hi puys...can anyone elaborate baout CMA (us) and CIMA (UK) qualifications and wihch one is better for career in India..plz suggest or direst me to relevant post..

regards,

Treasury is also a good field. But it again depends what you do there? Are you into Accounting of Treasury, then for me its a boring job. I rather look at it as a clerk of a godown managing the ins and outs of the stock of godown. Nothing else.

Well the reason i quote the above thing is becoz i m in the same profile wont get into whether i agree with chetan but..

Continuing from that well i m a CA wkg for ICICI Bk handlng actg for their singapore treasury as a Manager now i jst want some guiding light on what can i do education wise to grow in the Treasury related fields...CFA(USA) is one thing but every 4th person is doin it so what else. Ohh forgot to add that i have 2 yrs of work ex

Frankly speaking- it might be a disappointment to you but University of Glasgow is not all that reputed that it seems it is !

In fact, for finance degrees, you should be looking mainly at London School of Economics, Imperial College, Warwick/Strathclyde if you are to study in the UK.

Even University of Exeter's MSc in Financial Analysis & Fund Management and University of Edinburgh's MSc (finance) are quickly rising in the ranks for top MSc programs in finance in UK. Think on these lines...research more and contact me if the need be. Hope you find this useful.

Regards

I am interested in the MSc in Financial Forecasting and Investment course at the University of Glasgow.Could anyone provide information regarding the quality of the coursework,faculty and post MSc job prospects.

My background:
BE in Computer Engg. from Mumbai University(2010 pass-out) with first class.

How competitive are the admissions to the course as the university is ranked pretty high.

My query to Tumtum and other experts on risk management....

-- What is the typical nature of work for risk managers in India
-- I have vague idea that trading/broking firms and i-banks employ them. What are the career opportunities?
-- What is the typical resume expected by employers? engg.+frm??
-- How good is their salary and career growth in comparison to analysts?

thanks.

Great,

Chethan we are lucky enf to meet tumtum here, atleast we are now able to get to know the stuffs Now lets geared up and work on this, keep in touch on your progress and even i ll...

Thanks Chetan and tumtum !!

Hi Guys,

Tumtum has always been a great contributor for any kind of discussion so far & you can find his opionion & suggestions on so many threads.

Even some threads I have subscribed only after going through his thorough & well researched knowledge of the Industry & its relevancy.

Hope Tumtum remembers me from my post for him on some other thread:)

Chetan I guess you would have got answer for your query as well , which I tried to help in a way at the Frustated waala thread.

Guys please touchbase & there are ample number of people to help each other in a way or other.

Hey Tumtum Guru,

Maaf Karo. I didnt knew about it.

Apologies if I have offended you. I only had seen some posts by you on CFA thread. Congrats to you on all the 3 cleared levels od CFA.

Im not offended at all my friend. And yes, Im no guru....Im just like you folks ! Even I was sailing in the same boat in the year 2001. So chill, I will do what I can to guide you based on my experiences.

Now if you are so experienced, then I think you are one of the persons on PG, who can help me with my problems.Buddy, please check this link about me - http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/49509-frustrated-i-need-some-inspiration-66.html and guide me for my career. I really need help from you also on this. I need your suggestions. Look to tell you frankly I am looking for a job into financial sector very badly. And if you could guide me about it, then it would be great.

I have read your posts and I know you have been through a lot. Your scene is pretty much like mine when I was just out of college.

I had no direction in life and was feeling like a rudderless boat. In fact you are a tad better than me because you know atleast what degree will lead to what field- I just had a vague idea, not a definitve goal like you have. The only thing that I had and still have in ample amounts is the ability to slog like a donkey and the confidence of a lion (no pun intended and no eulogies intended either- this is just how I am).

You can find all the guidance I have given in the previous posts that I have made on this very thread. If you read through them, you will find that mostly all your questions have been asked by someone else on the forum and have been answered by me to the best of my understanding and abilities.

