Investment management involves choosing and overseeing a group of investments that can fulfil the long term financial goals and risk tolerance of an individual, a company, or an institution. An investment manager is tasked with maintaining and diversifying portfolios, which is a collection of all financial investments of the client, with the aim of maximising the returns on said investments.
Formal training in investment management is an excellent way of staying on top of the ever-changing asset management industry. It exposes potential fund managers to the latest industry trends and investment strategies that are applicable to your daily work. Expanding expertise with the help of a professional investment management online course will help aspirants build a strong network and share their knowledge with their teams.
What does an investment management online course entail?
A specialisation in investment management prepares the aspirants with real-world knowledge of how various investment strategies are designed to help investors (individuals or corporations) reach their financial goals in a global context. Investment management online course curriculum consists of multiple theories underlying bold investment decisions, which will help them develop a comprehensive understanding of global financial markets and what impacts them at macro and micro levels.
Next, the course prepares the skills required to build and manage a portfolio with a long term overview. Formal training in portfolio management helps aspirants create a sensible investment plan in alignment with the specific financial objectives of their clients with practical insights from some of the key people in the industry with years of experience in the financial markets.
An investment management specialisation generally consists of the following courses:
- A basic understanding of global financial markets, their characteristics, and how they are linked to the economy
- Alternative investments and valuation of derivatives
- How to meet the financial objectives of investors by understanding the concepts of rationality and irrationality and how they impact our investment decisions and outcomes
- Portfolio and credit risk management, the theory underlying optimal portfolio construction, and the importance of diversifying asset allocations tactically
- How to secure investment returns in the long run by measuring and analysing asset performance over unit time
- Wealth planning over 5 and 10-year horizons, considering various aspects like changing economic outlook, emotional biases, and risk tolerance
Who can undertake a professional course in financial management?
Specialisation courses in financial asset management are designed around a curriculum that provides comprehensive practical and industry knowledge, presenting students with the training in the industry after they complete the course successfully. Typical tasks as an investment manager include meeting with investment analysts to read financial briefings, researching companies, gathering information, studying current affairs, liaising with clients, and assessing financial information. The following categories of people are most likely to undertake such courses.
- Aspiring fund managers
The job description of an investment fund manager is to provide financial advice and services to an individual or a corporation, thereby implementing ideal investment strategies for different asset classes and managing the trade activities of their clients. It is an exciting career option for individuals interested in stock market strategizing and advising.
- Young entrepreneurs
Individuals running their own businesses can diversify their income by learning to trade in stock markets. Students can complete an investment management online course at their preferred pace, which is a boon for young entrepreneurs who can invest their money tactically to accomplish their short- and long-term financial goals.
- People eyeing a new role
Finance professionals eyeing a senior position in their current organisation or a different role in a new company can undertake a full-time specialisation in portfolio management to enhance their CVs and gain an edge over their competitors. A degree in investment management increases an employee’s worth in the eyes of their employers, which may come in handy for securing a promotion or shift to a new job role.
Each university has its specific eligibility criteria, so aspirants should check the same for their preferred institution before applying. Investment management courses are suitable for those interested in investing but do not possess any actual knowledge or qualifications related to the subject. Following the completion of this course, such professionals will gain a greater understanding of various investment products and asset classes, along with the ideal strategies one should adopt for various funds.
Why does an online course on investment management set you apart?
Professional portfolio managers can work on behalf of clients or build and manage their own portfolios and maximise the expected return on investment in accordance with their risk appetite. It requires various key skills like the ability to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of various financial products and take informed investment decisions for a long-term mix of assets.
On successfully completing an online investment management course, the aspirants –
- Understanding the fundamental principles behind equity, debt, and mutual funds, along with appropriate investment philosophies and constraints
- Distinguish between alternative investment classes and financial products to make informed investment decisions
- Acquire the confidence to manage and diversify portfolios intelligently by collaborating with a financial advisor
- Can investigate and acquire offshore financial investments to fulfil the objectives of their clients
- Can estimate the short- and long-term return on equity investments and other asset classes
Investment work provides good opportunities for promotion and exciting financial rewards for employees successful in implementing the skills acquired in an asset management course. A full-time job in this domain requires prominent levels of responsibilities and the ability to maintain composure and make intelligent investment decisions based on the data present in front of them. It also requires strong time management skills, numerical and analytical proficiency, teamwork, and the ability to work under pressure for a stretch.
Portfolio management courses are open to freshers, graduates, and working professionals. A background in business studies, management, finance, statistics, economics, accounting, or mathematics can be helpful in getting admission to specialisation courses. Typically, fund managers are hired by investment banks, asset management companies, stockbrokers, banks, and insurance companies. However, anybody with a keen interest in and understanding of the concepts and theories underlying strong investment decisions and implementing them to achieve their financial goals will benefit from undertaking a full-time investment management online course.
