Securities Sales Agent

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Work Tasks

• Buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other financial products for individuals and companies
• Give advice about investments and about buying and selling securities
• Give the latest stock and bonds prices
• Keep records of customer accounts
• Work in offices for brokerage and investment firms
• Work with customer accounts, economic and political information, financial statements and research data, stocks, bonds, shares in mutual funds, other investments, and the latest stock and bond prices

Salary, Size & Growth

• $79,000 average per year ($38.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (276,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year degree in business, accounting, or economics plus sales ability, good interpersonal and communication skills, and a strong desire to succeed
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in business administration (MBA)
• Skills/Courses: Training includes the products and services offered, company policies, securities analysis, effective speaking, and sales training
• Certification/Licensing: Agents must be registered after 4 months or more and pass tests on securities and state laws.