Finance professionals who have successfully completed the Chartered Financial Analyst Program, passed the CFA exam, and who have satisfied the requirements for work experience hold CFA Charters. It's an elite designation that is respected by the finance industry. In this article you’ll learn what careers are best suited for people who hold CFA Charters.
Charterholder Careers
The latest study from the CFA Institute indicates that chartered financial analysts maintain various high-level positions in the finance world. Portfolio management is a huge industry, and continues to dominate other CFA career areas by a large margin. It’s likely because of the specific skill set honed by the CFA program. The other high performing sectors in order include research, consulting, investment banking, and risk management. Read on to find out more about the various sectors!
Research
Research analysts who work for institutional investors rather than individuals are often employed in research firms. These financial experts research and suggest investments to large investors, such as pension funds, hedge funds, or mutual funds.
Research analysts earn an average of $104,428 per year in the US. These types of positions are growing at 5% annually.
Consulting
A consultant provides financial advice within a company. This department is responsible for advising the company on how best to increase profit, decrease loss, and increase efficiency. Financial consultants earn an average of $89,330 per year, and the job outlook is growing at 11%.
Investment Banking
Investment banking consists of a number of sub-sectors. These include assisting with initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, and long-term analysis. Investment bankers are generally paid an average of about $115,000 a year, although some pay more than others. Investment banking has the growth outlook of 15%.
Risk Management
Risk management occurs every moment of every day in the world of finance. A risk manager researches and analyzes potential risks for potential investments. Managers then weigh the risks against the return and decide whether the investment matches the fund’s overall goals. Risk management analysts make an average of $72,858 per year. Job growth in this area is around 9% annually.
C-Level Executives
A C-level executive is a leader with several years of experience, knowledge, certifications, and know-how. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential is a great credential to demonstrate that you have developed a thorough knowledge of finance. Keep in mind that additional qualifications may be necessary to position yourself for one of these positions. Your networking ability and soft skills together with a broad understanding of the industry segments and its competitors will be crucial to have an advantage over other candidates.
Career Trajectory
Candidates of the CFA program often pursue this career path because they are seeking to change their career trajectory. Getting the Charter is a mark of excellence that investors, firms, and colleagues recognize. A CFA charter candidate’s future career moves could include the following pathways:
- Portfolio Management
- Investment Banking
- Private Equity
- Research
- Corporate Finance
