| Answer: Chartered financial analysts (CFA) utilize their managerial skills in the core areas of corporate finance, investment management, international finance and financial services. Their training and skills are useful for providing a host of financial services. The qualification of a CFA is not merely an additional qualification relating to finance but it is a specialization that gives a person a distinct advantage over others in the field.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional programme in Financial Management and Analysis offered through distance learning as:
- Regular CFA Programme (3 years)
- Accelerated CFA Programme (2 years)
Eligibility criteria is that the candidate should be a Graduate or Management student or a working executive and professional. Graduates from any discipline with 50 per cent or above marks and a minimum of 18 years of age are eligible to enroll in the CFA Programme, apart from Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants and Company Secretaries. Candidates of the regular CFA Programme are eligible to appear for the examinations.
The CFA programme is offered on a distance-learning basis and is open to all those applicants who satisfy the eligibility criteria. There is no Admission Test for enrolling. As the CFA Programme is offered on a distance learning basis, admission is open throughout the year.The ICFAI University provides comprehensive study package specially designed for independent study and provides an opportunity to the candidates to attend training classes at scheduled centers.
There is also an executive program which is offered to Graduates (any discipline)
Final Level students of CA, CWA, CS and other PG and CAs, CWAs, Company Secretaries and other Postgraduates (any discipline). Working Executives, Entrepreneurs, Bankers, Civil Servants, Consultants, provided they are graduates.
The CFA Programme has four focus areas: Corporate Finance, International Finance, Investment Management and Financial Services.
Students can submit the completed application form for admission of the ICFAI Information Desk in the seven cities, viz, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune or send to ICFAI, Hyderabad. Some of Institutes where CFA programme can be pursued are as follows:
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management, Mumbai.
- International Management Institute, New Delhi.
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai.
- Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar, etc.
All candidates who enroll into the CFA Programme will be provided guidance in career planning. Through workshops and other career guidance support, the CFA candidates will be helped to increase their placement potential.
The openings available to CFA degree holders are in Banking, Insurance, Corporate Sectors and Finance, Leasing Companies. Even organisations like Railways, Reserve Bank of India and Financial Institutions like ICICI, IDBI, IFCI and UTI have given due recognition to the CFA programme.
All the best
CareerAge Counselor
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