 Those who enter the field in a junior capacity, can progress to a senior capacity in a fairly brief period of time (two to four years) if they prove themselves talented; often such advancement is greatly aided by earning a Chartered Financial Analyst charter (which requires passing of three examinations).Many securities analysts have directly entered the profession at a more senior level; such persons typically have an MBA or other relevant advanced degree "and" a number of years of progressively responsible experience either in another finance profession, or in the industry which they will be covering as an analyst.Securities analysts are generally employed in one of three capacities