Not only does an analyst need to understand Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Bloomberg, they also need to know when to support their boss and when to stay clear of him. Although posterior kissing is not a good thing to do, a good analyst knows how to observe, network and how to think.
Side interests in poker or following stocks and foreign currencies are other tid bits of a successful analyst. This person works long hours as he learns about investment banking and meeting others who he will work with eventually. If you are good at your job you can see returns on investments more than fifty times you actual salary.
After about two years of this position, many analysts go on to higher positions and some go off to get the MBA. Some job as strict where other are mellow but if you can get the job done, you are likely to be kept on for some time. Obtaining a CFA is another path takes by those who cannot get an MBA. Grunt work is part of this job do don’t be surprised to be asked to pick up burgers.