How to learn investment for beginners?

Understanding why you want to learn about investing and investments, whether to secure your financial future or grow capital, can motivate you. Regular practice in researching and evaluating investment opportunities is essential. Join communities such as Reddit’s r/investing to learn from others’ experiences. Work on real projects like creating a mock portfolio to track your strategies. Financial Market by Yale University is an excellent resource to gain foundational knowledge.

What topics are typically covered in investment courses?

Investment courses cover a range of topics essential for understanding and making informed investment decisions. These include the basics of financial markets , asset classes, and investment strategies . Learners will explore topics such as portfolio management , risk assessment , and financial analysis . Advanced courses might cover areas like real estate investment, derivatives , behavioral finance, and the use of investment tools and platforms. Practical exercises and case studies help learners apply these concepts to real-world investment scenarios.

How can I choose the right investment course for my career goals?

Choosing the right investment course depends on your current knowledge level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the fundamentals of investing, including market basics, asset classes, and simple investment strategies. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on advanced investment techniques, portfolio management , and financial analysis . Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on specific investment areas like real estate, derivatives , or preparing for certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in investment?

A certificate in investment can open up various career opportunities in the finance and investment sectors. Common roles include investment analyst , portfolio manager, financial advisor , and asset manager. These positions involve analyzing investment opportunities, managing investment portfolios, advising clients on investment strategies, and assessing financial risks. With the growing importance of investment knowledge in personal and professional finance, earning an investment certificate can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as banking, asset management, financial planning, and real estate.

Best Investment Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Investment Course Catalog

University of Geneva
Investment Management
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Wealth Management, Risk Management, Investment Management, Financial Market, Business Risk Management, Capital Markets, Risk Analysis, Market Liquidity, Investments, Asset Management, Performance Measurement, Market Dynamics, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Financial Planning, Derivatives, Finance, Equities, Financial Management, Business Ethics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rice University
Investment and Portfolio Management
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Financial Market, Investments, Investment Management, Financial Systems, Securities Trading, Asset Management, Behavioral Economics, Capital Markets, Risk Modeling, Equities, Financial Trading, Performance Measurement, Finance, Performance Analysis, Risk Management, Return On Investment, Risk Appetite, Derivatives, Wealth Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Yale University
Financial Markets
Skills you'll gain: Investment Banking, Risk Management, Financial Market, Financial Regulation, Financial Services, Finance, Business Risk Management, Securities (Finance), Financial Policy, Capital Markets, Behavioral Economics, Banking, Corporate Finance, Governance, Insurance, Underwriting, Equities, Derivatives, Mortgage Loans, Decision Making
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
30K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Investment Risk Management
Skills you'll gain: Investment Management, Risk Management, Financial Analysis, Risk Analysis, Portfolio Management, Financial Market, Investments, Return On Investment, Performance Measurement
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
EDHEC Business School
Investment Management with Python and Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Investment Management, Portfolio Management, Text Mining, Asset Management, Network Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Investments, Machine Learning Methods, Unstructured Data, Predictive Modeling, Web Scraping, Financial Management, Machine Learning, Financial Statements, Applied Machine Learning, Financial Market, Financial Modeling, Risk Analysis, Python Programming, Financial Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
SoFi
Fundamentals of Investing
Skills you'll gain: Investments, Return On Investment, Risk Analysis, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Financial Planning, Equities, Asset Management, Tax, Derivatives, Expense Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
104 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Rice University
Investment Strategies and Portfolio Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management, Investment Management, Performance Measurement, Performance Analysis, Return On Investment, Investments, Performance Metric, Financial Market, Financial Analysis, Risk Analysis, Analysis, Benchmarking, Risk Management, Statistical Analysis
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
272 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Seeking Investment Alpha
Skills you'll gain: Risk Analysis, Financial Analysis, Financial Management, Investment Management, Investments, Portfolio Management, Performance Measurement, Equities
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
103 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Advanced Valuation and Strategy - M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Decision-Making, Business Valuation, Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions, Game Theory, Corporate Strategy, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy, Investment Banking, Financial Modeling, Cash Flows, Corporate Finance
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Interactive Brokers
Practical Guide to Trading
Skills you'll gain: Derivatives, Equities, Risk Analysis, Financial Trading, International Finance, Investments, Securities Trading, Financial Market, Risk Management, Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Analysis, Market Analysis, Analysis, Capital Markets, Investment Management, Tax, Balance Sheet, Financial Regulations, Business Metrics, Market Data
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
740 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Università Bocconi
Financing and Investing in Infrastructure
Skills you'll gain: Project Finance, Risk Analysis, Capital Budgeting, Financial Analysis, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Lending and Underwriting, Credit Risk, Risk Management, Investments, Finance, Loans, Contract Management, Financial Management, Banking
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Investment Banking: Financial Analysis and Valuation
Skills you'll gain: Financial Statement Analysis, Investment Banking, Financial Forecasting, Business Valuation, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Mergers & Acquisitions, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Corporate Finance, Cash Flows, Benchmarking
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
166 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months