Explore investing strategies through programs that cover market analysis, risk diversification, and long-term planning. You’ll learn to identify opportunities and balance investment 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.
Investing involves committing money or resources with the expectation of generating a profit or some other form of benefit in the future. It's a way to grow wealth over time by putting your money to work. Instead of keeping your money in a savings account, where it might only earn a small amount of interest, investing allows you to potentially grow it at a faster rate. There are many investment options available, each with its own level of risk and potential return. Some include stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
The history of investing stretches back surprisingly far, though the concept of investing as we know it today is a more recent development. In 1602, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange was credited as the first stock exchange; it emerged to facilitate trade in shares of the Dutch East India Company, a powerful maritime trading enterprise. This marked a shift towards investing in companies rather than just financing ventures. As the 18th century neared, pioneering thinkers like Benjamin Graham and John Maynard Keynes laid the foundation for modern investment strategies, emphasizing factors, like risk management and diversification. As we creep toward the present, the rise of computers and the internet revolutionized investing, with electronic trading platforms facilitating faster and more efficient transactions while online information access empowered investors.
Your investing knowledge can be a valuable asset for hobbies that go beyond just making money. It can give you a significant edge in a stock market challenge (also known as fantasy investing). Websites and apps like Investopedia Stock Simulator or Fantasy Stock Market allow you to create a virtual portfolio and trade with simulated money. You can compete with friends or family, test your investment strategies in a risk-free environment, and learn from your decisions. Stock market challenges can give you valuable experience, test your investment strategies in a safe environment, and potentially make you victorious in the challenge.
Use your knowledge to help others. Volunteer your time or expertise to teach basic financial concepts, budgeting, and responsible investing to friends, family, or even a wider community. If you're passionate about investing and personal finance, consider starting a blog or podcast. Share your knowledge, investment experiences (successes and failures), and insights for beginners in a way that is engaging and informative. Remember, providing financial advice requires proper licensing in some jurisdictions.
You can spread your entrepreneurial wings through angel investing or venture capital simulation. Simulate the angel investing or venture capital process by researching startups, evaluating their business plans, and creating a mock investment portfolio focused on high-growth potential companies. This can help you learn about early-stage investing and identify promising startups.
The depth and complexity of technical skills will vary depending on the course. Introductory classes will likely focus more on financial literacy and basic investment principles, while advanced courses might delve deeper into technical analysis or financial modeling.
Familiarity with technical analysis concepts can be helpful. This involves reading charts, identifying common price patterns (head and shoulders, moving averages, relative strength index (RSI)), and using them to gauge market sentiment and potential entry or exit points for investments. Some classes might introduce you to basic technical analysis concepts like reading charts and identifying common price patterns to make informed investment decisions based on historical price trends.
Proficiency in spreadsheet software like Excel is a plus with investing. Financial modeling involves building models to value companies, forecast future performance, and analyze potential investment scenarios. These models can help you make more informed investment decisions by considering various factors and predicting potential outcomes. Advanced courses might introduce you to financial modeling using spreadsheet software like Excel.
Understanding and calculating financial ratios like P/E ratio, debt-to-equity ratio, profit margin, and return on equity (ROE) is essential in investment. These ratios provide insights into a company's financial health, profitability, efficiency, and risk profile. Analyzing financial statements alongside these ratios allows you to assess a company's true value beyond its stock price. If you're considering taking an investing class, you can be confident that learning about financial ratios will be a core part of the curriculum.
Data analysis tools can help you screen for stocks based on specific criteria, analyze large datasets of financial information, and identify trends or patterns that might not be readily apparent through traditional methods. Some classes might introduce you to basic portfolio-tracking tools or platforms that help investors monitor their holdings and analyze performance metrics.
Python is a powerful and versatile high-level programming language, known for its readability and ease of use. For highly technical investors, knowledge of Python can be advantageous. Python allows you to automate data analysis tasks, build custom technical indicators, and perform more advanced portfolio analysis. Some advanced investing classes or specialized courses focused on quantitative investing or algorithmic trading might introduce Python as a tool.
Investment classes can indirectly help you develop problem-solving skills. As you learn about different investment options and strategies, you'll encounter challenges and decision-making for balancing risk and reward, adapting to market conditions, and market portfolio decisions. The process of analyzing companies, markets, and economic data also involves critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You'll need to consider various factors, identify potential risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions based on your analysis.
