The Bull and the Bear may be playing hide and seek with each other as far as the global economy is concerned, but Anshu Goel likes it when the two fight it out. A student of the master’s in finance and control programme at Delhi University’s (DU’s) Department of Financial Studies (DFS), Goel closely follows the markets and aims to make a career in stock market operations.

“In the current worldwide financial circumstances, the only ray of hope is from the BRIC countries. Stock markets not only help mobilise savings and provide investment avenues, they are also a good career option for those who have a background in finance and commerce,” says Goel, who studies the nuances of investment analysis, portfolio management, mutual funds etc.

“Our course covers not only subjects related to stock markets but also others related to finance which has helped us get a holistic view of stock markets,” he adds.

Experts believe that there will always be a need for trained professionals, irrespective of economic conditions and, therefore, it’s necessary to train students in the specific areas of stock market operations. “This is one of the reasons why we have a short-term add-on programme in capital market aimed at providing conceptual knowledge of stock market operations and hands-on-experience,” says Rajendra Prasad, principal, Ramjas College, DU.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is mulling a course in this area for senior secondary students, an addition to its financial market management course that was launched in 2007. “We are working in association with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on the curriculum and structure of the programme,” says Vivek Nagpal, consultant (vocational education), CBSE.

Job opportunities

One can be employed in places such as stock exchanges, brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, investment advisory services departments of banks, or treasury departments of corporates. There are opportunities in equity research firms too. “The careers open to students who complete stock market courses are those of fundamental analyst, technical analyst, fund manager, merchant banker, portfolio manager, forex trader and debt/equity/commodity trader,” says Vinod Nair, head of academics and product development, BSE Institute Ltd, Mumbai.

A degree (preferably in commerce) is the minimum requirement, but a course in stock market analysis or a related area is a plus.

Work profile

“The job includes trading equity shares, bonds and debentures etc for their clients that could include individuals or corporate firms. You must have business insight and a thorough awareness of investment methods. We look for candidates who are well-versed in global economic trends and their impact on India,” says Pramod Kumar, MD and head of advisory, Barclays Capital, Mumbai.

Where to study

* BSE Training Institute, Mumbai,
* Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
* Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
* National Stock Exchange, Mumbai

Source: HT Education

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