My primary work consists of investment and portfolio analysis. I read and understand different markets and advise clients to change or continue with their portfolio based on the client's requirements. Say, for example, a particular stock is doing poorly, a client would ask whether I should buy more or sell more. I would understand the current market scenario, which includes reading news to gather more information and then inform the client. The client would finally decide whether it is appropriate to buy or sell that stock. The decision to whether to hold on to the stock varies with each client and their background. If a client has a small amount of that stock, the client might hold the stock a little longer, but if there is a large amount, they might sell a portion of it. Stock is an asset class, and financial product can be from any asset class.

I read up on financial markets to come up with trading ideas, and usually, I end up following the ideas from specialists in the field. Once I understand the market, I form my view and then share my view with my team. If senior members in the team agree with my view, then they might promote the same view to their superiors. Finally, if there is consensus, then they would share it with the client. I spend 40% of my time interacting with clients, 40% of my time on research and 20% is usually spent in following the process. I ensure everything is documented, and I write research reports. I read public news, internal research documents and 20% of my time might be spent on reading about external research.

I felt I am not smart in programming, and my skills were not great and didn't enjoy programming though I ended up studying computer engineering for my bachelors' degree. I realized in 2-3 years of my bachelors that I would rather look at the financial market instead of code. I just liked financial markets, and it is fast-paced and dynamic. Anybody (senior or junior) can get a particular call right or wrong (i.e. in the case of stock example to buy or sell). I think in terms of the industry it is very meritocratic.

Do things that validate your interest. You can join investment clubs, network with professionals, do CFA etc. Be desperate to know as much as possible. Avoid getting disheartened, be humble and non-egoistic. You will get a lot of rejections and disappointments. It should never dishearten you. You should analyze what can be done better. I would recommend you to go the extra mile and read as much as possible, because for wealth managers like me, knowledge is wealth!