The difficulty of learning investing depends on several factors, and it can range from relatively easy to quite challenging. If you have a basic understanding of financial concepts like compound interest, risk and return, and different asset classes, you'll have a head start. With dedication and the right resources, you can learn the basics of investing and make informed investment decisions. However, becoming an expert investor takes time, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt to dynamic market conditions.
While the basics of investing can be grasped relatively quickly, there are several hurdles you might encounter as you delve deeper into the world of finance. Certain investment strategies or in-depth analysis might involve complex financial concepts like derivatives, portfolio optimization models, or advanced technical analysis. Grasping these concepts can require significant effort and potentially additional education. The financial world is full of information, from news articles and analyst reports to investment gurus and social media chatter. It can be overwhelming to sort through all this information and identify reliable sources.
The timeframe to learn investing depends on several factors, and it can range from a few months to grasp the basics to several years to become an expert. This initial phase involves understanding core financial concepts like investment vehicles and risk and return trade-offs. Core concepts can take up to six months to learn. Alternatively, the advanced stage involves developing risk management techniques and learning about different investment strategies (value investing, growth investing), among others. These enhanced concepts can take more than two years to learn.
Both in-person and online learning have their pros and cons for investing, and the best choice depends on your learning style, goals, and lifestyle factors. In-person courses offer a set schedule and classroom environment, which can help you stay focused and motivated, especially if you thrive on routine and structure. Some in-person courses might offer dedicated lab sessions or practical exercises with in-person guidance, facilitating a more hands-on learning experience. Alternatively, in-person programs often come with higher tuition fees compared to some online options, in addition to additional costs for commuting or accommodation.
Live online learning offers a compelling alternative to traditional in-person investment courses, combining the flexibility of online learning with some of the benefits of a structured classroom environment. Similar to online learning, you can attend classes from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows you to learn at your own pace and schedule the coursework around your work or personal commitments. Unlike pre-recorded lectures, live online courses allow you to interact directly with instructors during class sessions. You can ask questions, clarify doubts, and get immediate feedback, similar to a physical classroom setting.
Asynchronous learning is where students can access course materials and complete assignments on their own schedule without having to attend live lectures or participate in real-time sessions. This is great for students to fit learning around their work, family, or other commitments. To solidify understanding, lectures, readings, or other materials can be revisited as often as needed. Asynchronous learning requires students to have strong self-motivation and time management skills to stay on track and complete assignments. There is also less opportunity for real-time interaction with instructors and classmates compared to synchronous learning.
While some advanced investment programs or specialized certifications might require a fee, there's a wealth of valuable free content available online to kickstart your investing journey. Investopedia Academy offers a library of free video courses and articles on various investing topics, catering to beginners and more advanced learners. Many websites and blogs publish articles, tutorials, and resources specifically for investment learners. Several investment educators and enthusiasts have YouTube channels, like Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, with high-quality tutorials, project walkthroughs, and investment concepts explained engagingly. These can be a great way to learn at your own pace and explore specific topics.
While directly related to investing, a broader understanding of personal finance goes a long way. Financial literacy includes budgeting, managing debt, understanding taxes, and planning for retirement. Solid financial literacy empowers you to make informed decisions not just in investing, but also in managing your overall financial well-being. Resources like budgeting apps, personal finance websites, and books can be helpful.
Technology and data analysis aren’t essential for all investors, but some might find basic technology and data analysis skills helpful. These skills can be used for tasks like screening for stocks based on specific criteria using financial data platforms, utilizing data visualization tools to understand market trends, and staying updated on financial news and analysis through online platforms. Online courses or tutorials can introduce you to basic data analysis tools like Excel or Google Sheets. However, the level of technology dependence will vary depending on your investment approach.
The concept of investing permeates many industries, but some rely on it more than others. Below is a breakdown of industries where investing plays a significant role.
The financial services industry is a broad sector encompassing a variety of businesses that provide financial products and services to individuals and businesses. It's essentially the backbone of the financial system, facilitating the movement of money and managing financial risk. The financial services industry is a major player in the Philadelphia economy, with a rich history and strong presence. The city's commitment to innovation, combined with its strengths, positions it as a major player in the financial world.
Financial Services is the most obvious example as the heart of the investing world. Investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, venture capital firms, and private equity firms all deal with investing in various forms. They manage client money, invest in companies, and make investment decisions to achieve financial goals. More specifically, the industry uses investing to connect businesses and governments with investors, allowing for funding innovation, growth, and infrastructure development.
