The investment industry is an important part of the Scottish financial services sector, the investment industry in Scotland is comprised of fund and wealth management companies -these can often be referred to as asset or investment management companies- investment banks and other specialist financial companies that service the industry.
Fund and wealth management
Fund and wealth managements companies provide expertise of investing in a wide range of areas including shares (known as equities), bonds, currencies, property and commodities such as gold or oil. Investments can be made on behalf of clients ranging from individuals to governments and private companies.
Investment banks
Investment banks focus on advising clients on a range of financial matters, they also trade on the financial markets.
Investment operation companies
Investment operations companies provide supportive services to fund management companies, ensuring that their business runs smoothly.
Key job areas
There are a number of areas of work within the investment industry ranging from research, relationship management, wealth management, risk analysis, taxation, valuations, cash management and many more.
As with any other business, opportunities in areas such as IT, human resources and project management will be available.
A career path in investments offers opportunities in a forward thinking, technologically advanced industry.
Entrance requirements
Companies within the industry will be looking for those candidates with the appropriate qualifications, skills and attitude. The level of educational attainment will depend on the level at which an individual wishes to enter.
Key skills employers look for:
Qualifications:
Ideally school leavers will be educated to higher grade, graduates to possess a degree and those changing direction to possess relevant and transferable skills.
The investment industry recruits across subjects and disciplines.
Development opportunities and salary expectations
Continuous professional and personal development is evident in the industry; the industry is fluid so requires its staff to develop in time with change. Professional qualifications are widely available with sector companies, including qualifications such as accountancy and investment management.
Salaries vary depending on position, company and skills, although generally starting salaries are above £20,000, managerial salaries are in the region of £50,000 and senior management £80,000+. Salaries can rise quickly as experience and qualifications are gained.
How to get started?
Scottish Investment Operations
Scottish Investment operations is a professional body working on behalf of Scotland’s investment industry, they work to raise awareness of the range of opportunities available in Scotland and to establish training and professional development programmes that would help new talent enter the industry and experienced professionals to grow their careers.
Visit the website for further information on working in the industry, case studies of specific roles, news on training and events and current vacancies across Scotland.
Try the iPhone app My Career Path, an Interactive quiz on pathways to Investment Industry.
Young Scot spoke to fund analyst Jennifer Stewart about how she got into the investment industry, check her case study out.
Published on 19/08/2011
Last modified on 07/12/2011
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