Best Entry Level Asset/Investment Management Programs?
Hi WSO,
So I'll be going into my senior year of college this upcoming year and I'm starting to search around for different entry level programs in asset/investment management. I'm pretty much open to all locations and types of companies, but I'd preferably like to work with security selection/analysis (which I would assume would be more likely at a smaller firm but correct me if I'm wrong) or just overall be in a more analytical role. If you have any experience and/or recommendations I'd be extremely grateful. Thank you in advance!
A large public pension plan is a decent place to start your career, particularly in a generalist program. You'll get to do a lot of research across a lot of different asset classes and pick up a lot of skills along the way. The work is manager selection oriented rather than security selection, but is still interesting and you learn a lot. While the pay isn't as good as the private sector, all the big guys, think Goldman, KKR, AQR, the list goes on for a while, come into the office to pitch their products and you get face time with them since you're on the buy side. Ideally this role lasts a few years tops and you move onto the private side with someone you networked with there.
You will be going against guys that have MBA's/MSF's/CFA credentials, but if you work your ass off enough, im sure someone will give you a shot. Im saying this because I work for one of the larger asset managers (top 25 in AUM), and the requirements are always guys that already have buy side or sell side experience, MBA's or CFA licenses already. Like you had mentioned, you might have a much better chance getting into a smaller shop first, and once youve progressed into your career, then you can take your talents to one of the bigger shops. My recommendation, if you have a school investment fund, get on it however you can and showcase your talent through that channel so that when you are interviewing for these positions, you can easily pick a buy/hold/sell recommendation to the interviewer since youve already done your hw.
I hope it works out for you, but alot of the bigger places might want you to start more in a middle office role and then lateral into a more front office role, which isnt a bad gig. Investment management firms pay well and work life balance is very good. I am one of those ppl, trying to transition from back to front office.
what school are you going to and where are you located?
Everyone at my non-target alma mater had a lot of luck with individual insurance company teams (PGIM, Allstate, etc.). They can be tough to break into since their recruiting is generally on a small-scale and they have low turnover, but they offer great institutional experience. It's also a great gig to begin the CFA journey.
AM entry level position (Originally Posted: 04/26/2011)
hi guys, I have been contacted by a BB's fund management division for a position known as in London. However, I am unfamilar with this terminlogy, is this similar to assistant portfolio manager or what kind of career prospects can one expect?
Thanks wso!
it's sort of middle-officeish work
thanks, but how would this career prospects be like? i mean would i be able to in couple years time move on to becoming an associate or the like?
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