The real estate industry encompasses everything related to the buying, selling, renting, leasing, and property management, land, and any permanent improvements on it. It's a broad sector with various specialties and players involved in the development, management, and sale of real estate. The Philadelphia real estate market presents a dynamic landscape for investors. By understanding current trends, challenges, and valuable resources, you can make informed investment decisions and potentially position yourself for success in this growing market.
The real estate industry thrives on investing. Real Estate Professionals utilize investment in many profitable ways. For example, Real Estate Investors purchase properties to generate rental income over the long term. They profit from rental income and potential property value appreciation. A benefit is that depending on your investment strategy and tax laws, real estate ownership might offer tax benefits like depreciation deductions and lower capital gains tax rates. Also, inflation often raises real estate prices, potentially protecting your investment from declining purchasing power.
The banking industry is a vital part of the global financial system. It consists of institutions that deal with financial transactions like deposits, withdrawals, loans, and investments. Philadelphia boasts a rich and long history in banking. It was home to the first commercial bank (1782) and the first national bank (1791) in the United States. Today, a mix of national giants and regional players operate in Philadelphia. Some prominent examples include both national and regional banks.
The banking industry utilizes investing in several ways, both for its own benefit and to serve its customers. Instead of holding onto deposited funds in vaults, banks generate income by investing a significant portion in various assets. Many banks offer investment products and services to their customers by allowing individuals to buy and sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles. Banks also use investment strategies to manage their own risk and financial health. For example, they might invest in a diversified portfolio of assets to reduce the impact of market fluctuations on their overall financial position.
The insurance industry provides financial protection against potential losses. People, businesses, and organizations face various risks such as accidents, illnesses, property damage, or lawsuits. Insurance companies offer contracts that provide financial compensation in case these ensured events occur. By paying a premium (fee) to the insurance company, the policyholder gets protection against potential financial losses. Philadelphia has a long and rich history in the insurance industry, dating back to the 18th century, and is likely to continue evolving alongside national trends.
The insurance industry relies heavily on investing to fulfill its core function of paying out claims to policyholders. The premiums they collect from policyholders represent the anticipated cost of future claims, but not all the money is paid out immediately. A portion of the premiums is set aside as reserves invested to generate income that can be used to pay out claims in the future. Insurance companies also strive to match the investment horizon of their assets with the expected payout timeline of their liabilities (claims). For example, they might invest premiums from long-term life insurance policies in assets that mature around the same time claims are expected.
The Endowment and Foundation Management industry focuses on managing the investments and assets of non-profit organizations like universities, hospitals, museums, and charitable foundations. Endowment and foundation management aims to grow and preserve the financial resources of these organizations to support their missions and programs in perpetuity, or for a very long time. By managing their investments effectively, these professionals help these organizations to continue their work and fulfill their missions for generations to come.
The endowment and foundation management industry utilizes investing with a unique approach compared to other financial sectors. Unlike most investment firms aiming for short-term gains, Endowment and Foundation Managers plan for the long haul. Their investment horizon can span decades or even centuries, supporting the organization's mission in perpetuity. The industry uses a long-term investment approach, balancing growth and preservation through careful asset allocation and potentially including alternative investments. Additionally, they are increasingly incorporating sustainable and impact investing strategies to align their investments with the organization's mission and values.
There are a lot of jobs in investment. The investment industry is a broad and growing field, offering a diverse range of career paths such as Financial Advisor, Venture Capitalist, and Investment Banker, among others. Researching specific job titles, understanding the required qualifications, and developing a strong skill set can increase your chances of success in the field of investment.
An Investment Banker is a financial professional who works for an investment bank, advising corporations, governments, and other entities on complex financial transactions. Investment Bankers provide strategic advice to companies on various financial matters such as restructuring, divestitures (selling off a business unit), and valuations. Investment Bankers play a vital role in facilitating financial transactions that fuel economic growth. They work in a fast-paced, challenging environment that can be lucrative, but also demanding.
Investment Bankers advise companies on Merger and Acquisition (M&A) deals, which can be complex investment decisions. They analyze the financial viability of potential mergers or acquisitions, considering factors like valuation, market fit, and potential risks. This helps companies make informed investment decisions regarding acquisitions or targets. Investment banks also act as underwriters for new security offerings (stocks or bonds). This involves guaranteeing to buy any unsold securities, essentially assuming some of the investment risk. This process helps ensure successful capital raising for companies and connects investors with new investment opportunities.
