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【Asset Management Career Change】Latest Job Openings at GSAM & 5 Success Stories of Alpha Advisors!
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What is Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM)?
Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) is the asset management division of Goldman Sachs Group, a global financial institution. GSAM leads the forefront of asset management by providing diverse investment strategies and asset classes to institutional and individual investors worldwide.
1. Overview and Characteristics of GSAM
GSAM currently boasts approximately 400 trillion yen in Assets Under Management (AUM), making it one of the world's leading asset management companies.
GSAM's characteristics can be summarized in the following three points:
1. Global Management Structure
GSAM works with investors worldwide and manages investments in diverse markets. With key offices in New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore, and other locations, it offers investment strategies tailored to each regional market environment.
2. Diverse Investment Methods and Asset Classes
GSAM offers traditional asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and foreign exchange, as well as alternative investments including hedge funds, PE investments, and real estate. They can also propose customized asset allocation and investment strategies according to clients' needs.
3. Stock-Type Business Model
GSAM adopts a stock-type business model that earns fixed management fees on assets entrusted by investors. Therefore, building long-term trusting relationships with clients is key to success.
The Difference Between GSAM and Goldman Sachs' Asset Management Division
Goldman Sachs has an Asset Management division, which can cause confusion about how it differs from GSAM.
GSAM is part of Goldman Sachs' asset management division, but unlike other divisions, it specializes in managing and operating client assets.
The main characteristic of GSAM is that it conducts traditional asset management investments. Its business model is the same as asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity, earning fees by selling ETFs and mutual funds.
On the other hand, the Asset Management division is also called the Alternative Investment division, which invests in assets such as companies and real estate through private equity funds. Therefore, its business model is closer to PE funds like KKR and Carlyle.
Investment targets range widely across regions and industries, from corporate investments represented by PIPEs and LBO/MBOs to venture investments in high-tech and telecommunications fields.
Introduction to Departments and Divisions
GSAM has various roles, each utilizing their expertise in management operations.
They are broadly classified into: ①Investment Division, ②Sales & Marketing Division, and ③Back Office, each with different work styles, required skills, and career paths.
①Investment Division
・Analysts: Conduct research on markets and companies to provide information that forms the basis for investment decisions.
・Portfolio Managers (PM): Formulate investment strategies and are responsible for actual asset management.
・Traders: Execute trades according to PM decisions.
②Sales & Marketing Division
・Client Relations: Propose investment products to institutional and individual investors, and are responsible for building customer relationships and investment reporting. There are sales for (1) wholesale clients such as pension funds, life and non-life insurance companies, and government agencies, and (2) retail clients who sell mutual funds through securities firms and banks.
・Business Development: Responsible for acquiring new clients and developing new investment products.
③Back Office
・Operations: Supports the smooth execution of management operations, including settlement operations, asset management, and customer support.
・Compliance: Ensures compliance with regulations and strengthens risk management.
・Technology: Promotes operational efficiency through data analysis, algorithmic management, and system development.
In this way, GSAM supports client asset management through the cooperation of various professionals.
How to Enter the Asset Management Industry and Secure a Job Offer at GSAM?
So, what preparation is necessary to enter the asset management industry, including GSAM?
Required Skills and Background
The skills and knowledge required at GSAM vary depending on the position you're applying for, but the following elements are commonly valued:
1. Analytical and Research Abilities
Asset management work requires detailed analysis of markets and companies that are investment targets. Therefore, you need the ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research using knowledge of finance, economics, and statistics.
2. Finance and Investment Knowledge
Knowledge of stocks, bonds, and alternative investments (real estate, private equity, etc.) is essential. Pursuing a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification will enhance your evaluation in the asset management industry.
3. Communication Skills
Since negotiating with clients and collaborating with internal and external teams are necessary, logical and clear communication skills are required. Especially in sales and client relations roles, building trust is key to success.
4. Technology Skills
In recent years, the importance of data analysis and algorithmic management has increased in the asset management industry. Having programming skills such as Python and SQL, as well as knowledge of data science, will be an advantage.
The important thing is to first clarify which department and position you want to enter. The required abilities, educational background/major, and past experience vary by department.
For this purpose, deciding what position you want to become a professional in and setting a long-term goal is crucial! It's important to start from there.
Routes to Joining GSAM
1. New Graduate Recruitment
GSAM offers an analyst program for university and graduate school graduates, providing opportunities to gain experience in various departments after joining. Students majoring in finance and economics are often hired, but those with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering, and computer science also excel in fields such as data analysis.
