| | Financial Analyst | Financial Manager | Personal Financial Advisor |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree (minimum) | Bachelor's degree (minimum) | Bachelor's degree (minimum) |
| Education Field of Study | Accounting or finance | Accounting or finance | Accounting or finance |
| Licensure/Certification | Licensure required for some positions | Voluntary certification available | Licensure required for some positions |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 6%* | 17%* | 5%* |
| Average Salary (2020) | $96,630* | $151,510* | $122,490* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Does an Investment Specialist Do?
Investment specialists are also often referred to as investment fund managers, real estate appraisers, risk management specialists and sales agents. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists positions such as financial analysts, advisors and planners (www.bls.gov). You could also focus on a specific industry, product or customer goal, such as retirement planning.
You could work in investment banks, securities or brokerage firms, often focusing on market trends to counsel clients and trade stocks. You could also be responsible for reviewing company statements. Developing and maintaining contacts and handling product and service calls are also important to the investment process. Additionally, you may work closely with high-level management and the finance department to streamline investment procedures. Responsible handling of cash and investment flows is essential, and you may need to develop expertise in alternative investment options.
What Type of Education and Experience Do I Need?
A master's degree in either accounting or finance, along with a minimum of five years experience may be preferred for some investment specialist positions, according to a December 2011 Monster.com search. A bachelor's degree, combined with 2-3 years of experience with financial concepts, statistical analysis and pricing, may be acceptable.
The Investment Management Consultants Association offers the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation to experienced and qualified insurance specialists. A qualification exam and a certification exam are required, and candidates must pass background checks, sign licensing agreements and adhere to ethics standards.
What Kind of Salary Might I Earn?
Earnings can vary widely in the investments field. According to the BLS, many in the financial industry, especially those in positions that involve selling investment products to customers, count bonuses and commissions as a significant portion of their income. The average annual salary for securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents was $96,540 in 2020, the BLS reported. The BLS also noted that recessions can decrease investment specialist earnings.
If you are interested in working in a financial position for a company, you may want to consider a career as a budget analyst. These professionals are in charge of helping organizations analyze their finances, create a budget, and then monitor that budget throughout the year to make sure the company is operating within it. Another job that deals heavily with finances is accounting and auditing. As an accountant, you will work with an individual's or company's financial data in order to help them file taxes and make financial decisions. Both these careers require individuals to have bachelor's degrees in a finance related field.
