Question
Was there a spark that kindled your interest before you ever seriously considered being a Money Manager?
Answer
Karen liked being a Money Manager
Working as a money manager encompasses many capacities from research and analysis to risk management to marketing. Asset managers monitor news on their investments and potential investments and must be ready to react and adjust their portfolio. Thus, asset managers must be decisive and confident with risk-taking. Asset managers often have analysts to assist them, but must have the ability to synthesize information from various sources and draw conclusions. Money managers rely on economic theory as well as probability and math in their decision making on a daily basis. Managers should also be able to clearly articulate their views to colleagues and clients (investors) and potential clients. I enjoyed all facets of the investments process. My education prepared me well to perform many of the expected tasks. However, the level of stress in dealing with time-sensitive information was uncomfortable for me. Managers can be required to take large amounts of risk in short periods of time. As a money manager, your portfolio performance is calculated constantly and one must be comfortable with such evaluations.
Question
What was the most important thing you did to become a Money Manager?
Answer
Karen Arrese
I was consistently conscientious and hard-working at my entry level trading assistant position. I did my job well and asked questions. I attended meetings in which I could listen to managers and asked for research projects. I met with my superiors regularly to ask questions and learn. I also pursued my CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) outside of work to further qualify myself for a portfolio management roles.
Question
What is the most important skill for someone who wants to become a Money Manager?
Answer
Karen Arrese
The important skills a money manager should possess include: ability to analyse and synthesize data and the ability to take/manage risk. A good understanding of economic theory and financial instruments are critical to becoming a fixed income (bond) manager.
Question
What was the most rewarding experience in your career as a Money Manager?
Answer
Karen Arrese
The most rewarding experience in my career was the opportunity to move from trading to portfolio management. Trading exposed me to many valuable skills that I needed to become a portfolio manager. While a trader, I researched markets and made portfolio recommendations. This prepared me for the opportunity to manage a portfolio.
I took a great liking to economic theory in college. I had very little knowledge of potential careers while in college. My college thesis adviser had been contacted by a Union College alumni about an available entry level position and encouraged me to meet with him. During one day of interviewing I was shown the various capacities that made up the profession. I accepted a position based on the smart people I met that day and the future potential to grow from the entry level position.