Why Finance Majors at Utah State University Should Pursue the CFA Credential

In addition to the recognition that comes with the CFA, there are two reasons USU finance students should pursue membership; finance students have the advantage of USU and the CFA Institute (CFAI) working together, and increasing knowledge of capital markets.

First, USU finance students have a huge advantage due to university-industry cooperation (UIC); finance students at USU simultaneously work on their undergraduate requirements and the CFA curriculum. “The Huntsman School of Business is one of a select group of schools globally to be recognized by the CFAI for its work to prepare students to obtain the CFA designation, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world” (Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, 2014). Member universities must incorporate at least 70percent of the CFA Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into their finance curriculums. Furthermore, UIC allows students to receive scholarships to help reduce exam cost, which is currently $825 per person. The CFA charter is awarded to those individuals who pass three levels of comprehensive 6-hour exams.

Second, candidates gain valuable knowledge about capital markets and wealth management. Employers of investment firms know that CFA charterholders have the analytical skills required in today’s complex work environment. “Tertiary education plays an important role in ensuring the evolution and progress of human society (Akimov, Bianchi, Drew, 2013).” Additionally, these skills allow new employees to make an impact from day one.

In conclusion, the CFA designation gives individuals the opportunity to succeed. However, being a charterholder guarantees nothing, individuals must use the CFA credential as a tool to help advance their career.

References

Akimov, A., Bianchi, R., & Drew, M. (2013). Industry-academic partnerships in finance programmes. Cast of CFA-partnered programmes. Discussion papers in finance: Griffith University, Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics. https://www120.secure.griffith.edu.au/research/file/8fc9f6a1-0f69-4535-83b3-eb30b0842e71/1/2013-08-industry-academic-partnership-in-finance-programmes-case-of-cfa-partnered-programmes.pdf

Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. (2014). CFA Program. Retrieved from CFA Institute website https://www.cfainstitute.org/Pages/index.aspx

Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. (2014). Economics & Finance Department. Utah State University. Retrieved from USU website http://huntsman.usu.edu/economicsandfinance/htm/cfa