Asset management describes the tracking and counting of items of value owned by an organization. Tangible assets are those that can be seen and used and include products for sale, equipment, tools, and components of computer networks. Intangible assets, on the other hand, may include shares, accounts receivable, stocks, and bonds. To get an asset management education, it can first be helpful to decide which industry you would prefer to work in since this will determine the kinds of courses and educational materials you should access. You may also want to consider factors such as getting a certification or degree and the convenience of accessing an educational method.
Nearly every kind of industry has use for asset management, though the nature of the assets may change from business to business. For example, if you are interested in working in the manufacturing industry, you may want to include engineering courses in your asset management education. Individuals who are interested in computer and telecommunication management might benefit from Information Technology (IT) courses that teach them about computer repair and network optimization. Students who are concerned with financial assets, which are normally intangible, could best learn from business and finance classes.
Once you have decided which kind of asset management education is best for your career track, you might then want to consider whether a degree or certification is right for you. In most cases, a certification is not essential to legally practice, but you may find that it is easier to find a job if you have a degree. If you are interested in IT management, for example, you might find that you are competing with individuals who have degrees in computer science and who may have years of experience as IT technicians. Without a degree to show that you have demonstrated proficiency in this area, you could be overlooked by employers.
Some professionals may already be placed in companies and need an asset management education so that they can better perform their jobs. In these cases, it is a good idea to consult with a manager to learn which resources he or she would prefer that you use. When professionals seek training for skills from which their employers can benefit, employers often times pay for them to attend certain courses. Professionals in these situations may also find that the asset management education they need can be found in books or online tutorials.
In all cases, asset management education should be something to which you can fully dedicate yourself. If you are working full time, it can be advisable to take night or weekend courses that allow you a schedule that does not interfere with your work. Online courses are popular for many busy people since they are affordable and offer the greatest level of flexibility.