2. Mid-career Recruitment (MBA/Career Change)
MBA holders and those with experience at other financial institutions are often hired at Associate or VP levels. In particular, those with experience in investment banking or consulting firms have higher possibilities of being hired in GSAM's portfolio management or client service departments.
If you lack confidence in your English skills or want to change careers with no prior experience, going through an MBA program is common. Please feel free to ask Alpha's advisors about "which route to take for a career change!"
GSAM's Selection Process and Preparation Strategies
GSAM's selection process involves document screening, written exams (in some cases), and multiple rounds of interviews. In particular, interviews may include case studies and investment analysis tasks, requiring advance preparation.
1. Document Screening
・Resume/Cover Letter: Clearly describe your enthusiasm for finance/investment and your past experiences.
・Qualifications/Skills: Highlight CFA, FRM, MBA, programming skills (Python, SQL, etc.).
At top companies like GSAM, all required standards are high quality. For example, your resume is not only evaluated for its content and background but also for its appearance and aesthetic appeal. If you think of your resume as a sales presentation document, you'll understand the importance of paying attention to every detail.
2. Interview Preparation
・Financial Technical Preparation: Asset management firms often require high-level financial knowledge, particularly for stock pitches.
・Understanding Market Trends: Stay informed about the latest economic news and market trends, and form your own opinions. Be able to present your ideas on stocks and investment strategies.
・Thorough Interview Practice: Practice speaking repeatedly, not just on content and financial knowledge, but until you can make the interviewer think, "I want to hire this person!"
Recommended GSAM Job Listings!
(1) Asset & Wealth Management, Asset Management Private, Real Estate Investing, Analyst, Tokyo
Overview: The GSAM real estate investment team handles operations related to real estate investments in Japan. You will be widely involved in property acquisition, due diligence, asset management, development management, financing, and sales.
Requirements:
・Bachelor's degree
・At least 1 year of relevant work experience
・Business-level English and Japanese skills
・Excel and PowerPoint skills
・Ability to manage multiple projects
https://www.alpha-academy.com/partner_entry_pages/11437
(2) GSAM, Product Strategy & Research, Associate, Tokyo
Overview:
The GSAM Product Strategy & Research team is responsible for analyzing financial market trends, formulating product strategies, and designing/managing various investment products. They plan and provide diverse funds (mutual funds, ETFs, offshore funds, etc.) for investors in Japan to create growth opportunities.
Requirements:
・Bachelor's degree (CFA holders welcome)
・2-3+ years of experience in the financial industry
・Knowledge of Japanese investment products (mutual funds, ETFs, etc.)
・Business-level English and Japanese skills
・Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
https://www.alpha-academy.com/partner_entry_pages/11436
(3) GSAM Japan, Third Party Wealth Sales, Associate/Vice President, Tokyo
Overview:
At GSAM's Japan office, the Third Party Wealth Sales team sells mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, and private alternative products through retail and wealth channels in Japan. You will build and deepen relationships with existing and new clients, communicating Goldman Sachs' value proposition. In addition to sales activities, you will work with internal partners to clarify investment philosophy and product differentiation, and promote marketing activities.
Requirements:
・Native-level Japanese communication skills
・5+ years of financial services sales experience (experience with asset management products preferred)
・Experience in promoting sales of ETFs, alternatives, and retirement business
・Business-level English skills
・Ability to travel domestically
・Business management skills (call reports, expense reporting, etc.)
https://www.alpha-academy.com/partner_entry_pages/11435
Multiple Success Stories! Alpha's Job Offer Track Record!
Alpha Advisors has been helping many individuals secure job offers at asset management companies like GSAM for 17 years.
While supporting career changes and job placements, we provide optimized advice tailored to each job seeker. Below are some of our success stories:
・General trading company → GSAM Sales Department (Male in his 30s)
・Japanese investment bank → GSAM Analyst (Female in her 20s)
・Strategy consultant → Asset management real estate investment division (Female in her 30s)
・General trading company → Asset management investment division analyst (Male in his 20s)
・Mega bank → Asset management back office (Male in his 30s)
As shown above, Alpha Advisors supports people with various backgrounds to excel at GSAM and other Top tier companies.
Even if you have no experience, can't speak English, or lack confidence in your educational or work history, Alpha has strategies to help you secure a job offer at a asset management firm. Please feel free to consult with us first about your career strategy!
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