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Learn portfolio management with online courses and programs

Active portfolio management is an important component in any investment strategy. It is an art and a science that involves the process of constructing and managing a collection of investments on behalf of yourself, your organization, or your clients.

What is portfolio management?

Portfolio management is an investment decision-making process that matches investments to objectives while balancing risk with return. An investor’s portfolio may include one or more asset types, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate.

Individual investors, professional financial advisors, and institutional investors can all conduct portfolio management activities. By understanding financial markets, investment instruments, and the different philosophies that can influence a management strategy, they can better ensure their success in achieving investment objectives.

Whether you want to grow your own investments or take the next step in your career, you can learn how to align investments with online courses on edX.

Portfolio Management | Introduction Image Description

Portfolio management course curriculum

Achieving the various objectives associated with successful portfolio management requires a strong understanding of a number of topics. If you’re just getting started, you can explore courses that introduce the basics of portfolio management, such as:

  • Risk management

  • Return optimization

  • Asset allocation and investment selection

  • Rebalancing

  • Tax efficiency

  • Liquidity needs

  • Monitoring and adjusting

Depending on your goals, you may want to take classes that discuss differences between active and passive portfolio management, in addition to other investment philosophies. Mastering these subjects can give you a competitive edge in a complex and exciting industry.

Start building the knowledge you need to work in the investing field with edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. You can also explore executive education programs specifically designed for busy professionals. Find the right course for you.

Explore portfolio management jobs

Beyond its ability to make you a smarter individual investor, portfolio management is an important skill for a variety of roles in the financial industry. Once you have gained relevant experience and knowledge, you may be able to qualify for titles including:

  • Investment analyst: Researches and analyzes various investment opportunities, and provides insights and recommendations based on their analysis.Footnote 1

  • Financial advisor: Develops personalized financial plans and investment strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals.Footnote 2

  • Hedge fund manager: Oversees pooled investment funds and employs various strategies to achieve high returns while managing risk.Footnote 3

  • Chief investment officer (CIO): Supervises their organization's investment strategy and manages its investment portfolio.Footnote 4

  • Quantitative analyst (Quant): Uses advanced mathematical and statistical models to develop investment strategies.Footnote 5

While many of these roles exist within similar industries, employment qualifications for careers that utilize portfolio management skills may differ based on the position and employer. Some roles may require a higher level degree while others may only ask for a demonstration of skills that can be acquired in a fintech boot camp, for example. Before deciding on which learning path will work best for you, research potential roles you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.

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