Those who are interested in learning investing at a dedicated training facility will find that almost all of their options are located in major metropolitan areas. Since this is also where many of the highest-paying jobs are located, it makes sense that students interested in a career change may want to consider looking at the kinds of cities that offer the most robust training options for aspiring Investment Bankers or Financial Analysts. Read on to learn more about the top cities in which to pursue investing classes, as well as online study options.
What is Investing?
In the most basic sense, investing involves purchasing an asset at a lower price and selling it for more than this value. The return on this investment is a capital gain. One way to make money investing is to sell assets for profit and earn returns on them. The amount the investment gains between when it’s purchased and sold is referred to as appreciation. Another way investing operates is when individuals purchase and hold assets that generate income. In this instance, the goal isn’t to sell the asset to realize its capital gains but to purchase assets capable of generating cash flow in the long term and hang onto it.
When they speak about investing, people often refer to financial markets in which investors come together to purchase and sell assets like bonds or stocks. It’s common for stocks to pay Investors dividends, which take the form of additional stock or cash distributed by public companies to shareholders. Those who work in income investing strive to earn a steady income flow from dividends without selling stock shares. Those who invest are looking to make compound interest on their investment. This occurs when the initial investment begins to earn returns of its own. Compound interest helps many individuals reach their investment goals for educational expenses or retirement.
Investment takes many forms. The most common types are stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and certificates of deposit (CDs). Stocks, also known as shares or equities, are the most widely known investment type. Those who purchase stock buy ownership stakes in a publicly traded company, such as Microsoft or Apple. When purchasing bonds, individuals lend money to an entity like the government or a business. Local governments issue municipal bonds, whereas companies issue corporate bonds, and the US Treasury issues Treasury notes, bills, and bonds, all of which are debt instruments purchased by investors. Mutual funds consist of a pool of money from many investors. This pool is broadly invested in many companies and is either actively or passively managed. ETFs operate similarly to mutual funds in that they are a group of investments tracking a market index. However, unlike mutual funds bought through a fund company, ETF shares are purchased and sold on stock markets. CDs are low-risk investments in which the investor provides the bank with a specified amount of money for a determined period and receives interest.
What Can You Do with Investing Skills?
Knowledge of investing extends well beyond the realm of stock brokers and Wall Street. Today, strategies for investing have both professional and personal applications. Unlike in the past, where investments were largely handled by finance professionals like Stock Brokers, nowadays, anyone with an internet connection can invest in the market using mobile applications. One of the essential components of investing is selecting assets that are expected to increase in value over time. This can include bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, or in physical assets like real estate, cars, watches, or jewelry.
Those who know how to make sound investments and understand core financial principles can pursue careers in many in-demand fields. Investment Bankers serve as financial advisors for corporations who issue bond shares or stock to help their company raise money or merge with other companies. Financial Analysts are hired to perform tasks like monitoring market trends, studying financial statements, and creating financial models for their organization. Stockbrokers are licensed professionals who purchase and sell securities like stocks on behalf of clients. Within the banking sector, Bankers who have investment knowledge and financial literacy meet individually with clients and help these individuals manage their financial needs. Additionally, investment knowledge is widely used in FinTech. Those who work in this industry design new financial technology, such as banking and investing applications.
New York City
The top place in the US to learn investing is New York City. The Big Apple is the economic capital of the world and is the location of many of the largest financial institutions in the world. The city is known as the world’s leading financial center and is also one of the wealthiest cities around the globe. Home to two of the largest global stock markets (the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq), NYC is the number-one spot to pursue a career in investing. The NYC greater metro area has more than 200 banks and over 1,000 investment banks. Major financial companies like the Vanguard Group, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs, Banky of New York Mellon Corporation, and Fidelity Investments are all located in NYC. In addition, the city also has 44 Fortune 500 companies headquartered there. The city also boasts more than major corporations; residents enjoy access to Broadway plays, art exhibits at major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and sporting events at Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium. Educational provider Noble Desktop’s training facility is also located in midtown Manhattan.
