A portfolio manager holds a great influence on the global market place, from mutual funding to exchange trading. If you are someone who wants to be an expert in consistently beating the market, then the career path of a portfolio manager is an absolute fit for you. In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide, along with a detailed description of all important factors that all future portfolio managers should keep in mind.
Who is a Portfolio Manager?
Portfolio managers are financial analysts who work towards helping the company generate income by handling their investment portfolios. Besides overseeing an entire team of financial analysts, they might also engage in evaluating and recommending specific investment opportunities, keeping in mind trends, laws and regulations. A majority of portfolio managers are hired by finance and insurance industries where they dedicate their time in framing investment strategies
What are the career requirements?
Although the minimum degree requirements to become a portfolio manager is a Bachelor’s degree, it is always suggested that candidates possess a Master’s degree as well. Students from a wide array of academic fields including business, finance, statistics, economics, and accounting can choose to become a portfolio manager. You can initially start off working in lower-tier investment positions, preparing yourself for a professional certification eventually.
Steps you need to follow to become a portfolio manager
- Choose an undergraduate major: Attaining a bachelor’s degree can be a great way to start a career as a portfolio manager. This will help you prepare for an entry-level position at a financial organization, as well as graduate school applications. It is always better to opt for an undergraduate program that can transition into a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree.
- Decide upon a Master’s degree: Earning a master’s degree can advance your portfolio managerial career by leaps and bounds. You can earn a postgraduate degree either right after completing the bachelor’s degree or after gaining experience in the field. Topping up your master’s degree with courses in bond evaluation and pricing can help you gain foundational knowledge before embarking upon your career.
- Apply for a Financial Analyst position: Most portfolio managers are known to start out as financial analysts or an investment advisor, which can be an advanced career choice in securities. You can apply for this position as part of your graduate internship or a full-time paid position.
- Acquire professional licensure: After having developed the skills and experience to become a portfolio investment manager, you can consider getting yourself licensed by the government. This procedure is particularly important if you are engaged in the process of buying and selling to manage a portfolio of investments.
You must also consider opting for certification programs to adequately meet the designation’s requirements for an enterprise that you wish to work for. Apply for a Certificate in Postgraduate Trading to gain practical knowledge on investments and become a Portfolio manager yourself!
