Hedge Fund Manager Education and Certifications

Hedge fund managers are financial professionals who assist high-net-worth clients to invest in stocks, bonds, and other forms of securities. Using advanced software and finance tools they monitor the portfolios of their clients.

To secure a hedge fund manager job, you will require at minimum a bachelor’s degree in finance or another field closely related to financial services as well as knowledge in mathematics, statistics and advanced computer and financial software applications.

High School

Hedge fund management has become one of the top career choices among today’s young adults, according to a recent survey of hedge fund managers who graduated from top-tier colleges and universities.

If you want a career as a hedge fund manager, first learn the fundamental skills. This includes knowledge about financial markets and their governing laws.

Your ability to analyze data and use it to formulate strategies will depend on your specific firm and clients’ financial goals.

As well as having a solid work ethic and ambition, hedge fund managers need a drive for success in their career. Many hedge fund managers begin as analysts or portfolio managers before eventually rising through the corporate ladder to become managers themselves.

To prepare for a job as a hedge fund manager, attending a top-tier college or university and earning a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration may be key. You could even opt to enroll in graduate studies for either masters or doctoral degrees as a means of getting ahead.

Bachelor degrees are generally necessary to secure jobs in the financial industry, including hedge fund manager positions. You’ll need to study advanced math, statistics, economics and accounting in order to become qualified for these roles.

Some high schools provide training tailored specifically for those interested in becoming hedge fund managers, such as courses offered and any connections made within the industry. It is wise to inquire as to the courses available and any connections that the school may have to industry professionals.

Start out in an entry-level position at a hedge fund while working on your degree, and move up through the ranks as you gain experience that will serve you in becoming a hedge fund manager. Doing this may take several years but is an invaluable opportunity.

Hedge fund managers must be adept at communicating effectively with both their clients and senior management, including being able to clearly explain their research and strategies in an understandable manner. It is also crucial for hedge fund managers to listen closely and identify any challenges their clients are encountering so that they may create solutions tailored specifically for them.

College

Hedge fund managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or another related field. Many also pursue master of business administration (MBA) degrees to build the necessary business acumen necessary for being successful hedge fund managers.

Hedge fund managers may pursue master’s or doctorate degrees in various disciplines ranging from economics and mathematics to finance engineering, statistics, and more.

Many top-tier colleges serve as gateways into finance careers, while lesser-known schools also provide an exceptional education for hedge fund managers – including University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Stanford University, Cornell University, Princeton University and others.

Entry-level positions within the financial industry require a bachelor’s degree in either math, accounting, finance or investment banking as a minimum qualification. Furthermore, students should complete courses such as financial math, global investment strategy emerging markets consumer behavior psychology in order to communicate effectively with investors.

Although technical degrees are less prevalent, they can still prove beneficial for certain jobs at hedge funds, including algorithmic trading or quantitative analysis. Both roles require advanced math skills but could also suit students holding Bachelors of Science in math, physics, computer science or even engineering.

Another excellent choice would be enrolling in a Master of Business Administration with a finance concentration. An MBA program provides the foundational knowledge and practice of management across many industries; you’ll also learn how to manage your portfolio effectively while communicating effectively with executives.

Acquiring the skills necessary to become a hedge fund manager requires hard work, skill sets and perseverance. You will need a mentor, internship and network connections in order to start this path towards success.

Once your studies and internship have come to an end, it’s time to look for your ideal hedge fund manager position. Research various companies hiring hedge fund managers before finding one that meets your goals and expectations. Apply for open positions as soon as they come open – follow-up email/phone calls are often sent if there’s no response within 48 hours or sooner!

Internships

If you’re serious about entering the world of hedge funds, internships are an invaluable way to break in. While these unpaid positions won’t provide pay, they provide invaluable experience that won’t come anywhere else in finance – plus it gives you an opportunity to meet mentors that will guide your process into becoming full-time employee of an Hedge Fund.

Before applying for internships, it is crucial that you establish your goals and interests. Do you prefer working in an investment firm or perhaps private equity is more appealing? Your choice will determine the kind of experience and role that awaits you in future internships.

Before landing a position at a hedge fund, you may need to complete several internships first if applying to smaller firms with unstructured programs.

What kind of experience you gain during an internship will depend on the kind of fund at which you’re interning. For instance, quant funds might require you to develop mathematical models, while discretionary hedge funds might allow you to conduct research into management and past deals.

As with any internship, yours will require you to develop ideas and test them against historical data, while conducting extensive research on current markets and potential trades.

At a hedge fund, you’ll work closely with your mentor and other colleagues to develop trading ideas and decide the firm’s strategy. In addition, you will interact with capital markets salespeople and traders in order to understand market intelligence flows and trading strategies.

Even though most hedge fund managers are veteran professionals, the industry continues to experience fierce competition for top talent. This competition puts pressure on both small firms with less central hiring processes as well as larger ones with centralized hiring policies.

For those who prefer more conventional routes into the industry, one approach might be applying to an MBA program and taking advantage of their summer internship opportunities. These more structured positions could potentially help lead to full-time positions at top hedge funds.

Certifications

Aspiring hedge fund managers have many certification options available to them to break into the industry. One such certification is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. This highly esteemed professional credential requires passing three exams that test their knowledge of finance and investment analysis; those who earn this certificate are considered experts in their field and often work at renowned investment firms.

Certificate in Hedge Fund Regulation (CHP), is another essential certificate. This cert demonstrates an individual has an in-depth knowledge of the laws governing hedge funds – these laws can be complex. Therefore, those planning a career in hedge funds should obtain this certification as it will increase their odds of securing employment at a reputable firm.

To become a hedge fund manager, at minimum a bachelor’s degree in business or economics will be needed. Many top hedge fund employers also accept candidates with master’s degrees in finance, accounting or business administration – this will set you apart from those without one! Therefore it would be worthwhile considering obtaining one prior to embarking on this career path.

Apart from earning your degree, working as an intern will allow you to gain invaluable experience within the industry. Doing this will allow you to get a feel for what it’s like working at a hedge fund and provide some insight into what awaits when hired. Start searching online for hedge fund internships; network with professionals through hedge fund associations until you find something suitable that aligns with your interests.

Earning your series 65 license from FINRA allows you to legally act as an investment adviser and communicate with clients about their investments. It is required before taking trading decisions; an exam administered by North American Securities Administrators Association can help you obtain it.

Some of the world’s top hedge fund managers have earned their Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, an esteemed professional certification which requires candidates to pass three rigorous exams designed to test their knowledge of finance and analysis.

source http://www.ffmgi.com/hedge-fund-manager-education-and-certifications/