Study investment fundamentals through classes that cover analysis, market behavior, and portfolio design. You’ll learn to align financial strategies with long-term goals.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of stock investing, valuation, and stock movements in this course. Learn about essential valuation techniques, financial statements, and the fundamentals of stock investing, as well as the factors that influence stock prices and how to analyze them.
Master Excel, review corporate finance, and build a valuation model on a public company. Gain basic and intermediate Excel skills and learn how to read financial statements, build valuations, and predict market trends.
Join our financial modeling class to learn essential finance and accounting concepts, build a discounted cash flow (DCF) model in Excel, acquire advanced Excel skills, explore corporate finance and valuation, and create a financial model on a real company. This hands-on course will teach you practical financial skills.
An investment is an asset that is expected to increase in value over time. Investing is the practice of buying assets that are expected to appreciate, in order to create wealth. These assets can include real estate, bonds, and stocks. Investing is a way to let your money grow rather than having it sit in a bank account. By investing, you can build wealth, stay ahead of inflation, and prepare for retirement.
The idea of investing is generally believed to have started in the 1600s, when the first public markets were established. These markets made it possible for individuals to access investment opportunities. For instance, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange opened in 1602. The New York Stock Exchange opened in 1792. Investopedia argues that the Industrial Revolutions were also turning points in the history of investing. It says, “The Industrial Revolutions of 1760-1840 and 1860-1914 resulted in greater prosperity as a result of which people amassed savings that could be invested, fostering the development of an advanced banking system. Most of the established banks that dominate the investing world began in the 1800s, including Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan.”
Investment always comes with a certain amount of risk, because it is impossible to know for sure how the value of an asset will change over time. It may increase in value; however, its value may also stay the same or even decrease. Forbes explains how every investor needs to consider risk. It says, “Different investments come with different levels of risk. Taking on more risk means your investment returns may grow faster—but it also means you face a greater chance of losing money. Conversely, less risk means you may earn profits more slowly, but your investment is safer.” It points out that every individual will have a different risk tolerance. Investors try to decrease risk in several different ways. One is by educating themselves about finance. Another is by diversifying their investments so that their profits or losses don’t depend on one single type of investment.
You can do many different things with investing training. If you plan to work in any investment-related job, you’ll need it. As a professional, you can make a wide variety of different investments, or you can advise others about making investments. However, even if you never plan to use investing skills in a professional setting, they are almost certain to be valuable on a personal level. Most people will be involved with investments at some point in their lives. For instance, work 401(k) accounts, or other retirement savings accounts, are forms of investment. If you have children and you set up an education savings plan for them, that is also an investment. Another popular type of investment is when you have extra savings that you want to invest in the stock market or elsewhere to earn money over time. Investment can be very lucrative. One LinkedIn author comments, “Investing can come as a saviour. If you invest a portion of your money in the right asset then it can result in earning profits on your savings. Thus, you can achieve long-term financial goals in a short time.” With investing training, you might be able to manage some types of investments yourself. Even if you decide to work with a professional who can help you make decisions and manage your investments, it is helpful to have some investing knowledge. Investing training can give you a better understanding of how investing works, what investment strategies are best for you, and how to go about making smart investments.
The content of investing classes varies widely. Some classes are focused on general investing, while others are more specialized. Some cover a range of other financial topics in addition to investing. As a result, what you’ll learn in an investing class will largely depend on the specific course that you choose. However, there are several foundational skills that are likely to be covered in most investing classes. When you learn about investing, you’re likely to learn how to read financial documents. You’ll also learn about different types of investments, stock market principles, and risk and return. In addition, investment classes often include information on managing and balancing a portfolio.
As an investor, part of making smart investment choices is understanding the performance of potential investments and looking for those that have a positive cash flow, good earnings, a strong balance sheet, and the potential for future growth. Companies publish a variety of financial statements, like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, that contain this information. When you take an investing class, you’re likely to learn how to read these different types of financial documents so that you can make good investment choices.
There are many ways to invest your money. For instance, you can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. When you take an investing class, you may learn about some of these different types of investments and their unique risks and rewards. Each of these different types of investments also requires a different investing strategy, which may also be covered in an investment class. Alternatively, if you take a specialized investment class, it may be focused primarily on one type of investing, such as the stock market.
Investing in the stock market is a very common way to invest. However, there are different types of stocks, such as common and preferred stocks. There are also different ways to invest in them. For instance, through a retirement plan, through a brokerage account, or with the help of a financial adviser. Investing classes often cover much of this stock-related information, so that if you decide to invest in stock,s you’ll be better informed about how to do so.
