Portfolio management with a CMU finance degree
What is portfolio management?
Portfolio management is mainly about solving financial problems. It involves deciding what to buy, what to keep, and how to balance risk and return.
A portfolio manager will work on choosing, tracking, and balancing a group of financial assets. These assets can include stocks, bonds, real estate, and more. The goal is to meet specific investment goals for a client or organization while also managing risk.
“In finance, there isn’t one right answer. What matters is how you defend your position—why debt versus equity, why buy versus sell—and that takes analysis and storytelling,” said Dr. Brad Taylor (PhD, CFA, CPA, CA, CMA), Finance Faculty and Michigan Finance Scholars Magnusson Director at Central Michigan University.
From shaping the future to redefining what's possible, see what a finance degree can do at Central Michigan University.
What makes effective portfolio management?
Successful portfolio management is about creating a strategy and a story that balances growth and stability. It begins with knowing the investor's goals and how much risk they can take. Then, create a mix of investments that can do well in different market conditions.
A strong approach involves analyzing market trends, evaluating individual securities, and making adjustments as conditions change. The ultimate objective is to protect capital while seeking opportunities for long-term returns.
Real-world experience with student investment portfolios
To truly master the strategic decisions required in portfolio management, you need hands-on experience managing real capital. This is where the Central Michigan University finance major offers a massive advantage.
At CMU, you don’t just pretend to invest. You manage real multi-million-dollar funds, like the Celani Investment Portfolio, and other student investment portfolios. The Tom Celani Student Investment Portfolio is a student-managed fund that focuses on large-cap companies.
- Real capital: Students are responsible for overseeing over $4 million in assets. This practical experience replicates the actual job of a professional asset manager. You will learn to conduct financial analyses and manage risk strategies with tangible consequences.
- Technological access: CMU finance students have access to 12 Bloomberg terminals; these terminals provide financial data, news, and analytics used in major financial centers globally. Training on the Bloomberg Terminal from day one helps CMU graduates be job ready. They become skilled in important industry technology.
CMU finance major: building your foundation
This major builds the analytical expertise required for your future career in portfolio management. The curriculum will cover basic finance topics to advanced topics such as:
- Money and capital markets
- Options and futures
- Advanced financial management
CMU students can join the Michigan Finance Scholars Program. This program offers workshops, case studies, and chances to network. These activities focus on asset management and investment banking to enhance your professional profile.
Your launchpad to asset management
Portfolio management is a career that requires a blend of market intuition, analytical expertise, and reliable judgements. The CMU finance program gets you ready by using theory in real situations. You will have access to a multi-million-dollar student investment portfolio and Bloomberg terminals.
Take the first step toward becoming a portfolio manager.
Check out the Central Michigan University finance major today. You can also call the Finance and Law department at 989-774-3362. Learn how to manage real assets while you are a student to prepare you for your next steps.