If you want to search for investing classes in New York City, many excellent study options are available from local providers. Students can enroll in NYIM Training’s Stock Market Investing Fundamentals, which provides instruction on fundamental financial competencies, such as how to work with stocks and bonds, financial statements, and stock valuation and pricing. Columbia University Precollege’s Introduction to Finance and Investment Management is available for high schoolers interested in getting a head start on developing their own investment portfolio. Noble Desktop’s Stock Market Investing is a great study option for those who want to study concepts like stock valuation, investing, and movements.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC enjoys a robust economy, which presents many reasons why Investors flock to the city. Tourists from the US and abroad come to the city each year to enjoy the cherry blossoms, the 60 miles of bicycle and pedestrian tracks, world-renowned museums and historical sites, and sporting events with the Redskins and Nationals. The nation’s capital has the highest median household income. It also offers some of the best elementary and secondary schools in the country. In DC, 29 banks and 46 investment banks operate within the city. Additionally, 16 Fortune 500 Companies have their headquarters there.
Those who want to search for investing classes in Washington, DC can do so with Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Many excellent study options are available from local providers. Those who want to learn more about the stock market can do so in The Knowledge Academy’s Stock Trading Masterclass. This program covers topics like money management, investment best practices, and market dynamics. Local learners can also attend Simply Investing’s Financial Freedom Investing Course to learn more about how to find promising dividend-paying stocks at low prices.
Los Angeles
Another prime location in the US to study investing and pursue a career in this field is Los Angeles. The city offers one of the country’s most diverse economies with a quickly growing high-tech industry, a hub for international trade, and a range of advanced transportation and aerospace initiatives. Los Angeles is known to be a merging point between creative fields and innovation. The city is known for its year-round sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and thriving food scene. Tourists who come to LA flock to popular locations like Hollywood, Universal Studios, and Rodeo Drive. The LA metro area is also home to 15 Fortune 500 Companies, which makes it an excellent place to work or invest.
If you want to discover some nearby study options in the greater LA area, you can search for investing classes in Los Angeles with Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Students can study investment best practices by enrolling in iXperience’s Investment Finance class. This program offers more than in-class instruction in financial reporting and ecosystems; it also provides students with the opportunity to create a personal portfolio and complete an in-person internship. UCLA Extension also offers students a range of investment courses, such as security analysis, investment management, and investment strategies.
Atlanta
Many Fortune 500 Companies call Atlanta their home, including Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Delta Airlines, and UPS. These huge employers provide Atlanta residents with career opportunities across industries. Additionally, tech giants like Amazon and Google continue to establish facilities in the city, which contributes to its economic prowess. Atlanta has a diverse economy that draws people from a range of sectors, including healthcare, technology, and finance. As the city continues to grow, its thriving economy drives an innovative dining scene and world-class entertainment options, including Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, and Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Atlanta is also a prime location to receive an excellent higher education. Schools like Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory University are some of the area’s most reputable higher education facilities. Graduates of these schools can pursue a range of exciting careers in Atlanta.
If you’re in the Atlanta metro area and want to learn investing, you can search for investing classes in Atlanta with Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Students who are just getting started with investing can find beginner-friendly learning options, and more seasoned Investors can also find coursework to take their existing skills to the next level. Angel Investing101, which is offered by Class Rebel, teaches students the basics of angel investing, such as how to spot promising startups, make informed investment decisions, manage risks, and understand term sheets. Students interested in learning how to invest wisely in the stock market can do so in Atlanta Technical College’s Stock Trading Suite. This program covers essential investment topics, such as 401K plans, retirement planning, financial statements, and professional investment tools.
Chicago
Chicago is known to have the most diverse economy in the US. It also is third in the country for employment in finance and insurance jobs. Currently, 1,370 banks and 174 investment banks can be found in the city. Chicago has five financial exchanges: the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the NYSE Arca, and the Chicago Board of Trade. More than 30 Fortune 500 Companies are headquartered in Chicago, including Walgreens, State Farm Insurance, UPS, Allstate, Boeing, and Excelon. Tourists continually flock to Chicago to experience popular destinations like Millennium Park, The Bean, and the Willis Tower Skydeck.
Those who live in or near Chicago and want to learn investing can search for investing classes in Chicago using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Coursework is available for learners at all levels of financial literacy. Those interested in studying basic finance concepts can do so in Chicago State University’s Stocks, bonds, and Investing: Oh, My! This program teaches students essential financial concepts like how investing works, as well as what stocks and bonds are. Those enrolled learn how to save for college and retirement, manage personal finances, and manage 401K plans. Additionally, Chicago’s Discovery Center has a range of finance-related courses available for students. Coursework is available in topics like bookkeeping, strategic tax, Quickbooks, and debt consolidation.
