Any investment writers on here?

[berlinnovels]

I have six years' experience as a business/financial journalist but the relatively low salary has become a problem for me. I want to use my financial knowledge, together with the Investment Management Certificate, which I am currently studying for, to get a job at an asset management firm, writing their marketing material etc.

The competencies seem a good fit for my skills and experience but I am more concerned about finding a suitable company culture - I could never live to work, for any salary, and am therefore trying to strike a balance between my current salary and 9-5 and the punishing hours necessary to get ahead in some sectors. Is this possible in investment writing? I know all workplaces vary, but are there any broad similarities you could pick out? Many thanks.

I've worked in big american banks and smaller fs businesses, they differ, but I wouldn't say that I've worked without any less pressure in either! With the bigger banks at least there tend to be more people in the team to tackle the work - and also cover you if you are off. Smaller businesses, I guess there is more recognition sometimes but then they might only have 1 or 2 writers among other analysts.

I would have thought that you would be really well placed to take up investment writing with your skills. They are often working to deadlines, but I've known a number working flexi with small children, since there is no reason for you to be in the office if you are off writing a piece. Have you also thought about the ratings companies too?

Good luck!

Many thanks felicity10 , that's really helpful, especially on the ratings agencies. Could you possibly give me an idea of the kind of hours I'd be looking at? (Or a ballpark for entry-level salaries, since the ads aren't very specific in the amount of experience they require).

Normal office hours would be very common, with the exception of quarter-end when lots of the investment reports will all require content .. at the same time! So, that can be a busy time, but I've seen plenty of people work normal 8.30-6 type hours for the majority of time.

I really am not sure on the salary front, I've been more on the PR side myself, so working with the IWs but not in that team. I think michael page normally do a salary survey.

Just a thought but one way in, could be via the RFP teams? Not that I think with your experience you are going to need to.

thanks!