The concept of risk and return is central to investing. In general, the greater the risk in your investment, the greater the potential reward. In contrast, less risky investments are usually associated with lower rewards. An example of a high-risk investment is cryptocurrency, and an example of a low-risk one is a certificate of deposit. As an investor, you’ll need to understand the concept of risk and reward, how to calculate it, and how to incorporate it into your investment choices. Every individual has their own risk tolerance, which will depend on factors like their investment timeframe and how much loss they can accept.
Investing often involves actively managing your portfolio of investments, and balancing it if necessary. Your needs, your tolerance for risk, and the performance of your investments can all change over time, which means you may need to make changes to your portfolio to align it with your new needs and goals. For instance, people approaching retirement typically have a reduced tolerance for risk since they will need their money for retirement. Most experts advise maintaining a diverse portfolio, and reevaluating it yearly.
Investing is a relatively difficult topic to learn. It is fairly easy to learn some basics, however, becoming an expert requires gaining a lot of specialized financial knowledge, and also that you devote a significant amount of time to practice. One investor talks about stock market investing, stating, “I always think about learning how to trade like learning how to ride a bike. It’s not difficult to ride a bike, once you know how. It does take practice to master riding a bike. We can say the same for trading: It’s easy enough to learn but takes time to master.” He stresses that practice is critical, and says, “It’s why a lot of people fail in trading: They just do not take the time to practice. If you don’t put in the time to practice, you’ll never make mistakes. And if you don’t make mistakes, you’ll never learn from them.” Since mistakes are an important part of learning investing, experts advise starting with a virtual portfolio, where you can learn without risking any real money.
One of the most challenging things about investing is that no matter how much you learn, you’ll never know exactly what will happen in the market. Investing involves unpredictability and risk. You can definitely increase your chances of success by educating yourself, studying what has happened in the past, and by listening to what other experts have to say; however, some unpredictability will always remain, and that can be challenging to deal with.
You can learn some of the basics of investing relatively quickly, within weeks or months, but investing is a complex field with many elements and variables, and most people say that mastering it takes years, and requires both education and experience. Experts warn that it is common for people to get lucky in investing and consequently underestimate how much time they really need to spend learning about this field. One analyst says, “It’s important to recognise that successful trading requires dedication, education, and a well-defined strategy. Unfortunately, I know most people who want to trade the stock market for a living would prefer not to hear this, but it can take up to two years for anyone to become a full-time trader, if not longer.” He goes on to explain that it is crucial to devote a substantial amount of time to learning about investing, stating, “The streets are littered with wanna-be traders and, in a bull market, many are profitable through sheer luck rather than sound knowledge. To be a full-time trader, you need to combine a high level of knowledge with experience; without this, your probability of success over the long term is very low.”
When it comes to investing classes, you’ll find that there are several different formats. In-person, live online, and on-demand learning are all popular ways to learn. Each has unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which format to pick will depend on your unique circumstances and learning style. In-person courses have long been a popular way to learn new skills. With this format, students learn in a face-to-face environment, with an instructor and a group of other students. Since they are in a classroom dedicated to learning, there are usually minimal outside distractions. In addition, instructors are there to answer questions whenever they arise, and can more easily see whether students need additional help. One of the biggest downsides to this format is that it offers the least amount of flexibility. Students must travel to a specific classroom location, and are limited to attending classes in their geographic area.
In contrast, live online classes can be attended from any location, such as home or the office. Students simply need to log in online. Instruction is live, and instructors are available to answer questions and give feedback, just like with in-person classes. Some students even feel more comfortable interacting this way, from the comfort of their screens. Many live online classes encourage interaction between students, and since students can attend from any location in the country, there is often a more diverse classroom. A downside to this format is that students typically need to supply their own equipment and software, and will also need to make sure that they have a reliable internet connection.
A third class format is on-demand, where students learn asynchronously. Instead of a live lecture, the material is prerecorded. Students work through it at their own pace, stopping, starting, fast-forwarding, and rewinding whenever they need to. This is the most flexible format, since students can attend from any location and on any schedule. It can be a good option for those who have a busy schedule. On-demand learning tends to be cheaper too, since there is no live instructor. However, it does require a higher level of discipline and self-motivation, so it may not be the best option for students who don’t like to work alone.
