gradsingapore 'Finance' Career Guide 2021

Page 50

BANKING & INVESTMENT - Areas of Work

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Investment, fund, and asset managers build clients’ portfolios through a combination of strategy, research and insight.

A

lso known as fund or asset management, investment management is about handling clients’ finances with the aim to reach specific goals. Those who work in this field monitor the financial markets to make the most out of their clients’ portfolios by investing in a variety of potential profit-making securities and asset classes. Investment managers work closely with investment analysts, and often depend on their plans, advice, information and data to deal with clients’ portfolios, carrying out transactions according to the findings. Successful investment managers typically combine initiative, research and foresight to make the right choices with their clients’ monies.

General overview Most graduates enter through graduate programmes and start off as investment analysts. Entry-level duties include analysing data from the market, preparing reports, contributing to portfolio decisions and presenting findings to company management. Investment managers typically have more client-facing responsibilities, and travel to gain a better comprehension of sectors and products. As earning potential is typically proportional to the success of investment options, managers tend to remain hands-on to avoid becoming too distant and keep abreast of the latest market trends.

Required skills Possessing a finance-related degree is advantageous but not essential. Rather, enthusiasm and the ability to comprehend the workings of the financial market are more valued. To that end, internships with investment management companies can help hopefuls assess their suitability for the field.

48 | gradsingapore Finance Career Guide 2021

Most firms, especially international ones, encourage newcomers to sit for professional papers such as the Investment Management Certificate (IMC), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or even the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) paper. Local companies may also want successful applicants to take the Capital Markets and Financial Advisory Services (CMFAS) paper. Cultivating an open mind and a tolerance for uncertainty will enable graduates to deal with ambiguity daily. Staying a step ahead of competition through thorough research is also imperative. In addition, there will be times new hires will need to be able to take a firm stance despite differing opinions among senior colleagues or clients. Good communication skills, tact and confidence will aid in getting points across diplomatically.

Pros and cons

Opportunities to learn from experienced investors and to be exposed to the inner workings of various sectors for graduates looking to join this line of work. Be it as it may, late hours are common due to the sheer amount of research necessary, especially at the start. In financially uncertain times, career prospects for investment managers can remain largely positive, since expert advice are valued by concerned investors. However, market volatility will call for managers to weigh the situation and come up with contingency plans.


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Risk Assessment

2min
page 93

Tax

2min
pages 94-95

Management Accounting

2min
page 92

Internal Audit

2min
page 91

Forensic Accounting

2min
page 90

Financial Accounting

2min
page 89

Corporate Finance

2min
page 86

Corporate Treasury

2min
page 88

Commercial Finance

2min
page 85

Assurance

3min
page 84

Corporate Recovery

1min
page 87

A Graduate’s Guide to Accountancy Jargon

10min
pages 81-83

Professional Accountant

1min
page 80

Statistics

2min
page 72

Getting a Graduate Job in Accounting

2min
page 79

Financial Management

2min
pages 75-76

Retail Banking

2min
page 71

Wealth Management

2min
pages 73-74

Insurance Underwriting

1min
page 70

Insurance

4min
pages 68-69

Actuarial Science

3min
page 67

The Financial Services Alphabet

8min
pages 64-66

Finance Industry

5min
pages 62-63

Structured Finance

3min
pages 56-57

At a Glance: Financial Services

2min
pages 58-59

Stockbroking

1min
page 55

Choosing Your Role and Company in Financial Services Different Ways to Get into the

2min
pages 60-61

Specialist Markets

2min
page 54

Risk Management and Control

2min
page 53

Private Wealth Management

2min
page 52

Inter-Dealer Broking

2min
page 47

Investment Analyst

2min
page 48

Investment Banking

2min
page 49

Operations

1min
page 51

Financial Markets

2min
page 46

Investment Management

2min
page 50

Economist

2min
page 44

Finance IT

2min
page 45

Corporate Banking

2min
page 43

Banking and Investment Unique Skills The Banking and

2min
pages 36-37

Investment Industry Needs

7min
pages 38-39

At a Glance: Banking and Investment

2min
pages 34-35

A Graduate’s Guide to Banking and Investment Job-Speak

8min
pages 40-42

Tackling Assessment Centres

3min
pages 30-31

Acing Your Interview

4min
pages 28-29

Dealing with Live Video Interviews

5min
pages 26-27

Is a Career in Finance for Me?

2min
pages 12-13

Postgraduate Pathways in the Financial Sector

3min
pages 16-17

A Survival Guide to Applying for a Job in the Finance Sector

4min
pages 18-19

Preparing Your Cover Letter

3min
pages 24-25

Industries in the Finance Sector

2min
pages 10-11

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Career in the Finance Industry

1min
pages 20-21

How to Pursue a Career in Finance Without a Finance Degree

3min
pages 14-15

Crafting Your Resume

3min
pages 22-23
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