How to Become an Investment Manager

Investment managers, as the title implies, manage assets such as bonds and stocks to maintain a person's investment portfolio. You can manage personal investments or even corporate accounts such as pension funds. If a career in finance is for you, consider becoming an investment manager. Expectations for success are high, especially because you are managing someone else's money. However, being an investment manager is a rewarding and challenging career.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Obtain at least a bachelor's degree in finance, business or economics from an accredited college or university or an accredited business institute.

2. Pursue a graduate certification such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation to increase your chances of success in finding employment and moving up in the field of investment management.

3. Gain experience in the financial field by working in a bank or in corporate finance. Become familiar with long-range and short-range returns, risk, diversification and investment styles.

4. Become certified through the American Academy of Financial Management. Meet all requirements, including education, experience and pass an examination for consideration. Certifications include Chartered Portfolio Manager (CPM) and Chartered Risk Analyst (CRA).

5. Seek employment in banks, investment firms, trust companies, insurance companies or corporate financial departments. Decide if you wish to manage smaller, personal portfolios or take on large investments such as corporate pension funds or mutual funds.

Tips & Warnings

• You must pay fees when seeking certification from the American Academy of Financial Management.

Resources

• Find out about certifications the American Academy of Financial Management offers here.