Some individuals and companies choose to invest in order to protect themselves from inflation, while others choose investment in order to make a profit. When creating the investment portfolio, securities, commodities and other investment companies often send portfolio specialists to work with clients on the construction of the portfolio; however, the term portfolio specialist also refers to specialized workers in the banking industry.

Function

The business portfolio specialist oversees the associations between loans and deposits. These specialists connect the different branches of a banking institution. Monetary and delinquent exceptions are also overseen by this expert. Exceptions refer to disagreements regarding a particular aspect of an audit, which is an evaluation of finances. Other portfolio specialists meet with clients and present different options for the creation of portfolios. There are also credit portfolio specialists who specialize in risk assessment for clients, competitors and industries. In this case, risk assessment refers to potential dangers that are associated with particular financial decisions.

Conditions

Those working in the investment industry often work long hours. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that one in five work longer than 50 hours a week. In contrast, the average hours for those in the banking industry are fewer than 40 hours, with many working part-time. Both investment and banking portfolio specialists spend a lot of time in clean and comfortable offices. Investment portfolio specialists often travel to the homes of clients in order to discuss portfolio options. In other cases, travel is even more extensive with portfolio specialists having to travel great distances to meet with companies far away from the portfolio specialist’s home.

Qualifications

Portfolio specialists usually need a bachelor’s degree, usually in a financial discipline such as accounting or economics. They are expected to be adaptable, able to take initiative, analytical and have excellent problem-solving skills. Oftentimes, a large number of work tasks must be organized and prioritized. Interpersonal skills are highly important because they have to often negotiate with clients and businesspeople who are difficult to impress. At all times, they must communicate professionalism and expertise in portfolios.

Outlook

Between 2008 and 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the investment industry will grow by 12 percent, and that the banking industry will grow by 8 percent. Growth in the investment industry will be driven by baby boomers seeking extra retirement funds, and growth in the banking industry will be driven by a deregulation of the banking industry.

Earnings

Payscale reported that portfolio managers earned between $41,517 and $157,034 in 2010. Those working for foundations and trusts earned the most, while those working for nonprofit organizations earned the least.