Online Investing Training Programs: Overview of Learning Options

Online investment training is available in several different forms, predominantly including downloadable tutorials, personal coaching, and short courses, as well as through online degrees in such subjects as business or finance management.

Downloadable Tutorials for Investor Training

Many of the most popular options for investor training on the Web are available in the form of downloadable knowledge bases, such as e-books, media files, podcasts, and other self-help publications. Usually, these resources are offered by investing experts who have proven themselves over a period of years and wish to offer their knowledge and skills for others to take advantage of.
Many times, these resources are available, either for a fee or on a trial basis in the case of services, to download or to purchase in hard copy form as books or CDs. These resources may cover a variety of investment types and techniques in a single volume, or may focus very specifically on a topic such as real estate or stock options. Some investment counselors offer free databases of articles to whet users' appetites and prove their credibility then offer a more comprehensive download, service or class for a fee.

Short Courses and Personal Investor Coaching

Another common investor training resource online is either a set of one-on-one personal training sessions or a set of short courses or seminars, available live or by correspondence via e-mail. These resources are also usually available from investment professionals who have spent years learning their trade and wish to offer their knowledge and assistance to others outside the industry.
Depending on the provider, counseling sessions may be offered via telephone or instant messenger as a one-on-one service to prospective investors, or they may be handled via e-mail as a correspondence course. Short courses may likewise be offered in the form of a correspondence course with some personal interaction, either via e-mail or an online learning center, or may incorporate Web seminars or live group sessions.

Online Degree Options for Investing

A few institutions offer accredited online degrees specifically for those who wish to enter the investment industry. Unlike the other resources, which are usually offered by an individual or a small investment group, full investing courses and degrees are available from select online colleges, often as a degree in banking or financial services.
These courses are usually offered in an online college format, using a specifically designed education portal software coupled with e-mail or message-board communication and built-in testing and real-time communication functions.