For finance professionals, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is arguably the best way to achieve career advancement. The charter adds significant value to finance professionals through more career opportunities for the CFA charterholder. For example, CFA charterholders in investment analysis and portfolio management are qualified to manage a firm’s financial objectives. Let’s explore some of the career advantages and opportunities for a CFA charterholder.
Career Advantages
Due to its privileged status, the CFA designation unlocks many additional career opportunities and more desirable positions because of added skills and increased expertise. According to the CFA Institute, the CFA designation gives charterholders notable advantages to candidates interested in a finance career. These include:
- The framework for a secure and successful career
- A strong ethical foundation
- Earned recognition from the profession
- Expanded knowledge for complex investment decisions
- Connection to a global community
The CFA charter’s value continues to increase both in the United States and abroad, especially in countries with a shortage of CFA charterholders. As a result, the demand for CFA charterholders will grow along with the growing global economy, leading to more career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of financial analysts is expected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Career Opportunities
While there are many career opportunities for a CFA charterholder, charterholders most commonly prefer the following roles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Consultant
- Corporate Finance Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Portfolio Manager
- Relationship Manager
- Research Analyst
CFA charterholders also work in banks as investment bankers and in various positions in the accounting profession. In addition to gaining access to countless career opportunities, finance professionals who commit to putting in the time and effort to acquire the CFA charter will also succeed in any career path they choose.
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