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An investment fund manager advises and oversees a company’s financial welfare. Responsibilities include analyzing trends and fluctuations in financial markets, determining how these affect a business’s operations, and designing investment programs that will manage financial expenditures in order to enhance profit margins. By making the right investments in stocks, bonds and other assets, investment fund managers help businesses maintain profitable portfolios, which are critical for a company’s financial stability and success.
Educational Requirements for Entry Level Positions
The pathway to becoming an investment fund manager begins by earning at least a bachelor’s degree in business or financial management. A bachelor’s degree will gain entry into financial analyst or assistant managerial positions in a variety of financial institutions, insurance or investment companies, brokerages, charities, real estate agencies or government organizations. Future investment fund managers will hone their skills by working on teams to evaluate market trends, assess current investment performance, and make recommendations for future investments based on a company’s goals. A four year bachelor’s requires coursework in: general education studies, advanced math, statistics, accounting, economics, finance, technology, and basic business management principles.
Master’s Degree and Certification Requirements
Prospective investment fund managers benefit from job experience and are then ready for further education. Most fund manager positions require at least a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or in Finance (M.Fin. or MiF). Degree candidates will complete studies in a two to three year time frame, often part-time during evening hours in programs geared towards accommodating the schedules of working professionals. Coursework places emphasis on advanced studies of: business practices including resource management, legal standards affecting financial practices, technology and software enhancements for financial databases, design and development of financial management portfolios, proficient written and oral communication skills, and integration of business goals into financial management plans.
In addition to earning a master’s, many employers desire an investment fund manager to hold certification as a chartered financial analyst, or CFA, according to Business Week. This credential indicates that an investment fund manager possesses in-depth knowledge of financial investment practices which will benefit a company. Many business graduate programs are now including preparation for the CFA as part of their curriculum so that candidates will have the opportunity to sit for the exam upon completion of their studies.
Job Responsibilities of an Investment Fund Manager
Investment fund managers are responsible for a wide variety of supervisory and analytical tasks on a daily basis, including:
- Gathering information about financial trends through research and reading current financial briefings.
- Assessing performance of similar companies to evaluate the success of their financial management strategies.
- Conferencing with investment analysts and company managers about the current financial health of the business’s management portfolio.
- Evaluating and interpreting financial information for other company officials.
- Advising corporate executives about the status of financial programs and making recommendations about future financial goals.
- Managing human resources and technology to effectively maintain and update a business’s financial goals and management portfolio.
- Acting as a liaison between clients and company directors.
Related Resource: Financial Advisor
While the pathway towards becoming an investment fund manager may seem complicated, the rewards of obtaining the appropriate degrees and certification are worth the effort. For those who possess strong business and financial skills, becoming a certified, investment fund manager is a career that will offer advanced opportunities for economic and personal success.
