Risk Analysis

What does a career in political risk mean?
Political risk analysts examine the political climate and social conditions of a particular country, region, or market to determine the level of political risk. They provide information pertaining to government stability, crime levels, currency convertibility, land rights issues, as well as other factors that would affect return on investment. Typically, analysts gather information pertaining to the area of interest, determine the causes, sources, and level of risk, and forward their findings to decision-makers. They also may provide solutions or offer recommendations for overcoming these risks.

Other types of risk specialists:

Credit risk specialists analyse the risk to the company of its customers not paying for goods or services or defaulting on loans.
Market risk specialists analyse the risk that outside factors may affect the share price or the market. They typically work closely with traders to calculate the risk associated with specific trading transactions.

Operational risk analysts look at the likelihood of risky events, such as system breakdowns and employee fraud.

Regulatory risk analysts look at the impact on the company of new legislation.

Entry Requirements
If you’re interested in this field, it’s helpful to develop accounting and financial skills as well as an understanding of the political process. Internships are strongly recommended for a career in political risk analysis, especially if you’re looking to work at a financial institution. A postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc in financial-related risk management or financial markets, can also significantly improve your employment prospects, particularly for candidates with an unrelated undergraduate degree. Entry is also possible through graduate training programmes, especially in many of the larger finance organisations.

Skills Required
– strong numeracy, analytical and strategy skills;
– good research skills;
– planning/organisational skills and problem-solving ability;
– IT competence/computer literacy;
– negotiation skills;
– written and oral communication skills;
– the ability to explain complex issues and present technical information clearly;
– commercial awareness;
– the ability to work independently and to cope with pressure and responsibility;
– a professional approach to work, integrity and respect for ethics;
– the confidence to relate to a wide range of people and to challenge people when necessary.

Q-Step – Quantitative teaching
Kent’s Q-Step Centre supports quantitative teaching for undergraduate social science students. Through inspiring, innovative and integrated teaching, the centre provides training in how numbers inform social research at all levels of statistical complexity.

As part of their commitment to making quantitative social science accessible to all, students who enrol in traditional degree programs in the School of Politics and International Relations, and Sociology, Social Policy and Social Research can choose to take up the `minor’ in Quantitative Social Science once their first year is complete, and modules covering various statistical topics will also be open to all
students.

Employers
AKE 
Aspen 
Eurasia Group 
Chatham House
KPMG
Pacific Risk Advisors
FitchSolutions
Control Risks Group
The Economist Group
Emerging Strategy 
Euromonitor International
IHS Markit
International Institute for Strategic Studies
Maplecroft
Risk Advisory Group

Further information about this career sector
Kent CES – Work in Risk Analysis
ICAEW – Risk Management

Recruitment sites
Indeed Risk Analyst Jobs
Trovit Risk Analyst Jobs
Reed Risk Analyst Jobs