Investment Pathways in the USA

Investment courses are designed to help students develop their understanding of investment, gaining an international perspective on the area. You will also gain a wealth of practical knowledge on investment management and its processes, as well as economics, accounting and business administration. Your ability to judge an investment, and then complete the process will be developed, making you a versatile and skilled employee.

An investment course will take the knowledge you already have around investment, and build upon it. You will cover the basic and complex concepts of the subject area. You will develop your investment skills, decision making and problem solving. As well as this, your management and business skills will be progressed, evolving you into a well-rounded business investor. You will learn how to effectively manage your investments through case studies and practical applications.

Your course will be delivered in a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as practical sessions. You may be required to take part in a work placement as part of your course.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your course. This specialisation can influence your career progression. Common specialisations include:

• Corporate Finance
• Private Equity
• Risk Management
• Computational Finance
• International Finance
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Investment Decisions

If your course requires you to write a dissertation or submit a final research project, this will give you the opportunity to further explore a favoured area of investment.

The accreditation of your course will depend on the level you wish to study at. If you are studying at undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), or a Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc). If you are studying at postgraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Master of Science (MSc), or a Master of Accounting (MAcc). Further study will award a degree such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Other awards can include a foundation degree or a pathway programme. Certificates and diplomas are also offered at both pre-university and postgraduate level.

Generally, an undergraduate degree in investment will take three to four years when studied full-time. A postgraduate degree can take one to two years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates will normally last up to two years when studied full-time. Certain business schools will offer courses that are flexible to work around your current schedule, offering flexible delivery options, such as online classes or weekend only courses. Contact your chosen institutions if this is something that you would like more information about.

Once you have successfully completed your course, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen field, or further your studies.

Graduates of leadership courses and degrees will find that there are many career opportunities available to you. You might choose to progress in your current career, moving into senior management, or potentially change your career path completely. You can work in a variety of fields and roles, such as fund management, financial analyst, investment banker, financial manager, data analyst or credit manager.