High School

Classes that will provide a solid foundation for future investment underwriting work include mathematics, economics, accounting, statistics, business, and computer science. Strong research and writing skills are important in this line of work, so be sure to also take English and communications classes. Presentation skills are useful for sharing information with companies and individuals and making investment recommendations; classes in public speaking will help hone these skills. 

Postsecondary Training

Most investment underwriters have a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, investment management, or statistics. Other possible majors include economics, international business, and public administration. Take business, economics, mathematics, and statistics courses. Knowledge of computer software programs is required for investment underwriting jobs, so take computer science classes that focus on financial software programs. English classes are helpful for learning how to write reports and communicate effectively. For senior-level investment underwriter positions, a master's degree in investment management or banking is usually required. 

Other Education or Training

Investment underwriters continue their education throughout their careers. They must keep up with industry standards and best practices within their profession. To do this they attend classes and workshops as well as webinars offered by professional associations such as the Association of Financial Professionals, the CFA Institute, and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, among many others.

Certification

Investment underwriters can hone their skills and knowledge, and improve their chances of securing work, by having professional certification from a professional association. For example, the Investments and Wealth Institute offers the Certified Investment Management Analyst certification, an advanced certification for investment consultants and financial advisers. Find details at http://investmentsandwealth.org/cima.

Investment underwriter is not an entry-level position. Most underwriters usually have a bachelor's degree and at least four or more years of work experience in a financial institution. People who are thorough, analytical, decisive, and who have strong communication skills do best in this type of work. The job requires strong mathematical skills and the ability to gather, organize, and review data from numerous sources. Investment underwriters must be independent thinkers who are also able to follow corporate and industry rules and regulations. They are able to analyze financial and business data, study current and past market conditions, and based on their findings, make decisions and recommendations that are best for their clients.