How To Become a Fund Manager? Insights with Saptarshee Chatterjee (IIM Indore Alumnus,CFA Level 3)

To become a fund manager, one should have a strong academic background (engineering, commerce, or management), sector knowledge, an MBA and/or CFA, and start as an analyst and gain experience in equity research or investment analysis. Success depends on deep research, practical judgment, continuous learning, and behavioral discipline.

Investing is not merely the process of picking the next winning stock but requires long-term strategy, research, and long-term self-discipline. The existing prominent fund manager at Grow Mutual Fund and an IIM Indore Alumnus and the holder of CFA Level 3, Mr Saptarshee Chatterjee, articulates a structure of career creation in fund management, equity research and investment analysis with IMS. The following strategies provide a nuanced discussion of professional development following an MBA, take a critical stance on the CFA designation, describe core competencies expected of fund managers, and analyse the role of major emerging trends, including artificial intelligence, in influencing the finance industry.

 

What is Fund Management?

Fund management means managing investments like mutual funds or portfolios. Fund managers decide what stocks or assets to buy, track markets, manage risk, and aim to grow investors’ wealth.

 

Why Consistency Beats Luck?

Top investors rarely win with every pick. Success comes from:

 

• Sticking to a consistent strategy

 

• Letting winners run

 

• Cutting losses fast
• As Saptarshee Chattergee says, “If you think the market knows more than you, you’ll only chase trends. Trust your research and maintain discipline.”

 

What Does a Fund Manager Do?

• Start early for pre-market review and portfolio checks
• Discuss strategies and updates with the team
• Analyze annual reports, earnings, and market data
• Handle fast-changing news each day
• Reading and vigilance are musts: Most of the work is research-oriented rather than simple buy and sell.

 

6 Essential Steps to Become a Fund Manager

• Choose a relevant bachelor’s degree (engineering, commerce, management, etc.)

 

• Acquire core knowledge of accounting, finance, and the markets.

 

• Earn advanced qualifications (MBA, CFA)

 

• Develop expertise in a sector (FMCG, BFSI, IT, and others).

 

• Begin as an analyst in an AMC, PMS, or brokerage.

 

• Research and investment decisions; establish a track record

Get a detailed understanding from this in-depth podcast:

MBA or CFA: Which Matters More?

Both have their benefits.

 

• MBA teaches the fundamentals of business, strategy, and networking.

 

• CFA shows the candidate’s proficiency in finance and contributes to the resume.

 

• However, “in India, degrees alone are often less important than the experience and sector expertise that a candidate possesses”.
  

Key Skills for Fund Managers

 

• Technical: Financial analysis, Excel/Bloomberg, comprehension of corporate reports.

 

• Behavioral: Self-control over emotions, resilience, decision-making in a volatile market.

 

• Interpersonal Communication: Explanations of complex concepts in a simple manner.
• Saptarshee explains. “Controlling your impulses and making rational decisions is what separates the best from the rest.”

 

Career Progression Post-MBA

• Start as Analyst/Associate
• Promotion to Fund Manager (~5–7 years)
• Senior roles: Head of Equities or CIO
• Career advancement depends on research that requires quality, performance, and networking.

 

Buy Side vs Sell Side

• Buy Side: Mutual funds, portfolio managers, etc., who invest money. 
• Sell Side: Brokerages and research firms that provide advisory services and recommendations. 
• Buy-side analysts primarily depend on their own research, but also follow some of the sell-side practices.

 

How to Separate Signal from Noise?

“Always check if news affects the long-term value of a business,” Saptarshee advises.

Ignore short-term market swings or hype—focus on fundamental changes.

 

Impact of AI on Fund Management

 

• For instance, AI is automating routine research and data-related tasks. 
• Entry-level positions need to have more technological and analytical skills. 
• However, human skills in the form of judgment and emotional balance are critical for top fund managers.

Essential Habits for Growth

• Read deeply and stay curious
• Meditate or practice self-awareness
• Review mistakes and learn from your setbacks
• Keep updating your knowledge

Read More: Top MBA Colleges in India

How To Become a Fund Manager: FAQs

Which degree should I have to become a fund manager in India?

A bachelor’s in engineering, commerce, or management is common, but sector expertise holds the key.

 

Is CFA or MBA necessary for fund management?

While an MBA or CFA helps, practical research experience is also necessary.

 

What is the salary of a new fund manager in India?

The salary package for the entry-level is usually between ₹15–20 lakh per annum.

 

Are fund managers replaced by AI?

While artificial intelligence may automate routine tasks for analysis, the human decision-making process will remain paramount for fund management.

 

What are buy-side and sell-side roles?

Buy-side activities include investing funds, while the sell-side provides advice and research.

Read More: Top Finance Colleges in India

How To Become a Fund Manager: Key Takeaways 

• A fund management career takes “deep research, technical know-how, sectoral focus and behavioral discipline”.

 

• While both CFA and MBA degrees are helpful, practical knowledge of the sector’s workings and interview skills play a significant role in India.

 

• The role is fast changing, with AI making technical and communication skills equally important.

 

• Top fund managers are differentiated by daily reading and continuous learning.

 

Saptarshee’s perspective is loud and clear: Don’t just focus on acquiring better titles or earning more money; better focus on developing your investor skills. Patience, consistent progress, and understanding of the field that one works in contribute to developing one’s career in a powerful, long-term manner. Conducting buy-side or sell-side research is excellent for strengthening analytical skills and understanding market psychology. And never underestimate continual reading, for that matter. There is no finish line in investing; it is all about growth. 

This blog explores the elements that play a significant role in becoming a successful fund manager. Though it will help you to form a basic understanding, we strongly recommend that you heed the important points mentioned in the podcast. It provides valuable insights that can be useful in this area. Seize this opportunity to expand your knowledge. Good luck on your journey!