Portfolio Manager Career Information

A portfolio manager researches investment options, informs customers of choices, and performs buy-and-sell actions on the customer’s behalf. Being a portfolio manager means you will often work with large amounts of money, but sometimes represent individuals in smaller dollar sums as well. You invest money gathered from a group of investors, which is similar to a company retirement plan. Each employee contributes money, and a portfolio manager then takes that money and invests in a carefully researched mutual fund, growth fund, or hedge fund.

Portfolio managers need analytical minds and solid research strategies to research the performance history, competition, and business objectives of the companies recommended. You’re responsible for your clients, so a keen business sense combined with strong communications skills will allow you to be successful in this role. Portfolio managers need the ability to both listen and present information clearly and accurately to present the good with the bad and then let the client have the final say.

Portfolio managers typically need a master’s degree in business administration or finance. Keep in mind that some positions will also require licensing.