High School
In high school, take as many business, economics, mathematics, and accounting classes as possible. English and speech classes will help you to develop your oral and written communication skills. Computer science, database management, artificial intelligence, and other technology-related courses will come in handy as you conduct research and use financial modeling software.
Postsecondary Education
To become a portfolio manager, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in finance, quantitative finance, mathematics, accounting, economics, or business. Some managers also earn master’s degrees in business administration or other advanced degrees. Students who enter a degree program in finance take classes such as Introduction to Investing, Financial Derivatives, Fixed Income Portfolios, Applied Portfolio Management, and Empirical Analysis in Finance.
Certification
Some colleges and universities and professional associations provide undergraduate- and graduate-level certificate programs for finance professionals. For example, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers the Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management Program, which helps participants expand their knowledge of modern portfolio theory, behavioral finance, bond management duration, and credit risk equity market valuation. It also offers an Asset and Portfolio Management Certificate Program. The Investments & Wealth Institute offers online certificate programs in investment management essentials, applied behavioral finance, and other areas.
Other Education or Training
Participating in continuing education classes and webinars helps portfolio managers maintain their skills, learn about new investment strategies and financial products, and satisfy certification renewal requirements. Many professional associations provide such opportunities, including the Investments & Wealth Institute, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, Association for Financial Professionals, and CFA Institute. Contact these organizations for more information.
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