Most common questions are

What material to read in each group?
How much to read?
What to focus upon?
Can I do MBA & CFA together?
What kind of jobs will I get after I complete CFA?
What is the expected salary package after I complete CFA?
How do I find jobs after completing CFA?
What is the market value of Indian CFA v/s US CFA?

All these have been debated hotly about and answered to the best of my abilities. However, for your benefit (since you are frustrated and need some inspiration and advice), I would just like you to read through 2 of my posts before you begin reading others. Im pasting one of them below. The 2nd one is my signature itself which appears after every post of mine. I hope you will find some solace when you read them and hope it will give you much needed confidence too.
http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/14266-chartered-financial-analyst-cfa-icfai_hyderabad-65.html

Hey NIBM Please dont call me Sir. PG is a completely Insane forum with respect given. But not a formal one. Please done make things complicated for me. I am a completely simple guy learning and seeking help from other guys.

Definitely I am not trying to offend you. But lets be friends.:)
I will pm you my no and the timings when we can talk comfortably with each other.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Chetan Parmar.

Sorry wrong post....

Just a minor correction.

I have cleared all the 3 levels of CFA and was awarded the charter way back in 2004. Thanks

Hey Tumtum Guru,

Maaf Karo. I didnt knew about it.

Apologies if I have offended you. I only had seen some posts by you on CFA thread. Congrats to you on all the 3 cleared levels od CFA.

Now if you are so experienced, then I think you are one of the persons on PG, who can help me with my problems.

Buddy, please check this link about me - http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/49509-frustrated-i-need-some-inspiration-66.html and guide me for my career. I really need help from you also on this. I need your suggestions.

Look to tell you frankly I am looking for a job into financial sector very badly. And if you could guide me about it, then it would be great.

Regards,
Chetan

Just a minor correction.

I have cleared all the 3 levels of CFA and was awarded the charter way back in 2004. Thanks

Hey Chetan,

Thanks a ton for clearing my doubt, it was really helpful. yeah your correct, there are plenty to choose from and it makes decision very tough ! Recently i read an article on choosing will be very difficult if you have lot of choices, they used cars as examples anyways, now i am clear wat to be done, now CFA will be my target and for that I request Tum Tum to please guide me, it would be of great help for me.

So to start with, from where should I start ? PLease help me, I heard there are few guys in Mumbai selling photocopies of the books for 1k, or is there any other place to buy it from ?

Thanks

Jokes apart, if you seriously want to get into CFA, get in touch with Tumtum. (Infact he has cleared Level II of CFA). :

Just a minor correction.

I have cleared all the 3 levels of CFA and was awarded the charter way back in 2004. Thanks

Hi Frozen Hands,

Now you write and mean business!

See if you are interested in Research. Then dont care a damn for Treasury! Just work and earn money. Complete your required certifications to get into Research field. In your case it is CFA.

Do not worry about anything.

The problem with your career is - You have many things at the same time on your platter!

And the problem with my life is I dont have anything on my platter. I am running around to get something on my platter. Haha.
Jokes apart, if you seriously want to get into CFA, get in touch with Tumtum. He is the best to guide on CFA (Infact he has cleared Level II of CFA). :

You can find him on the first few pages of this thread. Also, on the CFA threads. I dont know anybody else other that Tumtum on PG who could help you with CFA. For me Tumtum is the Baap of CFA Guidance.
He would make your CFA preparation a sweet dream, rather it is percieved as a nightmare (thats what i think about CFA).

Treasury is also a good field. But it again depends what you do there? Are you into Accounting of Treasury, then for me its a boring job. I rather look at it as a clerk of a godown managing the ins and outs of the stock of godown. Nothing else.

IF you are into the Trading of Treasury, then it is rather a good field. Again treasuries also have research teams, but they mainly research on the risk and return from the treasury.

See, think what is good for you to eat? What you dont like to eat? Just leave that. And go with the food which you like to eat.:-P

This will now make easy for you!

Best Of Luck.

Regards,
Chetan.

Frozenhands,

You are one utter confused person!

Your questions have created a confusion for yourself and also for me!

Buddy be clear where you want to get into.