Many Investment Bankers start their careers as Analysts, conducting financial research and supporting Senior Bankers in deal execution. With experience and strong performance, they can progress to becoming Associates, Vice Presidents, Directors, and eventually Managing Directors. Internships and networking opportunities can be invaluable in gaining experience and building connections within the industry. Investment banking is a thriving career path in Philadelphia, with several well-established firms offering opportunities in this exciting field. They make between $150,000 and $250,000 a year.
A Risk Analyst is a financial professional who assesses the potential for financial losses associated with various business decisions, investments, or economic factors. They act as safeguards, helping companies and organizations proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate risks.
Risk Analysts play a critical role in the world of investing by helping investors and investment firms make informed decisions by assessing and managing investment risks. They provide crucial insights to make informed investment decisions, manage portfolios effectively, and mitigate potential risks associated with various investment options. Since investments inherently involve risk, there's always a chance of losing some or all of the invested capital. Risk Analysts help investors and Portfolio Managers identify and understand the various risks associated with different investment options.
Risk Analysts work in a variety of settings, including banks, insurance companies, investment firms, consulting firms, and corporations across various industries. The work environment can be fast-paced and demanding, as Risk Analysts often deal with time-sensitive situations and critical decisions. Risk Analysts in Philadelphia make between $59,000 and $77,000 per year.
A Financial Advisor is a professional who provides financial advice and guidance to clients. They act as a trusted partner, helping individuals and families navigate their financial lives and reach their financial goals. Once your Financial Advisor understands your financial picture, they can work with you to define your financial goals. These goals can be short-term, like saving for a vacation, or long-term, like planning for retirement. Based on your goals and circumstances, the Advisor will create a personalized financial plan.
Financial Advisors can be valuable partners for navigating the world of investing. They offer personalized advice, help develop an investment strategy aligned with your goals, and provide ongoing guidance to make informed investment decisions and manage your portfolio effectively. Not all Financial Advisors directly manage client investments. Some focus solely on providing financial planning advice guiding clients on asset allocation and investment selection strategies, but without directly managing the portfolio. Other Financial Advisors, especially those registered as Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), can manage investment portfolios on behalf of clients. They make investment decisions based on the client's risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment strategy.
If you're considering working with a Financial Advisor, research and compare different professionals. Look for someone with the qualifications and experience to address your specific needs. A Financial Advisor can make anywhere between $81,000 and $141,000 in Philadelphia.
In the financial world, a Trader is a professional who buys and sells securities or other financial instruments on behalf of themselves or a firm. They play a vital role in keeping markets liquid by constantly placing buy and sell orders. Traders constantly analyze market data, including stock prices, economic indicators, and news events, to identify trading opportunities. Once an opportunity is identified, Traders place buy or sell orders for securities quickly and efficiently. They also manage risk by setting stop-loss orders to limit potential losses and hedging their positions using other financial instruments.
Traders can unwittingly create opportunities for investors. For example, if a Day Trader buys a stock because they believe the price will rise soon, this buying pressure can contribute to the price actually going up. This can benefit a long-term investor who holds the same stock. Some investment firms, particularly hedge funds, employ Traders to execute complex investment strategies.
The financial industry in Philadelphia offers a healthy job market for Traders, encompassing various roles and trading styles. Philadelphia boasts several established trading firms, both local and national, offering positions for Traders across different asset classes. A Trader in Philadelphia makes between $82,000 and $108,000 per year.
Venture Capitalists (VC), are financiers who invest in startups and young companies with high growth potential. They don't directly manage investments for clients like a Wealth Manager might, but rather focus on providing funding and guidance to these emerging businesses. VCs seek out promising startups in various industries with the potential to become significant players in their respective markets. They diligently evaluate these companies' business models, management teams, and market opportunities before investing.
Unlike traditional Investment Advisors who focus on managing risk and building diversified portfolios, VCs deliberately venture into high-risk territory. They invest in startups and young companies that haven't yet established a proven track record. VC investments are not short-term plays. They typically have a long-term investment horizon, expecting several years before they see an exit and a return on their investment.
The venture capital landscape in Philadelphia provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and startups. With a strong network of VC firms and organizations, Philadelphia is well-positioned to be a hub for innovation and business growth in the years to come. Venture Capitalists in Philadelphia can expect a competitive salary range, with compensation varying based on experience, the specific VC firm, the type of deals they handle, and the overall performance of the firm. Venture Capitalists in Philadelphia make between $80,000 and $132,000 per year.
