Research section: Education and investor relations

It’s commonly accepted that there is no set route to becoming an IRO: anecdotal evidence suggests many in the profession come from diverse starting points, be they financial qualifications, on-the-job training or industry-specific university degrees. Though there are many different starting points, there are several skill sets and personal characteristics that lend themselves to the profession, and other attributes that are more specifically useful.

This report studies how IR professionals ended up in their current position, how qualified their team members are and how often they refresh their professional training. We also look at what qualifications and qualities respondents would like to see in their new colleagues – and how the two match up – in order to see what attributes are most needed for IROs to succeed.

Upcoming events

  • Briefing – Are investors finding your IR content in AI?
    Wednesday, December 17, 2025

    Briefing – Are investors finding your IR content in AI?

    In partnership with WHEN 8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm GMT / 5.00 pm CET DURATION 45 minutes About the event AI is transforming how investors and analysts access company information. Increasingly, earnings reports, disclosures and IR websites are being read first by algorithms and large…

    Online
  • Forum – AI & Technology Europe
    Thursday, March 12, 2026

    Forum – AI & Technology Europe

    About the event Stay ahead. Harness AI. Transform IR. In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, AI is transforming how IROs engage with investors, analyze market sentiment and deliver insights. Yet, many IR teams face challenges in understanding and employing these tools effectively. WHEN WHERE America Square Conference Centre, London The…

    London, UK
  • Think Tank – West Coast
    Thursday, March 19, 2026

    Think Tank – West Coast

    Our unique format – Exclusively for in-house IRO’s The IR Impact Think Tank – West Coast will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in Palo Alto and is an  invitation-only event exclusively for senior IR officers. Our think tanks are free to attend and our unique format enables participants to network extensively, and discuss, debate and dissect…

    Palo Alto, US

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