Investment Advisory

The second-cycle studies in Investment Advisory aim to educate graduates with advanced knowledge in investment advisory and decision-making on financial markets, covering the disciplines of economics and finance as well as complementary fields such as management sciences and legal studies.

The program’s goal is to develop graduates who understand the principles of creating and developing various forms of entrepreneurship and are prepared to act entrepreneurially at both national and global levels. It aims to equip graduates with the skills and competencies to identify, diagnose, and solve complex and atypical problems related to managerial decisions within organizations.

The studies focus on developing the ability to independently and collaboratively prepare reports concerning, among others, investing in financial markets, making investment decisions, financial market modeling, managing finances of both financial and non-financial entities, and effectively communicating these analyses in both Polish and English. Additionally, the program prepares graduates for lifelong learning, updating their knowledge, supporting others in this process, and being committed to upholding and advancing professional ethical standards.

Graduate Career Opportunities:

Graduates of this program will be able to work, among others, in:

• Financial sector enterprises such as banks, insurance companies, brokerage houses, and investment fund companies;

• Private non-financial sector companies of various sizes, including manufacturing, trading, and service businesses;

• Public sector institutions, for example, government administration bodies and public sector institutions;

• Specialized service entities, such as consulting firms or financial market regulatory institutions (e.g., the Polish Financial Supervision Authority – KNF);

• Independently running their own business activities.

Potential job positions include Fund Manager, Treasury Department Director/Manager, Finance Director/Manager, Broker, Investment Advisor, Bank Analyst, Insurance Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Financial Analyst, among others.

Graduates of the second-cycle studies are prepared for specialist roles (e.g., investment advisor, securities broker, financial analyst). After passing the relevant national or international exams and completing appropriate internships, graduates of the Investment Advisory program may obtain licenses to practice professions such as:

• Investment Advisor;

• Stockbroker;

• Certified Auditor;

• Tax Advisor;

• Insurance Agent or Broker;

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA);

• Financial Risk Manager (FRM);

• Professional Risk Manager (PRM);

• Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA);

• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

The program also provides skills and knowledge useful for preparing for the following exams and certifications:

• Investment Advisor;

• Stockbroker;

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA);

• Financial Risk Manager (FRM);

• Professional Risk Manager (PRM);

• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

Internships are not mandatory for the Investment Advisory program, but the Career and Alumni Office at the Faculty of Management, University of Warsaw, supports students interested in finding internship, traineeship, or job offers.

During their studies, students also have the opportunity to spend one or more semesters at another university through the ERASMUS+ program.

A graduate of the “Investment Advisory” program will possess comprehensive knowledge of key issues related to investment decision-making (in accordance with national and international legal regulations) and financial management. They will also be equipped with expertise in bond analysis and valuation, other debt instruments, equity instruments, derivatives, investment portfolio management, financial risk management and credit risk modeling, financial management and investment, market data management and financial market modeling, as well as accounting. The graduate will be aware of the need to monitor legislative changes in these areas and continuously improve practical skills, including the use of IT tools useful for investment decision-making.

Knowledge

The graduate knows and understands in depth:

• Research methodology and terminology within economics and finance as well as complementary disciplines (management sciences, quality sciences, and legal sciences).

• Principles, procedures, and practices related to investment advisory and capital markets.

• Economic theories and models concerning the functioning of organizations and the overall economy, especially those related to investment advisory and capital markets.

• Legal regulations governing the functioning of organizations and the economy, particularly in the scope of investment advisory and capital markets.

• Complex technological, social, political, legal, economic, and ecological processes and phenomena, including fundamental dilemmas of contemporary civilization and their impact on financial decisions in organizations, the functioning of the economy, and the construction of information systems.

• Principles of industrial property protection and copyright law.

• Principles of creating and developing various forms of entrepreneurship at national and global levels.

Skills

The graduate is able to:

• Apply the theory of economics and finance and complementary disciplines (management and quality sciences, legal sciences) to identify, diagnose, and solve problems related to financial decisions in investment advisory and capital markets.

• Correctly interpret complex technological, social, political, legal, economic, and ecological processes and phenomena, and assess their impact on financial decisions within organizations and the economy.

• Select appropriate sources and adapt existing or develop new methods and tools, including advanced ICT techniques, to identify, diagnose, and solve problems related to financial decisions in investment advisory and capital markets.

• Formulate and test hypotheses related to presented research problems.

• Propose solutions to tasks set in unpredictable conditions.

• Independently and collaboratively prepare analyses, diagnoses, and reports concerning complex and atypical problems related to investment advisory and capital markets in organizations, communicate them effectively to diverse audiences, and lead debates, including in English, using advanced ICT tools.

• Use a foreign language at B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), including specialized terminology in economics and finance, especially for financial management, investment advisory, and capital markets.

• Plan, organize, and lead teamwork and collaborate within teams, taking a leading role when necessary.

• Develop the ability to self-educate, enhance qualifications, and support others in this process.

Social Competences

The graduate is ready to:

• Critically assess complex situations and phenomena related to investment advisory and capital markets within organizations.

• Recognize the significance and value of scientific knowledge in solving complex problems in investment advisory and capital markets and seek expert opinions when necessary.

• Initiate activities benefiting communities, society, or the environment, and promote actions for the common good.

• Think and act entrepreneurially on national and global scales.

• Adhere to, enforce, and develop professional ethical standards and contribute to the advancement of the profession.