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How to become an investment portfolio manager

Want to help clients reach financial goals? Start your journey as an investment portfolio manager with courses and degree programs on edX.

Browse online investment management programs and courses

What does an investment portfolio manager do?

Investment portfolio managers work across industries to help clients decide what to invest in and when to buy and sell investments. Many investment portfolio managers work for companies to build their portfolios, while others may help individuals develop their portfolios to reach personal financial goals.

As an investment portfolio manager, you would be responsible for buying and selling investments that align with your clients' financial plans, which may require the following skills:

Hard skills

  • Risk management
  • Data analysis
  • Trend prediction
  • Accounting
  • Mathematics

Soft skills

  • Decision-making
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Critical thinking

6 steps to become an investment portfolio manager

1. Graduate with a bachelor's degree

You should start working toward a career as an investment portfolio manager by earning a bachelor's degree in a business or data science subject. Relevant bachelor's degree programs may include:


Consider taking courses that cover crucial financial topics like tax accounting, marketing, and data analytics. Additionally, many schools require students to complete an internship program to graduate, which allows them to build real-world skills.


Take the next step with edX

Ready to advance your career in investment management? Explore online degrees in finance, degrees in accounting, and executive leadership programs on edX to build the skills employers seek.

Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.
Explore all online investment management programs

Frequently asked questions

Do you need an MBA to be a portfolio manager?

No, you generally don't need an MBA to become an investment portfolio manager. However, some companies require applicants to have master's degrees or equivalent experience for portfolio management jobs.

How much do portfolio managers earn?

According to 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers earned a median annual salary of $161,700 in 2024, while personal financial advisors made $102,140.

In 2024, the bottom 10% of financial managers made less than $86,490, and the top 10% made over $239,200. The bottom 10% of personal financial advisors made less than $49,990, and the top 10% made over $239,200. Your salary will depend on your specific role, company, level of experience, location, and education.

What skills do you need as a portfolio manager?

You need the following hard and soft skills to work as a successful investment portfolio manager:

  • Math proficiency
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Data analytics knowledge
  • Attention to detail

Published June 20, 2025