Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
What is a Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents?
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents are professionals who facilitate the buying and selling of financial products such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and other investment vehicles. They work for brokerage firms, investment banks, and financial advisory companies. These agents are responsible for understanding and analyzing financial markets, managing client accounts, and providing expert guidance on investment options. They help clients make informed decisions to achieve their financial goals, whether that involves trading securities, investing in commodities, or utilizing various financial services. Agents typically build and maintain relationships with clients, ensuring their investment strategies align with market conditions and individual financial needs. To succeed in this career, agents must possess strong analytical skills, an in-depth understanding of financial regulations, and the ability to communicate complex financial information in an accessible manner. Continuous education is often required to keep up with industry changes and maintain necessary licenses. Overall, this career demands a combination of financial acumen, interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to client service.
Tasks
- Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
- Monitor markets or positions.
- Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
- Keep accurate records of transactions.
- Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.
Technology Skills
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Presentation software
- Financial analysis software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Wearable computing devices
- Scanners
- Notebook computers
- Special purpose telephones
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
- Negotiate prices or other sales terms.
- Monitor market conditions or trends.
- Maintain records of sales or other business transactions.
- Sell products or services.
- Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
Work Interests
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$45420.0 - $212180.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.