How to Become a Risk Analyst

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Risk Analyst

What does a Risk Analyst do?

A Risk Analyst evaluates the vulnerability of an organization's assets to determine the potential risk factors. Performs statistical analysis to quantify risk and forecast probable outcomes. Being a Risk Analyst prepares reports and presents findings to assist management with decision-making while offering solutions to minimize or eliminate risks. Monitors internal and external risk factors including economic, market, and regulatory risks to continuously maintain maximum protection of an organization's assets. Additionally, Risk Analyst supports managers in risk management or risk model construction. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Risk Analyst occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Risk Analyst typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Risk Analyst responsibilities

Analysts may work in many sectors of the economy, including private banking, sales, and trading.

10/25/2019: Macon, GA

Risk analysts typically work in one of four specialties.

12/20/2019: Port Arthur, TX

In general, a credit risk analyst gathers all the information available on the loans that his employer has given so far.

12/14/2019: Madison, WI

Whenever someone applies for a loan, the analyst inputs the applicant’s information into the system to see the probability of default.

12/28/2019: Anderson, IN

When an applicant has a higher probability of default, a credit risk analyst often advises risk-based pricing.

11/09/2019: Bellingham, WA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Risk Analyst

Best tips for those who want to become a Risk Analyst

Here are some tips to become a Risk Analyst.

People's Opinions on best tips

Strong critical thinking skills.

10/31/2019: Lexington, KY

An understanding of basic probability principles.

11/23/2019: Wichita, KS

Training in calibrated estimation.

11/27/2019: Albuquerque, NM

Familiarity with decision support technologies (for example, Monte Carlo functions).

10/22/2019: Newark, NJ

Knowledge of International Relations/Geopolitics.

10/26/2019: Lebanon, PA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Risk Analyst

Best colleges and universities for Risk Analyst

  • Florida Southern College
  • Colby College
  • Dartmouth College
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Western Washington University
  • Canisius College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Risk Analyst

Is being a Risk Analyst Worth it?

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Work closely with the local business teams to address and mitigate credit risks, and provide advice and support on credit matters.

11/16/2019: Wilmington, DE

The Threat & Risk Analyst will be a part of the Risk Management, Global Security (GS) Team and have a strategic threat intelligence focus working closely with GS Team members located around the world.  Of equal importance, the position will have a tactical threat intelligence responsibility while working with Regional Security personnel on top priorities in the US and other Areas.

10/06/2019: Kansas City, KS

Help inform the Global Threat & Risk process by contributing top area priorities and requirements (including but not limited to terrorist and violent extremist threats, political instability, transnational criminal organizations, and regional emerging threats) to establish top concerns for the organization especially for the areas of Global Travel and Meetings and Events Security.

11/23/2019: Raleigh, NC

Assist Corporate Risk Manager in the development of budgets, forecasts, financial reports, premium allocations, premium audits and retro calculations.

11/11/2019: Pascagoula, MS

Develop strong relationships with the various business unit personnel, other internal and external stakeholders to be a sought after resource for their risk management needs.

10/05/2019: Columbus, OH
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Risk Analyst

What skills do you need to be a Risk Analyst?

In order to succeed at this level, when working with both management positions and positions more junior, a variety of skills are required.  A strong grasp of the following skills is needed to perform this role: Business Analytics, Loss Prevention, Risk Assessment, Risk Analysis, Risk Identification Model.  You would need to be proficient in the following: Financial Risk Management Software.  Although there may be many skills for success in this role, some companies may be willing to provide on the job training if you excel in other areas.

People's Opinions on Risk Analyst skills

Risk analysts are responsible for identifying and analyzing areas of potential risk that threaten the assets base, earning capacity, and general financial success of the private or public sector organizations that employ them or contract their services.

12/15/2019: Eugene, OR

Some employers may hire you directly out of school into a risk analysis or management training program, while others will only hire you if you have years of professional experience in roles of progressive responsibility.

12/01/2019: Boise, ID

In order to become effective in a career as a risk analyst, you need to posses a certain set of skills.

10/19/2019: Charlotte, NC

Employers of risk analysts typically seek candidates with analytical and mathematical skills and abilities, as well as general business skills.

12/08/2019: Santa Maria, CA

Credit risks are generally calculated based on the borrower's overall ability to repay a loan according to its original terms.

10/01/2019: San Jose, CA
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Step 6: View average salary for Risk Analyst

How much does a Risk Analyst make?

The average salary range for a Risk Analyst is from $70,302 to $90,846. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Risk Analyst
$70,302 to $90,846

Step 7: Find relevant Risk Analyst jobs, and apply.

Looking for Risk Analyst jobs?

Here are some Risk Analyst jobs in the United States.

Search Risk Analyst Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Risk Analyst