There are a number of paths you can take to become an infrastructure analyst. To begin, you should prepare by obtaining an education that is related to the finance sector; as an infrastructure analyst, you are likely to provide some type of analysis on the viability of industry projects and assess the credit risk that may be involved. In addition to completing a college education, you should consider gaining work experience in the sector and also pursue any opportunities at analyst firms.
Plan to complete a college education that with some type of focus or major on finance, which is often a prerequisite to become an infrastructure analyst. While you may be assessing the viability and impact that an infrastructure might have in a region, you will also likely be expected to examine the way that a project is financed. This is where the education foundation that you achieve in finance will likely come into play.
If you decide to become an equity analyst, you will be expected to study the balance sheets of publicly traded companies that are involved in infrastructure development. You may assign ratings, or grades, to individual companies based on financial performance and expectations. In the event you pursue a career as a debt analyst, you will be judging the credit worthiness of individual infrastructure projects; either way, a background in finance is necessary. Once an education is completed, you may need to look into any formal certification that financial analysts are required to earn in order to practice as a professional in your region.
In some cases, to become an infrastructure analyst, it might be useful to gain some industry experience. For instance, working as a developer or in the field of construction might provide you with the exposure that is needed to eventually be in a position to offer analysis. Just working in the environment where projects are pursued and performed could open up the door to new contacts that might help you to become an infrastructure analyst.
Experience might be gained either in the public or private sectors, as both groups participate in projects across infrastructure transportation, energy, and water development, for instance. Obtaining the first job might be the most difficult step in the process. As a result, you may want to consider participating in an apprenticeship or an internship that — even if unpaid – will provide you with the experience that will catapult you to become an infrastructure analyst.