There are many different skills that can complement investing. Investing involves gathering and analyzing information, so skills that help you more efficiently and effectively do this are valuable. For instance, data analytics can be useful for investing. This is the practice of collecting and analyzing data to make conclusions about it, and it has grown increasingly important to many different industries in recent years because of the growing volume of data that is collected in the world. Critical thinking skills and analytical skills can also help you better analyze investment information. If you’re planning to make investment decisions, it’s also helpful to learn basic financial principles so that you can understand all of the financial data that you’ll need to look at.
Depending on how you plan to utilize your investing knowledge, it can also be a good idea to strengthen your communication and presentation skills. Many investing jobs involve analyzing information and then presenting your findings to others. This means that you’ll benefit from knowing how to clearly and effectively translate your findings and ideas into a form that other people can understand.
Investing is used in a wide range of industries. Many different businesses utilize it in some way, including non-profit and government industries. In some cases, businesses and organizations may be the ones making the investments, while in other cases, they may be looking for investors. As a result of how integral investing is to industry, learning some investing skills can be valuable no matter what field you plan to work in.
Finance is one of the industries most likely to use investing. In fact, investment plays a vital role in making the economy run. For instance, many companies rely on investors for capital. Los Angeles has many large financial companies. In 2023, this city was rated number six on the Global Financial Centres Index, which is a list of the world’s top financial centers created by Z/Yen Partners and the China Development Institute. The Economic & Workforce Development Department also discusses the city’s importance in finance, stating, “Los Angeles is a global economic powerhouse, boasting the world’s third-largest metropolitan economy.”
Financial technology–or FinTech–is the use of technology to provide financial services. It includes things like investment apps, and is a rapidly growing industry. FinTech has changed investing by making it easier for people without a lot of investing expertise. In a recent LinkedIn article, the author explains, “FinTech is changing many aspects of finance by simplifying things in an industry once filled with jargon, hidden fees, and paperwork.” For instance, the author explains that some FinTech apps have eliminated account minimums and trade fees, which makes investing accessible to more people. Los Angeles ranks high for its tech scene. According to CBRE’s annual Scoring Tech Talent report, Los Angeles is number 14 in the country for tech talent. CBRE reports that between 2017 and 2022, tech wages in the Los Angeles area increased by 20 percent, and now average almost $113,000. According to the Global Financial Centres Index, Los Angeles is a top ten center for FinTech.
Investing is also a critical part of the banking system. Banks help manage the way money flows between investors and their investments. The International Monetary Fund explains, “Although banks do many things, their primary role is to take in funds—called deposits—from those with money, pool them, and lend them to those who need funds.” Los Angeles is home to many large banks. The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation calls this city the “economic and financial hub of the West Coast” and says, “The Central Business District hosts the region’s top professional services firms including banking.”
Investing is an important part of the real estate industry. In general, people purchase real estate as an investment, hoping that it will increase in value over time. A Harvard University website article explains some of the ways real estate investment works. It says, “Real estate investors put money into properties in the hopes of selling that investment for a profit at a future date. If you choose to be a real estate investor, you could own one or more properties, or pool your money with other investors into a fund that includes several properties. You earn money when properties in the fund are sold. You may also earn income from the rental of the property while holding the asset.” As the second most populous city in the United States, Los Angeles offers many different opportunities for real estate investment.
A Financial Analyst analyzes data and makes recommendations about investments. This job can involve gathering and organizing data, looking at historical data, creating reports and budgets, and making recommendations. Financial Analysts can specialize in many different ways. For example, they can work in the securities industry, or for large corporations. They can also work for nonprofit organizations and government entities. Financial Analysts need to know about finance and economics, and they need strong critical thinking and analytical skills. According to Payscale, a Financial Analyst in Los Angeles earns about $73,000 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS), a federal agency that gathers U.S. labor market statistics and publishes a variety of reports, over the next ten years, there will be 8 percent job growth for Financial Analysts. This is higher than the average U.S. job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency explains that there are several reasons behind this projected growth. One is the growth of emerging markets. It says, “Emerging markets throughout the world are providing new investment opportunities, requiring expertise in geographic regions where those markets are located.” Another factor driving growth is the increasing importance of big data. The BLS says, “Demand also is projected to increase as big data and technological improvements allow financial analysts to conduct high-quality analysis. This analysis will help businesses manage their finances, identify investment trends, and deliver new products or services to clients.” The BLS finds that the Los Angeles metropolitan area is the fifth-largest employer of Financial and Investment Analysts in the United States, with over 10,000 people employed.
An Investment Analyst evaluates financial and investment information to help stockbrokers, traders, and others make decisions about how to invest. This job involves gathering and examining a wide range of financial information. Some Investment Analysts work on the buy-side, which is the side of the market involved in buying investments such as private equity groups. Others work on the sell-side, which is the side involved in selling investments such as brokerages.
