Asset management is a lucrative field for all professions involved but has earned somewhat of a bad rap lately. The recent bailouts and pyramid schemes may have tainted the image of the industry slightly in the current economy, but asset management jobs are often the goal of many who earn a bachelor’s of business or an MBA and want to focus on finance.

Experience and education are needed for all types of asset management jobs. Having a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is often one way to get in the door of a firm and may be the start of a path to a research analyst position. An MBA is recommended to get a leg up over other candidates. Those with either degree are qualified for sales, marketing, operations, and trading positions in the asset management field and can, over time, move up to upper-level careers like portfolio manager. Additionally, earning a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst credentialing) will assist your career goals, particularly if you aim to be a portfolio manager.

If you’re considering using your finance skills for any of the asset management jobs on the market, here are some of the possible positions:

• Junior Research Analyst. Considered an entry-level position in the asset management field, a junior research analyst does the bidding of the equity analyst and assists the group of analysts at a brokerage or asset management firm. He or she reads 10-Ks to find new company information, updates and manages financial models, and synthesizes and analyzes external company and industry data.
• Research Analyst. On either the buying or selling side, a research analyst performs credit and analysis of securities and the overall market. He or she may support the portfolio manager or investment banker.
• Portfolio Manager. One of the more visible positions in the asset management field, the portfolio manager puts together portfolios of stocks, bonds, or a combination of both that will make the highest returns for the investor. This role is a step up from an investment or research analyst position.
• Fund Accountant. He or she calculates the net asset value (the price the customer pays) for a mutual fund.
• Quantitative Analyst. With a background in science or computer programming, he or she creates program models that value securities and structure portfolios.
• Stockbroker or Financial Advisor. Like the salesperson for an asset management or brokerage firm, a stockbroker or financial advisor brings in new clients and sells them stock recommendations, mutual funds, and life insurance.

All of these asset management jobs can be found through ManagementJobs.net. Find a position in this financial field that meets your current skills set and educational background and apply today to advance your career.

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