1. Foundational Knowledge: Educational Resources
Books:
- The Economist Guide to Investment Strategy – Peter Stanyer
- Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – Hans Rosling
- The Most Important Thing – Howard Marks
- Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits – Philip Fisher
- The Little Book of Common Sense Investing – John Bogle
- Stocks for the Long Run – Jeremy Siegel
Online Courses:
Investopedia Academy (Fundamentals of Investing, Technical Analysis, Trading Strategies)
2. Practical Competencies: Tools & Techniques
Paper Trading Platforms:
- Investopedia Stock Simulator
- ThinkOrSwim by TD Ameritrade
Excel & Financial Modeling:
- LinkedIn Learning
- Excel Exposure
Key Focus Areas:
- Financial formulas
- Data analysis techniques
- Sensitivity & scenario modeling
Market Acumen:
Study macroeconomic indicators, geopolitical risk, market cycles, and sector rotations
3. Exposure & Professional Access: Networking & Internships
Virtual Finance Engagements:
- Webinars
- Online symposiums
- Investment forums
Internship Pipelines:
- Investment firms
- Financial institutions
- Fintech startups
Target Firms:
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan
- Morgan Stanley
- Jane Street
- Susquehanna International Group (SIG)
- Maverick Trading
- Topstep Trader
4. Trading Simulators: Skill Application Platforms
- Topstep Trader
- MarketWatch Virtual Stock Exchange
5. Portfolio Construction: Asset Allocation Principles
Start Small: Initiate with a well-diversified portfolio
ETF Strategy: Utilize low-cost, broad-market ETFs to capture long-term growth
6. Community Engagement: Ecosystem & Peer Learning
Online Communities:
- r/investing
- r/finance
- r/stocks
Content Platforms:
- The Trader’s Podcast
7. Market Insight via Film: Financial Sector Case Studies
- Too Big To Fail
- Margin Call
- The Big Short
8. Academic & Executive Development Programs
(1) The Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania (Undergraduate / Executive Finance) World-class institution delivering deep specialization in investment strategy, capital markets, and trading innovation.
Key Offerings:
- BSc in Economics with Concentration in Finance
- Wharton Investment & Trading Group (WITG)
- Wharton Global Youth Program
- High School Investment Competition
- Summer High School Programs
Strengths:
- Advanced electives in quantitative finance, derivatives, and FinTech
- Access to Bloomberg labs and global market data
- Strong placement with top-tier trading and investment firms
(2) Summer Finance Symposium (Academic Symposium)
Platform for young economists and finance professionals to engage in market-driven dialogue.
(3) Private Capital Symposium (Industry Conference)
Interface with private equity, venture capital, and institutional asset managers.
(4) University of St. Gallen (HSG) – Switzerland (Master in Banking and Finance) Leading European postgraduate finance program offering both academic rigor and industry relevance.
Core Strengths:
- Capital markets, portfolio management, financial economics
- Dual-track system (research & professional)
- Strategic partnerships: Credit Suisse, UBS, Swiss National Bank
- Language: English
- Duration: 2 years
(5) Imperial College London – MSc Finance (Postgraduate Degree) Premier UK-based program integrating financial theory with quantitative and practical investment applications.
Core Modules:
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Econometrics
- Investments & Portfolio Management
- Derivatives
- Mathematics for Finance
Electives:
- Advanced Numerical Finance
- Credit Risk
- International Finance
Tuition & Fees:
- Tuition: £47,500 (~RM285,000)
- Living Costs: £1,086/month (~RM6,516, excluding rent)
9. Core Principle: Mastery of a Singular High-Impact Skill Master one essential, high-leverage skill that creates tangible value. Ignore noise—focus on fundamentals. Be the asset.
10. Executive Presence: Dress as a Strategic Asset First impressions form in just 4 seconds—95% of which are based on appearance. Dress with precision. Present yourself as the professional you aim to become.