Introduction to Investments

Course Overview

This course, Introduction to Investments, provides an overview of primary and secondary equity markets from a domestic and international perspective. Students will gain an understanding of the concepts of risk and return, market efficiency, and valuation. They will also learn how to build valuation models for common stocks and how professional financial analysts evaluate companies. Upon completion of the course, students will be well-equipped to pursue employment with a brokerage company, investment company, or financial services company with responsibilities in evaluating and selecting equity securities for investment portfolios.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to apply the concepts and tools learned to evaluate and select equity securities for investment portfolios. They should also be able to build valuation models for common stocks and understand how professional financial analysts evaluate companies. Additionally, students should be able to understand the general structure of primary and secondary equity markets from a domestic and international perspective.

[Career Paths]
1. Investment Analyst: Investment analysts research and analyze financial data to make recommendations to their clients on which stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments to buy and sell. They must stay up-to-date on the latest economic and market trends, and use their knowledge to make sound investment decisions. Investment analysts are in high demand, and the job outlook is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

2. Financial Planner: Financial planners help individuals and businesses create and manage their financial plans. They provide advice on investments, taxes, retirement, estate planning, and insurance. Financial planners must have a strong understanding of the financial markets and be able to provide sound advice to their clients. The job outlook for financial planners is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

3. Portfolio Manager: Portfolio managers are responsible for managing the investments of their clients. They must have a strong understanding of the financial markets and be able to make sound investment decisions. They must also be able to analyze financial data and make recommendations to their clients. The job outlook for portfolio managers is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

4. Investment Banker: Investment bankers provide financial advice to their clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. They must have a strong understanding of the financial markets and be able to provide sound advice to their clients. The job outlook for investment bankers is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Science in Finance: A Bachelor of Science in Finance is a degree program that focuses on the principles of finance, such as investments, banking, and financial planning. This degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze financial data, develop financial strategies, and manage investments. It also prepares students for careers in banking, financial planning, and investment management. The developing trend for this degree is the increasing demand for financial professionals with the ability to analyze and interpret financial data.

2. Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA is a graduate degree program that focuses on the fundamentals of business, such as accounting, economics, finance, and marketing. This degree program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage and lead organizations. It also prepares students for careers in consulting, finance, and investment banking. The developing trend for this degree is the increasing demand for business professionals with the ability to analyze and interpret financial data.

3. Master of Science in Investment Management: A Master of Science in Investment Management is a degree program that focuses on the principles of investment management, such as portfolio management, asset allocation, and risk management. This degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze financial data, develop investment strategies, and manage portfolios. It also prepares students for careers in investment banking, asset management, and financial planning. The developing trend for this degree is the increasing demand for investment professionals with the ability to analyze and interpret financial data.

4. Doctor of Philosophy in Finance: A Doctor of Philosophy in Finance is a degree program that focuses on the principles of finance, such as investments, banking, and financial planning. This degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze financial data, develop financial strategies, and manage investments. It also prepares students for careers in academia, consulting, and investment banking. The developing trend for this degree is the increasing demand for financial professionals with the ability to analyze and interpret financial data.