Five tips for job seekers in an AI-driven investment industry
Candidates need to consider the impact of AI adoption on the investment industry before they apply for a position.
As the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) ripples through the investment industry, employers’ expectations are changing rapidly. To get a foot in the door, new joiners face the added challenge of convincing recruiters that they have the right skills for the AI era.
Yet a career in finance remains an attractive prospect. CFA Institute’s 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey revealed that university students and recent graduates continue to view finance and investment as the most promising career path by a fair margin.
How can you get on that path? Here are five practical ways to improve your odds:
1. Cultivate a broad skillset
A finance background is still a good starting point for securing an entry-level investment job, but it is no longer seen as essential in an AI-powered world. As the financial industry doubles down on a skills-based approach to hiring, employers are also open to hiring entry-level candidates with essential, transferrable skills, along with the aptitude to pick up the necessary financial as well as AI skills after they join.
Financial institutions are clear that it will take a mix of technical and human skills to succeed in the future. On the technical side, there’s data analysis, digital literacy, software development, cybersecurity and machine learning. The human skills include things like empathy, adaptability, critical thinking, creativity and coaching.
University students and recent graduates have got the message. In the 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey, skills ranked as considerably more important to gaining an edge in the job market than connections, internships or academic grades.
2. Network strategically
Networking may rank behind acquiring skills in importance for landing a job, but it’s not far behind. Technology can help us do a lot, but interacting with other humans remains one of the most effective ways to uncover job opportunities and gain insider insights.
By attending investment industry events, webinars, and conferences, you can build relationships that give you a leg up in the job search, opening doors that your resume alone cannot.
Other ideas include joining industry groups on LinkedIn and reaching out to senior professionals for advice or mentorship. You can also look into attending events organized by your local CFA Society® to build networks that can lead to valuable advice and jobs.
3. Keep up with industry trends
The investment world is always changing. New trends, products and regulations pop up all the time. Make a habit of keeping abreast of the latest developments covered in financial media. The knowledge you pick up can fuel deeper conversations at interviews and networking events.
Awareness of the broader investment landscape signals that you’re intellectually curious, proactive and engaged. Being able to have an informed discussion about things like the use of AI in portfolio optimization, tokenization of real-world and financial assets, or the democratization of private markets shows that your interest in the industry is based on more than the prospects of a high salary.
4. Show commitment to lifelong learning
In a time of technological change, the skills needed to succeed today may be replaced by an entirely new set of skills in the future. The only way to evolve with the industry and stay relevant is to learn and upskill throughout your career.
By demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, you let employers know that you’re not just looking for a job – you’re hoping to build a productive, purposeful and fulfilling and career.
There’s no end of courses you could pursue to enhance your career, from general accreditations in tech and communication to industry-specific certifications.
You could share your learning journey on LinkedIn or during networking conversations, especially in the context of developing new capabilities or adapting to challenges.
5. Make your resume AI-friendly
Recruiters today often use AI tools to screen resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Job seekers should therefore ensure that their applications are optimized for both human and machine readers. There’s a risk that if your resume doesn’t include the right keywords or is formatted in a confusing way, it might never get seen.
A well-structured resume with targeted keywords increases your chances of getting past that first hurdle of automated screening into the interview room, where you’ll get the opportunity to communicate why you’re a good fit for the job.
It’s worth tweaking your resume to incorporate specific keywords from the job description of the position you’re applying for. It also helps to maintain a professional LinkedIn profile with a clearly articulated headline.
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In any career, you’ve got to show employers that you have the skills they’re after and are genuinely passionate about the work you’ll be doing. As the AI era takes shape, however, candidates looking to break into investment management will need to think carefully about matching their skills to an evolving job profile.
As artificial intelligence transforms how investment professionals analyze markets, build portfolios, and manage risk, CFA Institute is delivering cutting-edge research to support the profession.
Explore AI in Asset Management: Tools, Applications, and Frontiers from CFA Institute Research Foundation and CFA Institute Policy Center.
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