Hi all,This is my first post in this forum. I'd like to see how people have beaten out their paths to becoming a portfolio manager.My background is an undergrad degree in engineering from 10 years ago, a master's in finance which in hindsight is not very theoretical, and a CFA charterholder. In total, I have spent 7 years in IT with some project management experience. Recently, I have moved closer to the desk to do some more valuation, financial analysis and research, which is good from a career standpoint.My area is in structured products, one of the hardest hit in the past year. I don't know when or if it will make a comeback. Is it a good idea to sit tight and wait for things to turn around?Or is it better to switch to the buy side and do asset management, which has more stability, since there are always wealthy people or institutions with money waiting to be invested. Given my background, how can I make that transition? How have people become a PM with background like mine?

portfolio manager is a good job where you can build yourself a name. but it's a difficult job to break in to without some experience.

ask your wife for some pocket money and manage it and call youself a portfolio manager

QuoteOriginally posted by: LSEstatask your wife for some pocket money and manage it and call youself a portfolio manager better yet, ask your parent/uncle to borrow $100 dollars, buy an index fund, and put on your resume "Raised and invested capital for private wealth leveraged equity fund. Averaged 10% return over 5 years."