbrokers has become a challenging one as it incorporates specialised knowledge as well as professional acumen. Stock market and related functioning has become computerised which obviously demands information management skills as well. Stockbrokers can be securities traders, securities brokers and securities analysts.

What do i have to do?

A stockbroker invests in the stock market for individuals or corporations. Only members of the stock exchange can conduct transactions, so whenever individuals or corporations want to buy or sell stocks they must go through a brokerage house. Stockbrokers often advise and counsel their clients on appropriate investments. They assess the financial requirements of their clients and advise the best investment for them, thereafter facilitating the purchase and transfer of stocks. Stockbrokers spend their time in a fast-paced office, and spend many hours on the phone building up a client base.

As the condition of capital markets is constantly improving and channels like NDTV Profit and CNBC have created greater awareness, the investment scenario has started drawing attention of a lot more people than before.

What should i study?

You can do your Plus Two from any subject stream. However, subjects like commerce, accounts, economics, maths and statistics are useful. After your Plus Two, there are many routes to this field such as accountancy, statistics, economics, financial management, etc. To specialise as a stockbroker you should become a member of a recognised stock exchange.

No stockbroker or sub-broker can buy, sell, or deal in securities, unless he/she holds a certificate granted by the Board under the regulations. The National Stock Exchange?s Certification in Financial Markets (NCFM) enhances career opportunities.

If you want a career as an equity analyst you can pursue a postgraduate diploma course in equity research and analysis offered by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysis of India, Hyderabad.

What next?

Given the present complex situation of our capital markets, stockbrokers have to face challenging tasks. The specialised knowledge and professional acumen required has made the job of brokers a highly skilled one. The work of stockbrokers depends upon the kind of operations they engage themselves in. Some brokers like to practise with individual clients while others work for institutions. Brokers who work for institutional investors are often called securities traders. Many prefer to work as dealers, advisors and securities analysts. Security analysts are those who advise companies on floatations of shares as they are expected to have sound knowledge of capital markets.

Due to constant changes in the capital market and the economy, the demand for professionals in this field has increased tremendously. Besides jobs in the stock markets, opportunities also exist in SEBI.

Capital markets in India are going through a major reform phase. Initiatives taken by SEBI in discipline, reform and greater transparency in the markets has had positive effects on their performance. Foreign institutional investors, mutual funds and even individuals have once again started expressing confidence in the capital markets. This has enhanced the prospects for brokers, investment and equity analysts.