The BLS groups Investment Analysts in the category of Financial Analysts, and projects strong future growth for this profession. It also reports that the largest employer for this category is “securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities.” This employer category is also reported to pay the highest wages. According to Payscale, an Investment Analyst earns approximately $75,000 yearly in Los Angeles.
Risk Analysts help companies reduce the risks associated with their business decisions. They collect a variety of data, such as investment portfolios and market trends, and analyze that data to make predictions about potential gains or losses and to recommend investment strategies.
This job is also placed in the category of Financial Analysts by the BLS, with higher-than-average job growth predicted over the next ten years. The BLS reports that people who work in this field often have a background in business, and typically have strong communication, computer, decision-making, and math skills, in addition to being detail-oriented. A Risk Analyst makes an average salary of $75,000, as reported by Payscale.
Investment Bankers provide financial advice for organizations like startups, corporations, and government entities. They advise on things like investments, mergers, and acquisitions. For example, a company might utilize the services of an Investment Banker to advise it on arranging capital markets financing. The job of an Investment Banker involves research and analysis of financial data, creating reports, and making recommendations.
The BLS predicts that between 2022 and 2032, employment of Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents–which includes Investment Bankers–will grow by 7 percent. It says, “The United States remains an international financial center, meaning that the economic growth of countries around the world will contribute to employment growth in the U.S. financial industry.” In addition, it explains that retirement needs will also drive demand for Investment Bankers. It explains, “An aging population and the decline of traditional pensions may boost demand for these workers, as individuals approaching retirement seek brokers to facilitate securities purchases.” Los Angeles is the country’s third-largest employer in this category, according to the BLS, with about 20,000 people working in this field. According to Payscale, the average salary for a Los Angeles Investment Banker is $166,000.
A Financial Advisor provides personalized guidance about how individuals or organizations can meet their financial goals. This often involves helping clients figure out what those goals are, and then making a plan to achieve them. The job also typically involves advice on making investments. In addition, it can include providing advice about how to save for retirement, and the tax consequences of various investment strategies. Financial Advisors also help clients review their goals and progress on a regular basis and make adjustments to their investments as needed. Glassdoor reports that a Los Angeles Financial Advisor earns about $141,000 yearly.
According to the BLS, between 2022 and 2032, Personal Financial Advisors will see 13 percent job growth. It explains, “The primary driver of employment growth will be the aging population. As large numbers of baby boomers continue to retire, they are likely to seek planning advice from personal financial advisors. Also, longer lifespans will lead to longer retirement periods, further increasing demand for financial planning services.” The agency also finds that a change in the way people fund their retirement will drive growth. It says, “In addition, the replacement of traditional pension plans with individual retirement accounts is expected to continue. Many people used to receive defined pension payments in retirement, but most companies no longer offer these plans. Therefore, individuals must save and invest for their own retirement, increasing the demand for personal financial advisors.” It finds that the Los Angeles metropolitan area has the second-highest level of employment of Personal Financial Advisors in the United States, with more than 13,000 people employed in this profession.
Held live online or in-person in New York City, this course from NYIM Training will teach you the fundamentals of stocks and bonds by discussing what moves stock prices and how stocks are valued by investors. You’ll learn the essentials of valuation (like P/E ratios and DCF analysis), financial statements, and fundamentals of stock investing. You’ll also analyze recent earnings releases and valuation multiples of companies like Google and Apple to provide a framework for fundamental investment research. NYIM Training classes boast small sizes, expert instructors, setup assistance, and a free retake should you wish to revisit the content.
This course from Noble Desktop will teach you the essentials of valuation, financial statements, and stock investing. It is offered in person in New York City or in a live online format. The course covers topics like P/E ratios and DCF analysis, as well as recent earnings releases and valuation multiples of companies such as Google and Apple. You’ll develop a sound understanding of how financial markets work using the same strategies and tactics as investors such as Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham. This course comes with setup assistance, small class sizes for more individualized learning, and a free retake, should you wish to revisit the content later. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll receive a certificate that can be added to your resume, LinkedIn, or online portfolio.
Noble Desktop also offers a Financial Analyst Training Program. In this course, students learn core Excel skills, including functions, formulas, and PivotTables. They also learn advanced Excel techniques for financial modeling, such as Goal Seek and cash flow protection tools. In addition, the class covers accounting, corporate finance, and valuation, with topics like DCF modeling techniques, financial statement analysis, and corporate valuation principles. Students also learn about financial modeling, building an integrated 3-statement financial model, reviewing company presentations and financial reports, and using valuation principles.