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and information to assess the financial health and prospects of businesses, investments, or economic conditions. They play a vital role in various sectors, helping companies make informed decisions, investors choose the right investments, and organizations manage their finances effectively. Financial Analysts examine financial statements to evaluate a company's financial performance, profitability, liquidity, and solvency. They also research industry trends, economic indicators, and competitor data to understand the broader context influencing a company or investment's prospects.
Financial Analysts play a vital role in the investment world by providing analysis and insights to inform investment decisions. They conduct in-depth research and analysis of various investment options, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and other financial instruments. They evaluate a company's financial health, industry trends, economic factors, and potential risks to assess an investment's potential value and return. Investment Analysts are a type of Financial Analyst who advise investment firms, hedge funds, or individual investors on selecting suitable securities (stocks, bonds) by analyzing companies and industries.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of Financial Analysts to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. In Philadelphia, a Financial Analyst can make $61,000 and $97,000 per year.
Noble Desktop offers a free seminar called Stock Market Investing Fundamentals. In this seminar, you’ll learn the fundamentals of stock marketing investment. In this lecture, students will learn about stocks, how they are priced, and various investment strategies, to name a few. Learn what causes stock prices to fluctuate and how investors value stocks. Learn the fundamental ideas that govern markets. This is an abridged free version of their more comprehensive Stock Market Investing course.
The Stock Market Investing through Noble Desktop provides a comprehensive understanding of stock investing, valuation, and stock movements. In this online or NYC in-person course, students will learn about basic valuation methodologies, financial statements, and stock investment basics, as well as the factors that influence stock prices and how to assess them. Included in the tuition is a hands-on learning experience, a free one year retake, and a certificate of completion, to name a few.
NYC Career Centers has a Stock Market Investing Fundamentals course offering online or live in NYC. This course will teach students the fundamentals of valuation (including P/E ratios and DCF analysis), financial statements, and stock investing. Recent earnings releases and valuation multiples from firms like Google and Apple will be used to offer a foundation for basic investment analysis. Instead of offering get-rich-quick trading strategies, the class aims to equip participants with a solid understanding of how financial markets work. Upon completion of this course, students will receive an official certificate testifying to their mastery of the curriculum.
Angel Investing 101 is offered through Class Rebel to give younger learners the confidence to approach any early-stage founder and secure an investment that could change their lives. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with the vocabulary and procedures of angel investing so they can approach any early-stage founder and secure an investment that could transform their life, no matter how little the sum. At the end of the course, students will be able to develop an industry-specific investment thesis, understand how Convertible Notes and SAFEs work, and understand how equity in a Company's option plan works, to name a few.
iXperience's short Investment Finance Course and in-person internship teach students about the exciting world of financial ecosystems and reporting, as well as how to build a personal portfolio. Class projects give students hands-on experience cooperating with their peers to evaluate portfolios and make recommendations. Students will get to grips with the essential skills of finance, from accounting and advanced Excel to learning about stock portfolios and ratio analysis. They will be able to apply what they learn in a capstone class project and an internship.
Young learners can take 'How to Start Investing If You’ve Never Done It Before' at General Assembly’s NYC location. This workshop will teach students some financial essentials to get started, including financial lingo, how to tie investments to their goals, which types of investment products to look into, and how to read an investment statement. Topics will include how to create a savings plan, how to read an investment statement, and socially responsible investing, among others.
The best corporate training programs in NYC have been developed and provided by Noble Desktop for more than 20 years. We have a great deal of expertise in creating curricula for a range of professional settings. Our programs are fully tailored to your team's unique needs. Noble Desktop can run training sessions onsite or live online through a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Companies can facilitate corporate investment training at Noble Desktop’s midtown Manhattan facility or purchase bulk vouchers for regularly scheduled classes, offering employees the freedom to choose their own training schedule.
With practical corporate training in finance through Noble Desktop, you can upskill or reskill your workforce. Training will provide employees with the most important investing skills, including Excel, Python, stocks and bonds, and investment strategies, to name a few. Add stocks market knowledge, data analysis tools, charting and pattern recognition, financial modeling, or automation to your custom curriculum to advance your team's training. Group classes on these specific subjects are also available for voucher participants. Contact Noble Desktop for more information about corporate investment training programs or to schedule a complimentary consultation.