What does a trade analyst job involve?

I'm thinking about becoming a trade analyst after high school, but I'm not super clear on what the job involves. Can anyone explain what kind of skills I would need and what a typical day might look like?

A trade analyst, often working within the field of international business or finance, typically monitors and interprets data related to trade and economic trends to aid strategic decision-making for businesses, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Key skills that a trade analyst needs include:

1. Data Analysis: You need a knack for crunching numbers and interpreting complex data sets. Working with spreadsheets, reports, and possibly business analytics software will be a typical part of your day.

2. Research Skills: Depending on your employer, you may have to research different industries, analyze trade policies, or understand economic events impacting global trade.

3. Communication: As a trade analyst, you might need to present your findings in meetings or write detailed reports, so effective communication skills are essential.

4. Problem-Solving: By identifying trends and forecasting possible outcomes, trade analysts help organizations solve strategic problems.

As for what a typical day looks like, it involves a good deal of desk work, often spent analyzing trade data, researching economic indicators, and writing reports. It would also involve collaboration, as you might work with various teams to provide them with relevant data, insight, or even strategy recommendations.

However, please note that most trade analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree in international business, economics, finance, or a related field. So, after high school, you may want to consider a college education to build up your skills and knowledge in these areas. It's also beneficial to take part in internships or entry-level positions that involve data analysis, as this would give you some practical experience and a better understanding of the job.