There are many career paths out there for people looking to make a name for themselves in the world. Investment managers, however, may be one of the most lucrative and satisfying options out there. Therefore, is investment managers a good career path? In this article, we’ll take a look at the topic and understand it better.
What is an Investment Manager?
An investment manager is a professional who manages money for others, typically in the form of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Investment managers typically work for large institutional investors, such as pension funds or mutual funds. They help their clients make informed decisions about which investments to make and how to grow their wealth over time.
Many investment managers have degrees in finance or business administration. To become an investment manager, you generally need at least five years of experience in the financial industry. Some investment managers also have specialized training in specific areas, such as portfolio management or quantitative analysis.
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Role of an Investment Manager
- Financial Planner:
A financial planner is responsible for helping clients create a comprehensive financial plan. They will help identify your goals and objectives, as well as assess your current financial situation. After creating a plan, the planner will work with you to develop a strategy for achieving your goals.
- Portfolio Manager:
A portfolio manager is responsible for managing a client’s investment portfolio on behalf of the client or their advisor. They will research different investment options, select the best ones for the client’s risk tolerance and investing style, and ultimately promote these investments to their clients.
- Stockbroker:
A stockbroker is not typically considered an investment manager, but they do have some similarities in that they are also responsible for helping their clients make smart financial decisions by recommending stocks and/or ETFs that match their risk tolerance and investing style.
- Account Managers:
Account managers are responsible for working with individual clients and helping them invest their money in the right products. They should have excellent customer service skills and be able to keep track of client portfolios, account balances, and transaction histories.
- Advisers:
Advisers work with individual investors rather than a whole portfolio. They offer personalized advice on which stocks or sectors they should invest in based on their risk tolerance and goals. Advisers also help manage client portfolios through asset allocation, stock picking, and market timing techniques.
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Types of Investments an Investment Manager Works With
- Stocks:
Stock is ownership in a company and can be bought and sold on the open market. Investment managers often use technical analysis, which is the study of historical prices and patterns to make recommendations about what to buy and sell.
- Bonds:
A bond is an agreement between two parties that promises to repay a set amount of money at a specific date or time. Investment managers often use interest rates to make recommendations about whether or not to buy or sell bonds.
- Commodities:
A commodity is any good or service that has been around for centuries and can be produced in large quantities without having to pay high costs. Investment managers often use charts and other technical indicators to predict when commodities will rise or fall in price.
Education and Certification Requirements for Investment Managers
There are a few education and certification requirements for investment managers. For example, most professional organizations require that an individual hold a bachelor’s degree in business or economics. Many also require certification from the Institute of Financial Analysts (IFA).
Once you have your degree and certification in hand, you’ll need to pass a series of exams to become a certified investment manager (CIM). The CIM program is offered by the Investment Management Association (IMA) and requires passing both the Fundamentals of Personal Finance exam and the Asset Management exams.
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How to Become an Investment Manager
- Start by acquiring a college degree in business, finance, or accounting.
- After completing your education, find a job in an investment banking or securities firm.
- Within two years of working at the firm, begin to develop your investment portfolio and strategies.
- When you are four years into your career, begin to attend investment conferences and learn from the best investment managers in the world.
- When you have demonstrated that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful investment manager, start your firm or join an existing one.
Salary and Benefits of a career as an Investment Manager
The average salary for a registered investment advisor (RIA) was $118,100 in 2016, according to the National Association of Investment Managers (NAIM). TheNAIM also reports that the highest-paid RIA earned an annual salary of over $205,000. The lowest-paid RIA earned an annual salary of less than $60,000.
A career as an investment manager can provide opportunities for growth and advancement. Many investment managers work in independent firms or as employees of large financial institutions. Investment managers who work for large financial institutions typically have more responsibility and can earn higher salaries than those who work independently.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the job outlook for investment managers?
A: The job outlook for investment managers is good, according to Indeed.com. The website reports that the number of job openings in this field will grow by 19% through 2020. This means there are many opportunities for those who want to become investment managers.
Q: What experience is necessary to become an investment manager?
A: To be successful as an investment manager, you need experience in financial analysis and portfolio management. You also need strong analytical skills and knowledge of financial markets. Some previous experience working in a financial institution can also help you qualify for the position.