There are many options to choose from when looking to improve yourfinancial analysis skills orresume. Across the United States (and even overseas), there are colleges, universities, and private organizations that offer a wide variety of programs to enhance your skills. And while most of the offerings are quite valuable, it typically would not make sense to complete more than two of these programs.
The three main sources of gaining financial analyst training and designations are universities, designation and certification programs, and training programs. If you decide to go the college or university route, you will likely pay a hefty premium in costsover a period of two to three years. The good news is that you will get hands-on instruction, advice, group projects, and feedback.The bad news is that the process can take a few years to complete, and unless you can get into a well-known school, few employers will recognize the educational provider's name on your resume.
Let us shift thefocus of this article to the types of designations other than post-secondary programs, as most people who pursue a designation will usually have a university or college background as well.
Key Takeaways
- Financial analyst training can be gained through universities, training programs, and specialized certification programs.
- Financial Analyst Specialist, Chartered Financial Analyst, and Licensed International Financial Analyst are three of the best-known designations.
- Niche areas such as hedge fund portfolio management, private wealth management, or financial modeling can require specific knowledge.
Financial Analyst Specialist (FAS)
One financial analysis designation that offers a self-paced solution is the Financial Analyst Specialist (FAS) designation program. This program is entirely internet-based and can be completed from anywhere in the worldin as little as two to three months. This program consists of watching video instruction, a strategic project, requiredbook reading, a study guide, practice examinations, and online testing. It covers everything from basic financial concepts, such as net present value, to more complex methods ofratio analysis.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Another financial analysis designation that has been around for many decades is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. This is a great program for those entering the investment industry who want to gain exposure to a broad financial base.
Candidates are required to pass three levels of exams covering areassuch as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and securities analysis. Earning the CFA designationis a grueling process, so try to weigh how it will benefit you and your career against the negatives of going through the process.
While this program is relatively expensive compared to others, it is also very popular and well-respected.
Licensed International Financial Analyst (LIFA)
One additional financial analyst designation is the Licensed International Financial Analyst (LIFA) designation, which is also investment-focused and has a high emphasis on ethical issues within the global context. This program covers topics such as asset valuation, economics, portfolio management, and quantitative analysis. It is flexible and relatively inexpensive but is anew and less acknowledged designation compared to some other programs.
SpecialtyPrograms
Before you decide that these types of designations may not be for you, consider this: Many of the highest paying financial analysis jobs are in niche areas, such as hedge fund portfolio management, private wealth management, or financial modeling. Since general financial analysis training may not be as valuable as industry- or job-specific training, you may want to consider completing a program that was custom-made for the industry in which you want to grow in your career.
Examples of these types of programs include: the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), Certified Hedge Fund Professional (CHP) or Certified Market Technician (CMT) programs.
When choosing a designation to pursue, it is important to first understand and have a solid grasp of the potential doors that the program will open. It is usually preferred that a prospective candidatehas a couple of years of work experience in order to determine which designation is best for one's career choice.
Self-Teaching
The final option is paying NOtuition and training yourself. The advantage here is that you can save thousands in tuition costs. In terms of disadvantages, this requires more self-discipline than many people have, and your resume will look stronger if you join one of the above programs.
If you want your resume to stand out, having some letters after your name can go a long way.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that when you take a class at a college or university, the quality of that organization's brand reflects upon you. If you take a program from your local in-state university that few will recognize or respect, you might be just as well-off taking a cheaper community college program for less money. If, on the other hand, you can attend a prestigious school or complete an industry-leading financial analyst designation program, you can really give your resume a boost all while learning more about the industry.
