Question 1

What is asset management, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Asset management is the ongoing process of developing and maintaining a portfolio of investments on behalf of a company or an individual. Financial institutions possess unique expertise in financial markets, portfolio construction, and risk analysis, which they put to work for clients seeking to optimize the performance of their assets over time while minimizing potential downside risks.

With an expanding universe of financial products to choose from, as well as increased uncertainty in markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, savvy asset management is more important than ever. And, while the field of asset management isn’t new, it has evolved just as quickly as the opportunities and risks of the market.

The age of big data and powerful computing has opened the door to financial engineering approaches to asset management, with sophisticated quantitative analysis techniques used to mathematically optimize portfolios to an unprecedented degree. At the other end of the spectrum, insights from behavioral finance are helping asset managers anticipate the way built-in cognitive biases can influence investment strategies for individuals and across markets.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I pursue with an education in asset management?

Accepted Answer

A background in asset management is essential for financial managers, including controllers, finance officers, treasurers, and similar roles. These expert asset managers are responsible for directing and monitoring the ongoing performance of investments by corporations as well as banks, investment firms, and other financial institutions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers earned a median annual wage of $129,890 in 2019, and many employers seek applicants with a master’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. These jobs are projected to grow much faster than the overall job market due to the challenges (and opportunities) of navigating an increasingly complex investment landscape.

Personal financial advisors provide similar services as financial managers, but they work for individuals instead of businesses or banks. These advisors provide guidance on financial planning and investments to match their client’s long-term goals, and, while some may work for banks and other financial institutions, others are self-employed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they earn significantly less than financial managers with a median annual salary of $87,850, but this career is also more accessible since bachelor’s degrees (instead of master’s degrees) and on-the-job training are more common.

Question 3

Can I learn about asset management by taking online courses available on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Certainly, Coursera offers courses and Specializations in asset management and related finance topics geared towards every level of learner. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to start with an overview of financial markets or a mid-career professional looking for a deep dive into quantitative modeling, Coursera offers an opportunity to learn from top-ranked institutions like Yale University, Rice University, the University of Geneva, and the University of Pennsylvania. The ability to learn on a flexible schedule also allows busy professionals to learn asset management while managing their own time wisely.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn asset management?

Accepted Answer

The skills and experience that you need to already have before starting to learn asset management may likely involve a high degree of personal financial success on your own. This may be an important factor, as working in asset management involves managing investments for high-wealth individuals in areas like stocks and bonds, real estate, cryptocurrencies, futures trading, and private equity. Showing your own personal success may be a vote of confidence to a wealthy client that you have great insights for investment opportunities. It may also help if you have a fantastic network of wealthy people who love your ambition, drive, and persistence. They may simply like the way you roll. If you show consistently good returns for the clients, then you may be able to use that success as the experience needed to work in asset management.

Question 5

What kind of people are best suited for roles in asset management?

Accepted Answer

The kind of people who are best suited for work that involves asset management are portfolio managers with financial experience who can analyze data on stocks and bonds to make good recommendations to a client for a solid investment opportunity. To gain the skills to rise to that level, these people are usually educated in finance, economics, and trading. These persons might also be strong with analytical discipline and financial knowledge. Often, the people working in asset management are driven by money and by the desire to create more wealth for others around them.

Question 6

How do I know if learning asset management is right for me?

Accepted Answer

You might know if learning asset management is right for you if you're passionate about stocks, equities, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, and watching videos on financial topics. Maybe you did great in school in financial courses and want to try a career in finance. Starting as a junior portfolio manager or assistant can certainly teach you how this financial field works. If you like to assess investment opportunities in real estate, mutual funds, or international companies and want to make a career from doing this work, then learning about asset management may be the right move for you.

Question 7

What are the benefits of taking an online Asset Management course?

Accepted Answer

Online Asset Management courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Asset Management skills. With a wide range of Asset Management classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Asset Management career skills.

Question 8

What Asset Management courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Asset Management, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the Asset Management Course Catalog

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Frequently Asked Questions about Asset Management

What is asset management, and why is it important?‎

What kinds of careers can I pursue with an education in asset management?‎

Can I learn about asset management by taking online courses available on Coursera?‎

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn asset management?‎

What kind of people are best suited for roles in asset management?‎

How do I know if learning asset management is right for me?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Asset Management course?‎

What Asset Management courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

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