San Francisco
Another popular US city for learning about investing is San Francisco. Starting with the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, the city became a go-to for those seeking to accumulate riches. The city’s financial sector has diversified far beyond traditional banking over the years to include services like investment and insurance. San Francisco is currently known as the financial capital of the western US. Many banking and brokerage firms like Franklin Templeton Investments are headquartered in the San Francisco area. Because of its close proximity to Silicon Valley, San Francisco has a robust tech industry, and the Bay Area is a hub for the venture capital and FinTech industries. In addition to Silicon Valley’s influence, the other main financial areas in the city are the Financial District, where many major banks are located, and South of Market, which is where major FinTech companies are clustered.
If you live in or near San Francisco and are interested in learning about investing, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to search for investing classes in San Francisco. City College of San Francisco has several finance-related courses that are open to beginners. Students can choose from courses like Principles of Risk Management, Money and Banking, Personal Finance Planning, and Principles of Investment. Additionally, City Extension offers investment training options for students, including its Personal Finance Course. In this introductory-level program, participants articulate their financial goals, explore how retirement-ready they are financially, receive instruction on how to invest, and learn how to read their credit reports.
Miami
Miami is considered one of the up-and-coming financial hubs in the US. Drawing from its diverse economy, strategic global location, and cultural vibrancy, the city offers a good environment for finance and commerce and is continuing to shape the global economy. Miami-Dade County has the East Coast’s largest concentration of international and domestic banks south of NYC and is known as the financial capital of Latin America. Miami’s beautiful beaches, Art Deco architecture, and year-round sunny weather are just a few reasons why the city remains a popular spot. Recently, the city has experienced an influx of financial professionals, including Hedge Fund Managers and Investment Bankers. Since 2020, major financial players like Ken Griffin’s Citadel, The Blackstone Group, Capital Management, and Goldman Sachs Group have all relocated to the city. Today, Miami ranks seventh in the US and 24th in the world in the Global Financial Centers Index.
Those who live in Miami and want to learn investing can search for investing classes in Miami using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Learners can select from classes that deal entirely with investment-related concepts or ones that bring in other finance concepts as well. Miami Dade College’s School of Continuing Education and Professional Development offers several classes that teach students essential finance-related skills. Coursework is available in topics like Stock Market for Beginners, Technical Analysis, The World of Business, and Financial Literacy. Additionally, the University of Miami offers a Certificate in Corporate Finance for those who want to pursue a corporate finance career. This program covers topics like economics and accounting, domestic and international corporate valuation, and accounting problems.
Dallas
Dallas is considered the country’s second-largest hub for finance jobs. In the past few years, the city has also become the number two spot for financial workers in the US to live and work, second only to New York City. Dallas-Fort Worth is the fourth-largest US metro. During the pandemic, it surpassed LA and Chicago to become the number-two spot in the country to find a finance job. Many of the top NYC banks, including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs, have expanded their operations to Dallas in an attempt to tap into the influx of people who moved to the state to find work during the pandemic. One of the main draws to a career in investing in Dallas is the cost of living, which is 40% lower than in NYC. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city’s warm weather as they flock to popular destinations like The Dallas Museum of Art, Reunion Tower, and The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
If you live in Dallas and want to learn more about investing, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to search for investing classes in Dallas. The Knowledge Academy’s Stock Trading Masterclass is available for those interested in learning how to manage their money, understand market dynamics, and learn how and when to invest in stocks. Those interested in learning about real estate investing can gain hands-on training in Lifestyles Unlimited’s real estate courses. These programs teach participants about how to make a profit with rental real estate, as well as how apartments can be sound investments.
Boston
Aspiring financial professionals will find many promising opportunities for education and work in Boston. Boston has many finance-related jobs available in top financial institutions like Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase & Company, Bank of America, and Santander. The city enjoys a rich cultural history, a strategic location, and a diverse culture, each of which contributes to it being a prime location for Investors and companies who want to be a part of the action. In addition to its professional opportunities, Boston also offers many incentives for tourists to visit. Each year, thousands flock to Boston to enjoy Fenway Park, the Boston Commons, the city’s Theatre District, and the New England Aquarium.
