High School
Since investment professionals work with numbers and compile data, you should take as many math classes as you can. Accounting, business, economics, and computer classes will be helpful as well. A good grasp of computer spreadsheet programs such as Excel is vital. Take extra care as you research and write reports in any subject matter or in public speaking, and it will pay off later when you must conduct investment research and write and present investment recommendations.
Postsecondary Training
Most employers require that investment professionals hold a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or statistics. Other possible majors include communications, economics, international business, and public administration. Some organizations will hire you if you hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline as long as you can demonstrate mathematical ability. In college, take business, economics, and statistics courses. Since computer technology plays such a big role in this work, computer classes can be helpful as well. English composition classes can prepare you for the writing you will need to do when preparing reports. Some employers require a writing sample prior to an interview.
Most colleges offer degree programs related to investment management or banking, and many also offer master's degrees. For advanced or executive positions in the field, a master's degree is often required.
Certification
The Investments & Wealth Institute (formerly the Investment Management Consultants Association) offers the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), and Retirement Management Advisor (RMA) certifications. Contact the organization to learn more.
Other Education or Training
Staying up to date with industry developments is key to success for investment professionals. Associations often provide continuing education opportunities. For example, the Investments & Wealth Institute offers webinars such as Ethics, Critical Thinking and Decision Traps, Endowments & Foundations Consulting, Essentials of Investment Consulting, and an Introduction to Alternative Investments. The CFA Institute, CFA Society New York, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.
- Accountants
- Architects
- Assessors and Appraisers
- Auditors
- Automatic Teller Machine Servicers
- Bank Branch Managers
- Bank Examiners
- Billing Clerks
- Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks
- Business Managers
- Chief Financial Officers
- Chief Information Officers
- Chief Revenue Officers
- Commodities Brokers
- Compliance Managers
- Cost Estimators
- Credit Analysts
- Economists
- Environmental Economists
- Financial Analysts
- Financial Consultants
- Financial Institution Officers and Managers
- Financial Institution Tellers, Clerks, and Related Workers
- Financial Planners
- Financial Quantitative Analysts
- Financial Services Brokers
- Forensic Accountants and Auditors
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators, and Analysts
- Futurists
- Hedge Fund Investor Relations Specialists
- Hedge Fund Relationship Managers
- Interior Designers and Decorators
- Investment Bankers
- Investment Banking Analysts
- Investment Banking Associates
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- Mutual Fund Wholesalers
- Private Bankers
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- Purchasing Agents
- Real Estate Agents and Brokers
- Real Estate Clerks
- Real Estate Developers
- Real Estate Lawyers
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- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
- Retirement Planners
- Statisticians
- Wealth Management Associates
- Wealth Management Investor Relations Specialists
