Top Tips to Get into Asset Management Finding a job at an asset management company isn’t as easy as handing in your resume and waiting for them to call. It is a highly competitive industry where you will have to do your utmost to make yourself stand out from all the other candidates. It’s an extremely desirable career for anyone who wants to be involved in finance, as you will be handling assets worth billions of dollars. These firms want driven employees who are savvy and willing to go to extra lengths. Here are some top tips to get into asset management.
Earn a Degree in Finance
This is an essential part of the process. When applying to work for asset management firms, you are going to be competing against people who have degrees or MBAs. If you lack one, then you will likely not be considered. A finance degree is the foundation for you to build upon. You should also be taking other classes that involve statistics and financial modeling. The better your education looks, the more attractive you become to future employers. If you don’t have a degree or you are worrying about how you are going to manage the financial burdens of college, you can use a free scholarship search engine to help you find scholarships and apply on the same platform.
Find an Entry Level Job
Once you have your degree, you are going to have to get your foot on the ladder. You may be dreaming big, but in the short-term, you are going to have to take an entry-level position where you can start to prove yourself. Firms often recruit in-house or on campus so make sure you are aware of any opportunities and if any specific firms have links to your university. Thinking outside of the box may be an asset. There might be a specific position you have in mind, but for now you should think about which other positions you can take up so that you can get yourself into the firm. Consider sales or recruitment, and then you can start to prove yourself.
Go to Extra Lengths
Once you have your foot in the door, you will have to prove yourself. It’s an opportunity for you to show your desire and the lengths you are willing to go to in order to be a success. This may entail you studying for an MBA, which will give you extra experience and knowledge, while also showing the firm that you are working for that you are completely committed to your chosen career path. You should also consider taking any exams that are needed in order to get yourself fully qualified as an asset manager. Find out what your firm sees as the most desirable qualifications and go out of your way to get them.
Be Prepared to Pay Your Dues
Patience is going to be required, but it will get you where you want to go by showing that you have the determination to play the long game. Many firms won’t even consider you for higher positions until you have done a set amount of time, as well as showing that you are highly competent and willing to learn. Things like Zoom fatigue and work from home burnout are real barriers when you are in grind mode, so be sure to try and keep a good work/life balance. But still always keep your eye out for opportunities in the company that will get you closer to where you want to go, and even if they aren’t a position you desire, see it as a stepping stone. You’re going to have to make some calculated steps, so be clever but do everything to the best of your ability.
Set Yourself Out from The Crowd
As you are climbing the ladder, see each role you take on as an interview and a chance to showcase your skills and your determination to reach where you ultimately want to go. Take every opportunity possible to learn, and get involved in group projects to put yourself in the eyes of upper management. This is your chance to build your reputation and the skills you need so don’t waste it and never think that something is below you. Whatever qualifications you enter the firm with are meaningless unless you are willing to build on them and learn.
