A person who wants to become a hedge fund administrator must attend college or university for a degree in finance and may also need a license from a regulatory organization. Hedge fund administrators usually have a master's in business administration (MBA) degree and may have additional qualifications as well. This career requires excellent analytical skills, a high degree of organization, and familiarity with the financial industry.
High school students with an interest in hedge fund administration and other careers in the financial industry may want to consider taking extra math classes, particularly courses in accounting, if they are available. As they apply to colleges and universities, it can be advisable to seek out schools with a good reputation in the financial industry. Students can take undergraduate degrees in accounting, finance, and related fields. If possible, they should seek out internships in the financial industry to start making connections while they are in college.
College graduates can apply into MBA programs. Students with internships on their records will have a better chance at acceptance into such programs. In some cases, particularly exceptional interns may be offered employment and educational assistance, where their employers will pay for business school. A student who wants to become a hedge fund administrator may want to explore this option, as it can provide valuable experience and professional connections while she is in school.
After graduation with an MBA, it may be possible to become a hedge fund administrator immediately in some regions of the world. In others, the next step is to obtain a license from a regulatory organization or agency. These agencies monitor securities trading and the financial industry, and may require that hedge fund administrators successfully pass a series of tests. These tests include questions on regulations, ethics, and business practices. With a license in hand, a graduate can become a hedge fund administrator and start applying skills learned in school to real life.
Once someone has become a hedge fund administrator, he can also consider applying for vacancies at other companies as he develops professional experience and connections. New financial professionals often start out in subordinate positions or work for smaller companies with limited chances for advancement. As they develop professionally, they can seek out careers with more opportunities. These can include establishing new financial firms with the support of colleagues, a good step for a hedge fund administrator with an established client base and a high degree of skill.