Employers
Approximately 55,290 financial risk specialists are employed in the United States; a small percentage work for mutual fund companies. Opportunities are available throughout the United States. States with the highest concentration of financial risk specialist jobs include Delaware, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Arizona. Risk managers work for mutual fund companies, broker/dealers, and accounting and consulting firms that provide risk management services to these organizations. Outside the investment management industry, risk managers are employed by corporations of all types, the U.S. military, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Starting Out
Participating in an internship or fellowship is an excellent way to obtain experience, build your professional network, and get your foot in the door at a company. The Vanguard Group, Charles Schwab, TIAA, USAA Funds, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and many other mutual fund companies offer such opportunities. Visit their Web sites for more information. Joining a professional association will provide access to job listings, networking opportunities (including annual conferences), and career resources. Other job-search strategies include applying for jobs directly at the Web sites of potential employers, networking online and at career fairs, working with counselors at your college’s career services office, and using the services of recruiters.