What is the essential skill to break into AM?

This forum has many IB elites. For breaking into IB, accounting and modeling are often mentioned. Skills on DCF, LBO and financial statements seem to be a must-have for the IB interview. 

I wish to work in asset management industry. I am currently studying Economics in a top Canadian university. I planned to apply for US master programs in Economics and/or Finance. But most of the MSF programs have a focus on corporate finance. I wonder what will be a good way to practice for breaking into AM/ER? CFA level 1? WSP equity/fixed income market courses?

I probably will work in Hongkong, Shanghai or US statewide after graduation.