Another Noble option is the Financial Accounting Bootcamp. This is a short course where students learn about financial accounting and financial statements, which includes topics like cash versus accrual accounting, income statement line items, and financial metrics, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. They will also gain an understanding of how financial statements tie together. Many different intermediate financial accounting principles are also covered, such as advanced income statement processes, handling unusual items and EPs, working with deferred taxes and tax journal entries, managing intercompany investments, and understanding how debt accounting works.
If you already know a bit about investing and want to level up in data analytics, Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp is the perfect place to learn coding skills that can enhance your existing skill set. With beginner-friendly training that includes skills-based projects, you don’t need any knowledge of coding to master skills like analytics and visualization. In addition to giving real-world experience, these projects will also help you develop compelling material for inclusion in your professional portfolio. Whenever you get stumped, you can fall back on your mentor, an expert who meets with you one-on-one throughout the course to offer support and career guidance. After completing this program, you can level up even further by participating in the Python for Finance Bootcamp.
If you’re looking to educate your employees on investment, Noble Desktop offers several different in-person and online corporate training programs related to this topic. Its skilled instructors can either train your employees onsite, or can run a live online training. Scheduling is flexible, and content can be customized according to your needs. Training includes comprehensive support materials like handouts and access to premium training videos.
Another employee training option is to purchase vouchers for Noble’s regular group classes and allow your employees to choose their own training schedule. A discount is offered with the purchase of multiple vouchers. To get more information about corporate training options, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, email Noble Desktop.
Those seeking a chance to sharpen their skills in tech, design, business, or data can look no further than the opportunities in Los Angeles. The city is more than just Hollywood; it’s a collection of professional services and companies that stretch from the innovative companies in Silicon Beach to the more corporate areas of downtown L.A. Investing is a field that companies and clients across L.A. need experts to assist with, whether it's real estate investing or stock market investments. Learning how to invest helps you take control of your personal finances, as well as gives you opportunities across industries in L.A. For those interested, Noble Desktop’s partner school, VDCI, offers classes taught by industry experts who are passionate, willing, and ready to impart their knowledge to students and professionals alike. They offer insight based on their real-world experience, which makes all the difference when learning a new skill from scratch or while looking to advance in your field.
Los Angeles-based learners can take advantage of the training at 3904 Groton Street, San Diego, California, located directly in the Point Loma neighborhood. Driving from Los Angeles, you’ll take I-5 South all the way. Those who prefer public transportation can hop on the Amtrak and commuter rail services connecting to San Diego from L.A., making it a quick way to access the campus. The facility is designed for interaction, offering students access to top-rated instructors and modern workstations.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Deanne Larson has built a reputation as a pioneer in the Los Angeles data science and analytics world. As the founder of Larson & Associates LLC, she has partnered with Fortune 500 companies and FinTech firms to help shape AI strategies and implement solutions through machine learning. She’s worked with global enterprises, particularly in designing their data systems. Her accomplishments go beyond the norm, however, as she’s also been part of projects that serve 225 million customers worldwide and others that require developing cutting-edge data governance frameworks for cloud and blockchain technologies. She’s a seasoned instructor as well, having taught at City University of Seattle, where she mentored doctoral candidates and designed data analytics programs. She holds several doctoral degrees that, paired with her extensive experience, position her to teach subjects like AI, Python, data, machine learning, and project management.
Michael Wilson is a Licensed Architect in the State of California and an Autodesk Certified Platinum Revit Instructor, one of only 20 professionals worldwide to hold this title. With over 25 years of experience in architecture, Michael has contributed to award-winning commercial and municipal projects, including facilities for pharmaceutical companies and landmarks such as the El Cajon Animal Shelter and the Mission Hills Library. Michael teaches and develops Revit courses that emphasize real-world application through project-based learning. Over the past decade, he has trained thousands of students in the Los Angeles AEC community, helping them master workflows. Michael is also an Autodesk Certified AutoCAD and Revit Professional, specializing in Revit certification and interior design software.
John O’Malley is a Registered Architect with more than a decade of experience leading Los Angeles teams through all stages of design and construction. His professional background spans different sectors, where he has earned recognition for his technical precision and leadership. A licensed architect in California, John also holds LEED AP BD+C certification and is an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI Silver). Most recently, he teaches AutoCAD courses that prepare students to apply drafting and design principles in real-world settings. John is passionate about mentoring the next generation of design professionals, contributing to the ACE Mentor Program.