Where an Advanced Finance Degree Can Take Your Investment Career

So why go after an advanced degree? Does it really make a difference? The short answer is yes.

Modern markets evolve very quickly, and having traditional training isn't enough anymore. As previously mentioned, cryptocurrency, blockchain, sustainable investing, and alternative assets are all a part of the modern investment landscape, and a finance professional will have to be proficient in these subjects. On top of that, today's investors often face more intense scrutiny from global regulators and so want more transparency than ever.

In short, without a good grasp of leadership, analytical foundations, and risk management, an investment professional risks falling behind the crowd. Pursuing higher education can give you both the structural training and applied knowledge you need to stay ahead.

In case you need further convincing, here's a rundown of the kinds of skills you can gain through an advanced finance degree:

• Financial modeling and valuation, a must for assessing opportunities across different asset classes;

• Risk management strategies such as stress-testing portfolios and learning how to hedge fluctuations in currency;

• Investment analysis frameworks, in order to bring together big data and insights to take a holistic view and make informed decisions;

• Global capital market expertise -- it's increasingly a global-centric world, and understanding how markets are interconnected is crucial;

• Leadership and communications skills -- finance is just as much about advising your clients and working with investors as anything else; and

• Ethics in finance, to help make sure everyone involved makes responsible decisions. In a field where reputation is crucial to your success, this is an indispensable skill to have.

If you're worried about taking time off from work to pursue a degree, you don't necessarily have to go that route. By pursuing an online masters in finance, you can work on your own schedule and even apply what you learn back into your daily life, so you're putting theory right into practice.

What's more, going after a master in finance online won't just teach you new skills -- it can open up a whole new world of possible career paths for you. Having an advanced degree can help you move from junior or mid-level positions into more rewarding and senior positions. Some examples include:

• Portfolio manager (handling client portfolios to get them maximum returns)

• Wealth manager (helping guide individuals with high net worth on long-term planning and allocating their assets)

• Investment strategist (looking at the more holistic, "big picture" approaches, usually working for larger firms or institutional clients)

• Chief Investment Officer (CIO) (managing investment strategy for an entire corporation)

• Hedge fund or private equity manager (handling high-risk, high-reward markets with the potential for massive profits)

• Real estate investment manager (property development and RIETs)

• Corporate finance director (bringing together a company's business goals and financing strategy)

As you can see, these positions are more than just promotions that lead to a more lucrative paycheck; many represent opportunities to shape strategy at a higher level.

While we're on the subject of careers, let's talk about the strength and versatility of a business and finance background. If you get an advanced qualification in finance, you can move into or across a number of sectors, including investment banking, asset and wealth management, hedge funds, private equity firms, real estate finance, corporate finance, government and regulatory agencies, and fintech / digital investment platforms.

In an increasingly tight job market, this is good news for people currently in (or planning to enter) finance -- your options are numerous and lucrative.

Not only that, but the outlook for investment careers is very positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of financial analysts (a common role for investment professionals) is poised to grow by 8% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average for any occupation. The demand for analysts specializing in risk management, ESG investing, and fintech platforms is especially high right now.

This is not to mention emerging areas such as sustainable finance and digital investment tools, which are likely to boom in the coming years as both subjects become even more central to the finance landscape. Going forward, organizations are going to need leaders who understand these technologies and know how to put them to work.

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, getting an advanced education isn't just smart -- it may be necessary.