Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Investment Managers
Many investment banks and asset managers offer structured entry-level programs for undergraduates, often involving "a bootcamp" to build foundational skills and mentorship from senior team members. These programs provide a structured path into the field, allowing new hires to explore career options while receiving "training" and guidance.
Entry-Level Jobs, Financial Analysis, Mentorship, Structured Training Programs, Career Progression
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Vasant Mehta
Senior Investment Manager
Global Investment Management Company
U.C. Berkeley
Johns Hopkins University : M.A. International Economics and European Studies
Political Science, American Studies
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Many investment banks and asset managers have structured programs for recruiting undergraduates.
2. These programs often include training and mentorship to help new employees learn and develop.
3. Entry-level roles provide opportunities to explore different areas within investment management and determine career paths.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
There are a number of entry-level positions for undergraduate students. Most investment banks and large asset managers run structured recruitment programs at colleges. They often come to universities to hire recent graduates for their intake pool, which is the best way to get into a formal program.
These programs are quite well structured. Once you get into a role, they often involve training. As I mentioned, one has to be comfortable with numeracy. There's also a bootcamp that many of them do.
During the bootcamp, which can last for a month or more, you'll learn about financial analysis. This ensures everyone is on the same playing field. Once you're in the role, you're often partnered with a more senior member of the team.
This could be a trader, a salesperson, or someone in client relationship management. It might also be another investment manager or a junior portfolio manager. You'll always have someone in a mentor role guiding you, as that's how these businesses operate.
When you enter as a junior role, fresh out of college, these structured programs help you progress. They allow you to see if this is a role you want to pursue further in your career.