Starting a career in investment management takes time and a passion for learning. Traditionally, front-office investing roles required at least 2 years work experience, however many firms are now offering internships and graduate programs to attract the brightest young minds in the country. We've pulled together a list of things you can do now to position yourself for a career in this fascinating field.
Here are a few things you can do to best position yourself for a career in investment management:
- Blitz your degree: Investment firms are looking for the best and brightest minds to join their teams. Put the work in at university and top those marks!
- Take the CFA course: Completing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)exams will build your knowledge and practical skills, and show a commitment to learning.
- Start your own portfolio: There is no better way to learn about investing than by creating and managing your own portfolio. Read this article to find out how.
- Stay informed: Read investment publications and blogs to stay up to date with global markets and trends, such as The Australian Financial Review, Bloomberg Australia, Livewire Markets and Morningstar Australia.
- Follow investor influencers: Balance out your social media feed with people who understand and comment on markets, such as Peter Switzer (@peterswitzer), Scott Phillips (@TMFScottP), Gemma Dale (@gemma_dale) and Roger Montgomery (@rogermontgomery).
- Get an internship: Investment management internships don’t come up that often, but they are becoming more common. Securing a paid or unpaid internship with an investment firm is a great way to learn about professional investing from the inside and build valuable contacts.
- Join a finance uni club: University clubs and societies are a great way to connect with other students interested in investment management, and network with investment firms that engage with these clubs. We partner with several societies including the University Network of Investment and Trading(UNIT) and Melbourne University's Banking on Women, who have a great relationship with industry and offer its members regular networking, learning and job opportunities.
- Read books and listen to podcasts: There are many books and podcast episodes about investing out there but it is well worth reading some of the classics to give you a solid understanding of the industry, such as The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham. Here's a list of great books and podcasts about investing.
- Participate in investment competitions: Many firms and universities run investment competitions for students that provide exposure to and practical application of investing scenarios. Future IM/Pact runs an annual Investment Competition which awards winners paid internships at leading investment firms in Australia such as Schroders, Cbus, HESTA, QIC, Mercer, Munro, TDM.
- Build a network: Build relationships with people in the investment management industry, such as mentors and business leaders. Be proactive at networking events and introduce yourself to the speaker or industry representatives.
- Join Future IM/Pact: Attend our events, participate in the Investment Competition, subscribe to our newsletter and take advantage of the unparalleled access we can provide to industry leaders, professional development experiences, internship and job opportunities. Join us today!
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