New opportunities await university’s Bachelor of Commerce students

In the world of investment analysis and portfolio management, the professional designation of chartered financial analyst (CFA) is widely considered the gold standard of career experience.

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology prepares Bachelor of Commerce graduates majoring in Finance for an exciting and successful career in the financial services industry. And starting with the 2017-2018 academic year, the university proudly announces its official affiliation with the U.S.-based CFA Institute.

The Faculty of Business and Information Technology’s (FBIT) Finance program provides a strong basis for students interested in pursuing the CFA designation. The program offers best professional and ethical practices, which provides graduates with the tools necessary to succeed and thrive in their careers.

“Our Finance program met a number of criteria to be eligible for CFA affiliation, such as covering at least 70 per cent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge in the curriculum,” says Karolina Krystyniak, PhD, CFA, Assistant Professor, FBIT. “As an affiliated university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology will offer students the benefit of access to CFA program curriculum, sample exams and CFA Institute publications.”

Current students should consult their Academic Advisor for advice and suggestions regarding course choices that will help in CFA preparations.

New scholarships

Through the CFA Institute affiliation, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology annually receives seven Awareness Scholarships for the Level 1 CFA exam, each valued at approximately US$1,000. Each scholarship waives the one-time CFA program enrolment fee (if applicable) and reduces the exam registration fee (including access to the curriculum eBook) to US$350. To learn more about the scholarships and application process, interested students should contact Dr. Krystyniak, the Finance program’s CFA principal contact.

About CFA

CFA candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and they are required to pass three levels of exams covering areas such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management and security analysis. Each exam requires around 300 hours of preparation. Before you can become a CFA Charterholder, you must have four years of investment/financial career experience.

The CFA Charter is the most reputable investment management designation across the globe. Becoming a Charterholder demonstrates a commitment to the mastery of financial knowledge and integrity. Respected by employers from a variety of fields as a sign of investment management expertise, perseverance, high motivation and commitment to ethical standards, CFA Charterholders have access to amazing career and networking opportunities.