Banking, Finance & Insurance

CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst is a credential that is offered as a part of the CFA programme. Apart from being a programme which is recognised globally, CFA provides its holders with a strong foundation of skills in investment analysis, portfolio management as well as the practical knowledge that a candidate would require in the present day investment industry. Being a CFA holder makes you a part of this worldwide network of professionals who believe in following professional and ethical standards of the highest degree. Clearing all three levels of this examination doesn't just land you the Certificate but it is also a testament to your professional qualities.

In recent times, Chartered Finance Analyst CFA is a designation which is quite revered and regarded by most as a key certification for professionals in the areas of portfolio management and research. These are just a few opportunities out of the many that you can take advantage of if you wish to pursue the CFA certification (https://www.imarticus.org/financial-analysis-prodegree/). So to conclude, it is quite obvious that in recent times many organisations and individuals alike are getting highly interested in CFA. The fact that a CFA certification will benefit the organisation and the individual in revenue growth and career growth, it is perhaps why most organisations are also considering sending employees usually from the start up a level for this certification as the long-term advantages cannot be ignored. It is then true to say that the CFA designation does distinguish the charterholders from other counterparts in the eye of professionals and investors. As a successful CFA charterholder has already proved the test of time and their ability and intention of commitment to conducting their professional life according to high professional standards.

One must have at least a Bachelors degree preferably in a finance-related major, such as accounting or economics. Furthermore, it has become nearly compulsory that the aspirant has a certification in any one of- CFP CFA (most popular), CFS, CIMA, or the CLU courses though MBA may fill the requirement of these certifications in many cases. Apart from this, the aspirant should have solid analytical, valuation, marketing and communication skills and anin-depth understanding of companies. He should also be capable of building financial models and working on software such as MS Excel, ERPs, and SAS. To help kick-start the career in this field, it is advisable to enrol in training programs that provide these certifications and skills. One can easily find financial analysis courses online (https://www.imarticus.org). Expand your reach
Networking forms the roots of the financial world and therefore is one of the most important elements required to break into an industry. Networking can provide an analyst with a better assessment of a company and exposure to opportunities. Follow current events
As an analyst works on data- past and present, the aspirant should keep himself fresh on the present scenario of markets, investment banks. One can simply read/watch the business news regularly and keep notes. This also helps in keeping up interesting conversations related to the industry when networking with people. Start and Maintain a Financial Blog
The simple clause of sharing what you learn with the world is rewarding. While you improve your understanding of the topic, you also improve your networks, help others learn and remain motivated. A simple blog on WordPress, Medium can serve this purpose. One can use platforms like SeekingAlfa to publish their research on the markets. These articles may be added as achievements on the resume and can make great discussion points in financial analyst interviews. Use a trading simulator
Trading stock is a risky business. Before the aspirant can advise others regarding investments, he/she should have a practical understanding of the market dynamics. Gain Experience from internships
Most investment firms offer summer internships to students, many of which even allow full-time job prospects. Such an internship can bring the aspirant closer to the industry. Even when the internship is unpaid, the experience gained in such field work is invaluable. One can seek his/her university's career advisors for such opportunities.