How to become an asset manager
There are several routes to becoming an asset manager.You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university course or graduate training scheme, or by taking industry-recognised qualifications. If you already have relevant skills or experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer or train on the job.
You should explore each route to becoming an asset manager to find out which is the right one for you.
You may need aConstruction Skills Certification Scheme(CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University/graduate training scheme
You could complete an undergraduate degree in building and construction, business studies, finance, statistics, economics, management or accounting. For this, you’ll need 2 - 3 A levels (or equivalent), including maths.
Afterwards, you could apply to a graduate trainee scheme. You could work for a bank or construction firm as a junior or assistant asset manager.
If you already have a relevant first degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification to improve your employability.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Industry qualifications
TheInstitute of Asset Management(IAM) offers courses which cover the basics of asset management. You do not need any existing qualifications for these.
TheChartered Institute for Securities & Investment(CISI) also offers qualifications and training courses. These are both for experienced professionals and school leavers interested in financial careers.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
- Find out more about work experience
- Find an apprenticeship near you
Skills
- Business management skills
- Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- Able to use your initiative
- Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- Be flexible and open to change
- Analytical thinking skills
- Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Qualifications
To become an asset manager:
- Some may require previous experience within a construction firm as a junior or assistant asset manager
You could complete a:
- Undergraduate degree in building and construction, business studies, finance, statistics, economics, management or accounting.
To become an asset manager:
- Some may require previous experience within a construction firm as a junior or assistant asset manager
You could complete a:
- Undergraduate degree in building and construction, business studies, finance, statistics, economics, management or accounting.
To become an asset manager:
- Some may require previous experience within a construction firm as a junior or assistant asset manager
You could complete a:
- Undergraduate degree in building and construction, business studies, finance, statistics, economics, management or accounting.
What does an asset manager do?
As an asset manager, you will be responsible helping to maximise the profitability of the business through analysis inventory and supplier pricing. You could also be generating reports based on this, and passing this information on to other decision-makers.
The job role ofan asset manager involves the following duties:
- Maximising profitability
- Running and analysing inventories of all assets
- Liaising with suppliers to obtain the best price for assets
- Investing money for upcoming projects
- Working with asset management systems and tracking technologies
- Ensuring financial records are up-to-date and accurate
- Monitoring materials, workforce, tools, equipment and supplies
- Reporting on finance and forecasting budgets
- Working in an office and making occasional site visits.
How much could you earn as an asset manager?
The expected salary for an asset manager varies as you become more experienced.
- Newly trained asset managers can earn £19,000 - £21,000
- Trained asset managers with some experience can earn £38,000 - £40,000
- Senior asset managers can earn £40,000 - £50,000*
Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. Salaries and career options improve with chartered status.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
Check out the latest asset manager vacancies:
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.
Career path and progression
You could work for a construction firm, a bank or another financial service, supporting businesses or individuals.
Some asset managers specialise in property or investment management. With experience, you could progress into senior financial roles and earn a higher salary.
As an asset manager, you could also become an accountant or financial consultant. Similarly, you could move into asset management if you have experience as an accountant.
