Investment & Financial Services Management

This concentration was developed to prepare the graduate for money management or financial services management. The concentration helps meet the growing need for professionals to manage funds. At the same time, it enables graduates to develop expertise associated with the financial services industry, including commercial banks.

To excel in this field, students should have a range of skills. Money managers are expected to have very strong analytical skills, good communication and people skills, and an understanding of financial markets. Commercial banks require stronger communication and people skills than analytical skills. Investment bankers must excel in both communication and analytical skills. Initiative and creativity are important in all jobs.

Depending on individual interest and skills, MBAs completing this concentration may be employed by a money management company, a consulting organization, a commercial bank, or an investment bank. Liberalization in the industry through changes in banking regulation promises to erase the walls between commercial banks and investment banks, a development that can generate additional career opportunities. Typical titles for graduates with this concentration include portfolio analyst, investment advisor, credit analyst, bank manager, and investment banker.