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Preparing For Your Career

Published on: Apr 7, 2020

CPS Green [square]The finance industry is extremely competitive. Improve your industry knowledge to stand a better chance of beating the competition for that coveted financial services graduate position. Understand how to jumpstart your career prospects early on in your studies. Take part in these real-world learning opportunities and build a connection between academic coursework and your future career.

Preparation is the key to success. Start by reading and expanding your knowledge of the industry as early as possible. Stay on top of the latest trends in the industry. Having knowledge and awareness of recent trends will set you apart from others hoping to enter the industry. As a student you can take advantage of practitioner-based research and publications issued by CFA Institute. (For example, fintech and AI, ESG and sustainability have become areas of growing interest to our members and you will impress an employer if you can discuss these topics with confidence). We strongly encourage students to access this large range of free content, to add a practitioner perspective or citations for your own studies.

Preparing for Level I of the CFA Program as a student may help you to get ahead when job hunting. Many employers seek job applicants who have already passed CFA Program Level I, II or III or are committed to studying for the Program. This can give you the competitive advantage - showing your commitment, dedication and interest in the industry. Are you already studying on a finance degree? Are you curious about the kinds of questions in the CFA Program? These 20 example questions provide a broad sampling of the types of questions you’ll see in the Level I exam.

 

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PROGRAMS


CFA Program

Explore the CFA Program; What is the CFA Program? Why choose the CFA Program? What does it mean to become a CFA charter­holder? How do I become a CFA charterholder? 

CIPM Program

The Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®) Program leverages the expertise of CFA Institute, the respected global leader in investment education, ethics, and standards, to deliver practice-based approaches and develop skills for effective investment performance evaluation and manager selection.

Investment Foundations 

The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Program provides students with a clear understanding of the investment industry. This free program explains industry structure and terminology to students enrolled on wide range of finance-related and business education courses.

Ethical Decision-Making for Investment Professionals 

This online course, which is hosted in the CFA Institute Ethics Learning Lab, helps you navigate ethical situations using the Ethical Decision-Making Framework. You'll be presented with real-world scenarios and case studies in an online platform that allows you to interact with your peers and study at your own pace.

 

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES


CFA® Program Readiness Assessment

The CFA® Program requires a commitment of over 300 hours of self-directed study per exam level. Once you complete all three exam levels and demonstrate the required experience, you can apply to become a charterholder. The CFA charter journey requires perseverance, dedication of purpose, preparation, the motivation to complete the task, and commitment to represent the profession as a CFA charterholder. Are you ready?

Are You Ready To Take the Level I Exam?

These 20 sample questions provide a broad sampling of the types of questions you’ll see in the Level I exam. Plan on giving yourself 15–20 minutes to complete the quiz.  Good luck!

Research Challenge 

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Each student will be tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills. They gain real-world experience as they assume the role of a research analyst.

Scholarships 

CFA Institute scholarships are part of our commitment to promoting the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence. Our scholarships help make the CFA® charter more attainable and give more people an opportunity to advance their career. 

Research & Analysis

CFA Institute provides in-depth insights on the world of today in order to push the industry into the future. As a student you can take advantage of the practitioner-based research and publications issued by CFA Institute. (For example, fintech and ESG have become areas of growing interest to members). We strongly welcome students to access this large range of free content, to add a practitioner perspective or citations for your own studies.

5 Ways To Kickstart Your Study Plan

Kickstart exam prep, learn about 5 ways to give your exam preparation a boost.

Member Benefits

Membership connects you with our global association of investment professionals and gives you access to benefits that help you pursue professional knowledge, advance in your career, and lead with ethics.

Ethical Mindfulness E-BOOK | 9 PAGES

If you’re like most people about to take a job (or hoping for one) in the financial services industry, you think of yourself as having decent moral character. You’ve also heard plenty from acquaintances and in the media about rampant greed and other pervasive ethical failures in the industry. So, at least somewhere in the back of your mind—or maybe even front and center—are questions about whether the pressures to “produce,” bring in clients, or generate fees will compromise your values and turn you into a person you don’t really want to be.

 

MORE ON CAREER PLANNING FOR STUDENTS


Exploring Opportunities

Applying For a Job

The Interview Process

In The Workplace