Expert: Dr. Joseph de Beauchamp - 8/2/2007

Question
Dr de Beauchamp,
I am a 17 year old to-be senior in high school. Currently I am learning to invest in the market and am enjoying the buying, selling and analysis of stocks and the market.

What career path you would recommend as I consider classes for college?

Best regards,
Phil  

Answer
Obtaining a core degree in business is a good start. I would recommend that you check with a local school admissions person. They are paid to fully explain the entire program and help you on the path. They have certain subjects that you must take to advance to a degree, and then some electives. They do this for free and are quite interested in checking out the entire subject for you, and finding the student aid.

I would also recommend that you go to the local public library and read through the Valueline and Morningstar books. This is for free, and gives you a good background in mutual fund and stock selection by the professionals.

One bit of warning to you: do not arrive at a broker dealer and look for work, not until you complete your degree. Those jobs will always be there. They are interested in hiring young sales persons, and have you take the series 7 test. You would be not serving yourself well to take this test and become a stockbroker. If you ever decide to become an analyst, then becoming a stockbroker first would exclude you from this club of high paid professionals.

Dr. Joseph de Beauchamp