Those who live in the greater Boston metro area can search for investing classes in Boston using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Boston Finance Academy offers classes that cover a range of finance-related skills and topics. In Wall Street Bootcamp, both beginners as well as experienced Investors learn how to research investments online, allocate assets, choose securities, and monitor performance. This intensive program covers ETFs, mutual funds, and diversified equity.
Houston
In addition to Dallas, Houston is another Texas city where investing training is an asset. The city has more Fortune 500 Companies than nearly any other US city. Houston is referred to as the “energy capital of the world. It enjoys a low cost of living and high personal income per capita, no corporate or individual state income tax, and a rapidly growing talent pool. Currently, 22 Fortune 500 Companies call Houston home, including Sysco and Phillips. The ciy is also a popular spot for tourism. Travelers from the US and abroad flock to Houston to enjoy attractions like the Houston Space Center, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Grand Opera, and Houston Zoo.
Many excellent training options are available in investing for Houston residents. Learners can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find investing courses in Houston. Trading Academy Houston has interactive workshops that teach participants about essential investment strategies, including how to spot income investing opportunities, manage risk, generate income, trade alongside Wall Street institutions, and hedge investments against inflation. The Investment Banking Institute offers an immersive Investment Banking Program in which participants create a three-statement model, review SEC filings, and develop a leveraged buyout model.
Learn Investing Skills Online
If you want to learn accounting but don’t live in or near one of the major metro areas listed above, you can still learn investing through live online study. Similar to in-person training, live online investing classes provide learners with real-time access to a live instructor. Participants attend meetings using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom, which allows them to ask questions as they arise and receive immediate clarification. Best of all, when studying investing online, students never have to commute to and from class or battle rush-hour traffic. This makes live online investing training a popular option for those who lack a reliable means of transportation or live far from a designated training facility. To learn more about live online investing courses, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find the study option most suited to your educational needs.
Learn Investing Skills with Noble Desktop
If you’re interested in learning how to invest like a pro, let Noble Desktop help. Noble offers classes in corporate finance, business investing, and stock market investing so that learners at all levels can find coursework that meets their professional needs.
In Noble’s Stock Market Investing class, participants explore the core components of the stock market, including valuation, investing, and stock movements. Students study financial statements, valuation techniques like DCF analysis and P/E ratios, and the factors that affect stock prices. Those enrolled study recent earnings releases and valuation multiples from companies like Apple and Google to establish a framework for investing. By course completion, all learners will have a robust understanding of financial markets.
Noble also offers a Financial Analyst Training Program that takes learners from basic spreadsheet skills into intermediate-level Excel training. Participants study financial accounting and corporate finance concepts and create a valuation model for a public company. This comprehensive program prepares students to work with basic Excel concepts, such as shortcuts, formulas, functions, and PivotTables. Learners then move into more complex spreadsheet skills, such as working with cash flow projection tools and financial functions. Instruction is also provided on DCF modeling techniques and corporate valuation principles.
This bootcamp is designed to prepare students for a job at a top financial firm. Those interested in enrolling will find it helpful to have prior knowledge of finance and accounting. A short pre-learning guide is sent to all students one week before class begins.
In Noble’s Financial Modeling Bootcamp, students receive hands-on training in core accounting and finance concepts. Participants study corporate valuation, finance, and accounting in this intensive program. They also build a financial DCF model based on a real company using Excel. Prior financial experience is helpful, though not required, as a prerequisite. Additionally, intermediate-level Excel for business knowledge is required, including knowledge of iF statements, PivotTables, and VLOOKUP.
All Noble classes are taught in person in New York City and are also available live online. Tuition includes the option of a free course retake for up to a year.
How to Learn Finance
Master finance with hands-on training. Learning skills like financial modeling, stock investing, and data analysis can help pave the way to a career in finance or FinTech (financial technology).
- Financial Analyst Training Program: live, instructor-led course available in NYC or live online
- Find Finance Classes Near You: Search & compare dozens of available courses in-person
- Attend a finance class live online (remote/virtual training) from anywhere
- Find & compare the best online finance classes (on-demand) from the top providers and platforms
- Train your staff with corporate and onsite finance training