Graduate Strategy Analyst CV Template Example
The role of a Graduate Strategy Analyst is one of the most exciting and fast-growing career opportunities for ambitious graduates looking to enter the world of business strategy and corporate development. It is a role that combines analytical thinking, commercial acumen, and problem-solving skills to support senior executives in making informed decisions about the future of a business. As a Graduate Strategy Analyst, you will typically find yourself working on projects such as market research, competitor analysis, financial modelling, and strategic planning.
The job description usually requires strong quantitative skills, a passion for research, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Employers value candidates who can translate complex data into actionable insights, often presenting findings to senior stakeholders.
In terms of salary, Graduate Strategy Analysts in the UK can expect a starting range of £28,000 to £35,000 depending on the company, sector, and location. With experience, this can rise significantly, particularly if you progress into Strategy Manager, Corporate Development, or Senior Analyst roles, where salaries can exceed £60,000 to £90,000 and beyond.
Why your Graduate Strategy Analyst CV matters
Your CV is the first impression you make with employers and hiring managers. For a competitive role like Graduate Strategy Analyst, where hundreds of graduates may be applying for the same position, your CV needs to stand out immediately. Recruiters will typically spend less than 10 seconds scanning your CV before deciding whether to shortlist you. This means your document must not only be tailored to the job description but also demonstrate your ability to think strategically about your own career story.
By creating an interview-winning CV, you show employers that you are not only academically qualified but also commercially minded, results-driven, and capable of contributing value from day one.
What recruiters look for in a Graduate Strategy Analyst CV
When recruiters and hiring managers review applications for Graduate Strategy Analyst positions, they are looking for a blend of academic achievement, analytical ability, and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Specifically, they will be drawn to CVs that include:
Strong academic background – often in fields like Business, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, or related disciplines.
Analytical skills – proven through coursework, projects, internships, or extracurricular activities.
Commercial awareness – an understanding of business models, market dynamics, and how organisations grow and adapt.
Evidence of problem-solving – situations where you identified a challenge, analysed options, and presented recommendations.
Teamwork and collaboration – as most strategy projects are delivered in teams.
Communication skills – the ability to simplify complex information and present it clearly to stakeholders.
How to structure a Graduate Strategy Analyst CV
Your CV should be no longer than two pages, with a clear and logical structure that makes it easy for recruiters to skim quickly. Here is a proven structure:
Profile / Personal Statement – a short, impactful summary at the top of your CV that highlights who you are, your strengths, and your career aspirations.
Key Skills Section – a concise bullet point list of core skills relevant to strategy analysis such as data analysis, market research, financial modelling, Excel, PowerPoint, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Education – place your degree and academic achievements prominently, especially if you have achieved a high grade or relevant coursework such as Strategic Management, Data Analytics, or Corporate Finance.
Work Experience / Internships – highlight relevant roles, internships, or voluntary experiences where you demonstrated transferable skills. Even part-time roles can showcase analytical, customer service, or leadership abilities.
Projects and Achievements – particularly valuable for graduates, this section allows you to showcase university projects, consulting challenges, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your analytical mindset.
Additional Information – languages, technical skills, or interests that reinforce your suitability.
Example of a Graduate Strategy Analyst CV Profile Statement
“A highly motivated and analytically minded Business and Economics graduate with a strong academic background and proven ability to conduct market research, perform data-driven analysis, and support strategic decision-making. Skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial modelling, with experience presenting findings to senior stakeholders. Seeking to contribute to a forward-thinking strategy team where I can apply my problem-solving skills and passion for business growth.”
Graduate CV tips for Strategy Analyst roles
Tailor every application – use the job description as a guide and reflect the exact skills and requirements listed.
Show evidence, not just claims – instead of writing “good analytical skills,” demonstrate with examples such as “analysed financial statements of five FTSE 100 companies to produce a competitor benchmark report.”
Include achievements – quantify your impact where possible: “Increased student society membership by 40% through strategic marketing campaign.”
Highlight relevant software – Excel, SQL, PowerPoint, Tableau, or other analytical tools are often required.
Show commercial awareness – mention business news, trends, or case studies you have engaged with.
Advice for graduates
As a graduate, you may feel you lack experience, but the truth is employers understand this. What they are really seeking is potential. Showcase your transferable skills gained through internships, part-time work, volunteering, and academic projects. For example:
Group assignments prove teamwork and project management.
Presentations demonstrate communication skills.
Dissertation research shows analytical rigour.
Part-time jobs highlight customer service and resilience.
Don’t underestimate the value of these experiences when positioned correctly in your CV.
Advice for middle and senior management professionals
If you are at a more advanced career stage and transitioning into a Strategy Analyst or Strategy Manager role, your CV should focus on leadership, strategic impact, and results. At this level, hiring managers will want to see:
Evidence of managing strategy projects end-to-end.
Leadership in cross-functional teams.
A track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.
Examples of influencing senior stakeholders.
Strategic initiatives that supported growth, innovation, or cost reduction.
Your CV should become more results-focused and less descriptive, showcasing how you have shaped business direction.
The do’s and don’ts of a Graduate Strategy Analyst CV
Do’s:
Do keep your CV to a maximum of two pages.
Do use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Do tailor your CV for every application.
Do use active verbs like “analysed,” “presented,” “delivered,” and “achieved.”
Do include both academic and extracurricular achievements.
Don’ts:
Don’t include irrelevant personal details such as marital status or date of birth.
Don’t use generic clichés like “hardworking team player” without evidence.
Don’t use long paragraphs – recruiters scan, they don’t read line by line.
Don’t send your CV without proofreading for spelling and grammar.
Don’t forget to add a cover letter to complement your CV.
Final thoughts
Creating an interview-winning Graduate Strategy Analyst CV is not just about listing qualifications; it’s about telling a story that positions you as the perfect candidate for the role. Whether you are a graduate, a mid-level professional, or a senior manager, your CV should be tailored to demonstrate your unique skills, experiences, and value to an employer. Remember that your CV is not a static document – it should evolve as you gain new experiences and progress in your career.
Ready to take your CV to the next level?
If you want to stand out in today’s competitive job market and secure more interviews, it’s vital that your CV and LinkedIn profile are polished, professional, and tailored to your target role. With over 25 years of experience as a UK-based career coach, I have helped thousands of professionals transform their job search success by creating CVs that win interviews.
I invite you to book a one-to-one appointment where we can work together to enhance your CV, optimise your LinkedIn profile, and give you the confidence to land your ideal role.
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