Education · 1 of 4

The path

Nobody starts as a hedge fund manager. You earn the right to manage money by being right for years as an analyst.

1. 1

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Commerce, economics, math, computer science or engineering.

2. 2

   First job

   2 to 3 years

   Investment banking, equity research, a pension fund or a junior analyst seat at a fund.

3. 3

   CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter

   3 to 4 years

   Three exams written while you work. In Canada it is the usual way to qualify to manage client money.

4. 4

   Analyst, then senior analyst

   4 to 8 years

   You research companies or markets and pitch trades. Your track record builds.

5. 5

   Portfolio manager

   Ongoing, as long as you perform

   You get your own money to run and your own risk limits, usually in your 30s.