The Next Big Career Track at Business Schools: Family Offices

The family office sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with the number of family offices surging by more than 21 percent in 2024 alone, reaching 4,592 globally (Preqin). This boom has led to a surge in demand for family office expertise, prompting business schools to introduce new courses and programs tailored to this rapidly evolving field.


Family offices are the private wealth management arms of wealthy individuals and families, managing assets worth over $6 trillion combined. Their unique investment strategies and risk management requirements necessitate specialized education. Business schools are adapting their curricula to address these specific needs, incorporating courses on alternative investments, private equity, venture capital, and succession planning.


Family offices play a crucial role in shaping the research agenda at business schools. Their investment preferences, such as the growing interest in alternative assets like private equity and real estate, influence the topics explored in academic research. Some of the most pressing research topics in this field include the great wealth transfer, succession planning, and the impact of demographic shifts on family office investment strategies.

Business schools collaborate with family offices to provide real-world case studies and experiential learning opportunities for students. These collaborations enable students to gain insights into the practical aspects of family office management and develop a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by this sector.

To help students secure jobs in the family office sector, business schools are adapting their career services. They are forging partnerships with family offices, organizing networking events, and providing specialized career counseling. Some business schools are even creating dedicated career tracks or concentrations in family office management.


The most in-demand job roles within family offices include investment professionals, wealth managers, succession planners, and operational roles. Business schools are tailoring their programs to meet these specific needs, offering courses on investment analysis, portfolio management, wealth transfer strategies, and family office operations.

In conclusion, the family office boom has created a significant demand for specialized education in this field. Business schools are responding by introducing new courses, fostering relationships with family offices, and adapting their career services to support students seeking careers in this dynamic and growing sector.