People who practice financial risk management are concerned with creating the highest degrees of value in financial instruments, such as stocks and bonds, by reducing degrees of risk. To get a master's in financial risk management, it is important first of all to earn an undergraduate degree in a field such as finance or economics. In most cases, it is also necessary to earn satisfactory marks on proficiency exams and to have letters of reference either from business or finance instructors or from professional contacts. To get a master's in financial risk management, it might also be necessary to compose a statement of purpose.
A person who has earned a master's in financial risk management normally can expect to work in the financial industry for a financial services firm or advisory firm. This kind of professional might also work for a non-financial business where he or she can advise financial management about their investments. It is also relatively common for a person with a master's in financial risk management to pursue a doctorate degree in a related field and to teach financial risk management courses at the undergraduate or graduate level. Academic financial risk management specialists might also perform research and publish and present papers.
In most cases, a person who wants to get a master's in financial risk management should get an undergraduate degree in a field such as economics or finance, though it might also be possible to get into a graduate program with a background in a field such as mathematics, statistics, or engineering. Regardless, a person who wants to enter a program in financial risk management should be able to perform complex mathematical calculations and be able to use financial software. It is also important to have a strong understanding of different financial instruments and to have at least a basic understanding of market and credit risk. If you already have completed an undergraduate degree, you should research the requirements of different programs then take necessary classes to get any essential credits you might be missing.
An individual who wants to get a master's in financial risk management almost always needs several reference letters. In most cases, it is a good idea to have at least three different references. Most schools accept academic references, such as from finance or mathematics professors. If you have been out of school for some time, however, and you fear that your academic references are no longer relevant to your strengths, you should be able to choose professional references. Regardless, it is important that your references are able to speak to your dedication to this field, your professional seriousness, and your potential to become a valuable contributor to the field of financial risk management.