High School

Skills with numbers and compiling data are essential in investment fund management work, so be sure to take as many math classes as possible. Accounting, business, economics, and computer classes are helpful. Strong knowledge of computer software programs, such as financial analysis and risk management software, is important, so take computer classes. English and speech classes will help hone the research, writing, and speaking skills required for presenting investment recommendations. 

Postsecondary Training

Most employers require that investment fund managers have a bachelors degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or statistics. Other possible majors include economics, international business, and public administration. Some organizations will hire managers with a bachelors degree in another discipline providing they can demonstrate mathematical ability. In college, take business, economics, statistics, computer science, English, and communications classes. Some employers may require a writing sample prior to an interview.

Most colleges offer degree programs related to investment management or banking, and many also offer masters degrees. For advanced or executive positions in the field, a masters degree is often required.

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 Investment Management Consultants Association offers webinars such as Introduction to Commodity Investing: Individual Commodities, Diversified Baskets, Inflation and Asset Allocations; Administering Unusual Assets with Purpose Trusts; and Investment Advice Fiduciary: New Rules of Engagement. The CFA Institute, New York Society of Security Analysts, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

Certification is not required but can enhance skills and knowledge and improve job prospects. The Investments & Wealth Institute offers certification for investment management analysts and private wealth advisors. Find information at https://investmentsandwealth.org.

Investment fund managers may also be certified financial analysts (CFA). The CFA program is administered by the CFA Institute (https://www.cfainstitute.org) and consists of examinations that cover such topics as economics, financial statement analysis, and portfolio management. Certification candidates must meet education and work experience requirements.

Some upper-level positions may require that investment fund managers hold a certified public accountant license. The Association for Financial Professionals (https://www.afponline.org/certification) offers the certified treasury professional credential to its members who have at least two years of experience as an investment professional and pass an exam. 

Investment fund managers must have a bachelors degree and at least four or more years of experience in the investment industry, including a proven track record in successful investment fund management. In addition to being knowledgeable about funds, investment managers must have strong research, writing, and speaking skills. They must be able to clearly communicate their findings and make investment recommendations that their clients understand and trust. Investment fund managers must have good reading comprehension, be critical thinkers, have active listening abilities, and have good judgement and decision-making skills. The job requires the ability to gather and analyze data and information from various sources. Investment fund managers must also be firm yet tactful when dealing with clients. The work styles that are best suited for investment fund management positions include integrity, analytical thinking, stress tolerance, willingness to master tasks, and dependability.