Investment Fund Executive
Job Description:Investment fund executives plan and coordinate the investment strategy for the money they have been entrusted by their investors.
Job Category:What you will do:
There are a few different types of firms you can work in, for example:
- Mutual funds (use money from lots of small investors, usually low-risk investments)
- Hedge funds (use money from wealthy individual and companies, focused on short-term profits, buy and sell shares and companies quickly)
- Private equity funds (use money from super wealthy individuals or big companies, focused on long-term profits, buy shares in large private companies and then work on improving the company so your share value increases)
- Venture capital firms (invest in young start-ups and small businesses in exchange for shares)
In all cases, the job is about using money that comes from your investors, and growing it by doing things like buying shares in companies, advising and improving companies you own shares in, or buying and selling stock.
Your day-to-day will include tasks such as:
- Meet with investors to determine investment goals or to discuss investment strategies.
- Select specific investments or investment mixes for purchase by an investment fund.
- Perform or evaluate research, such as detailed company or industry analyses, to inform financial forecasting, decision making, or valuation.
- Manage investment funds to maximise return on client investments.
- Analyse acquisitions to ensure conformance with strategic goals or regulatory requirements.
- Prepare for and respond to regulatory inquiries.
- Verify regulatory compliance of transaction reporting.
- Hire or evaluate staff.
Skills:
You’ll need
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- maths skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- critical and analytical thinking skills
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions (leadership skills)
- persistence and determination
Entry Requirements:
To become an Investment Fund Executive, you will generally need to pursue a higher education degree and gain relevant experience in the finance or investment industry. While there are no specific subjects required for this career, certain subjects and skills can help you prepare for the academic and analytical aspects of the field. Here’s a list of helpful subjects and skills:
- Mathematics: Strong mathematical skills are crucial for roles in finance. Focus on subjects like mathematics and additional mathematics to develop a solid foundation in quantitative analysis.
- English: Good communication skills, both written and oral, are important in the finance industry. English can help you develop these skills.
- Economics: Taking economics can provide you with a basic understanding of economic principles, which are fundamental in the investment field.
- Business Studies: This subject can introduce you to key business concepts and practices, which are relevant to investment management.
- Accounting: Knowledge of accounting principles is valuable for understanding financial statements and investment analysis.
- Statistics: Statistics can help you develop quantitative skills, which are crucial for analyzing financial data and making investment decisions.
- Computer Science or IT: Familiarity with computer programming and software tools, such as Excel, can be highly advantageous for data analysis and financial modeling.
Post School
This field is open to graduates with any bachelor’s degree, though a degree in a related subject like finance, economics or business, is a plus. Whatever your degree, you’ll be getting more training once you start in your position, and depending on your exact role, you’ll be taking exams in the first few years of your career.
You might be at an advantage if you also have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) post-graduate qualification.
You can also progress into this field via an apprenticeship, degree apprenticeship or entry-level position at a financial institution. This will require more on-the-job training and study.
Working Hours and Environment:
Financial investors are usually expected to work long hours, and be flexible about working evenings and week-ends, especially at the start of your career. You’ll mostly be based in an office, but at times you may meet with clients at the client’s location or at a separate location, including in the evening for work dinners. You’ll be expected to act professionally at all times and wear professional clothing like suits.
Career Path & Progression:
In investment funds there is usually a clear career path, where you start as a junior associate and work through the rungs until you become a partner, director or portfolio manager. You can also start your own firm, or move into related sectors like Investment banking.