Now I want to ask you -

Do you want to get into Equity Research? or Banking Sector?

Look both are gr8 profiles (the one of ER and the oner of Treasury).

But again they are two different ends of the financial business.

You talk of doing CFA and also the banking certifications.

Mate get into one certification. Master one Trade! Be the Jack Of All Trades! Not A Problem! But Master Only and Only One!

Otherwise your qualifications of CFA, JAIIB,CAIIB, etc would even confuse the recruiters to where to fit your profile in.

So first do a SWOT Analysis of these fields. Of your current experience. Of the job that you are into. Are you happy in it? Are you getting paid well? What are your priorities in life? Think About them! Take Time!

Career is not a joke. I have made mistakes. Dude, in fits of hurry, I have messed up my career (Check this link -http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/49509-frustrated-i-need-some-inspiration-66.html). But you dont do it.

Mate dont be in a hurry!:-P

Regards,

Chetan.

Pardon my ignorance, I am basically new to this financial field, so Please help me out to find out which one to choose. My aim is to get the best out of this banking industry i am in now. My interest lies completely on Equity research and to research about companies I also have interest in treasury markets too.. So which One should I concentrate on, since i am already employed in the bank it would be good if i can get into treasury dept ? or work on CFA and get into equity research in some other organisation ?

Hope this would give a clearer picture of my dilemma ? :w00t:

Thanks Chetan,

I mentioned ER ( Equity Research ) I am interested in that, So you mean I can go ahead with CFA ? What do you think of this : Now I will take a certificate course in NCFM ( market risk ) then try to get into Treasury dept in my bank, while working there apply for CFA ? Mean while I am planning for Jaiib and CAiib exams too..

Suggestions please !! :

Frozenhands,

You are one utter confused person!

Your questions have created a confusion for yourself and also for me!

Buddy be clear where you want to get into.

Now I want to ask you -

Do you want to get into Equity Research? or Banking Sector?

Look both are gr8 profiles (the one of ER and the oner of Treasury).

But again they are two different ends of the financial business.

You talk of doing CFA and also the banking certifications.

Mate get into one certification. Master one Trade! Be the Jack Of All Trades! Not A Problem! But Master Only and Only One!

Otherwise your qualifications of CFA, JAIIB,CAIIB, etc would even confuse the recruiters to where to fit your profile in.

So first do a SWOT Analysis of these fields. Of your current experience. Of the job that you are into. Are you happy in it? Are you getting paid well? What are your priorities in life? Think About them! Take Time!

Career is not a joke. I have made mistakes. Dude, in fits of hurry, I have messed up my career (Check this link -http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/49509-frustrated-i-need-some-inspiration-66.html). But you dont do it.

Mate dont be in a hurry!:-P

Regards,

Chetan.

Frozenhands,

From the above query I can see that you are interested in Research. Also, what do you mean by ER - Is it Employee Relations? Then it would confuse you more. Because it is related to HR and the query includes both HR and Finance Fields.

If you are interested in research,then you can rather pursue CFA. But Research, again as a term is very generalized. You need to specify, what kind of research you looking for?;)

From your profile I think you might be either interested in Financial Research or Equity Research. Then you might rather try for CFA/CWA or if you have time and energy (patience is the purity), then pursue CA. :-P

Research is an outstanding field. Getting into it means you get the best of the finance field.

I hope this post helps.

Cheers,
Chetan.

Thanks Chetan,

I mentioned ER ( Equity Research ) I am interested in that, So you mean I can go ahead with CFA ? What do you think of this : Now I will take a certificate course in NCFM ( market risk ) then try to get into Treasury dept in my bank, while working there apply for CFA ? Mean while I am planning for Jaiib and CAiib exams too..

Suggestions please !! :

Guys,

I am interested in ER, but no finance background. I have landed into banking sector as PO after 2 years working in marketing/sales.

I am interested in Risk management too, now How should I make myself clear in Choosing, CFA or FRM ? My interest lies in research too..

Kindly advice

Frozenhands,

From the above query I can see that you are interested in Research. Also, what do you mean by ER - Is it Employee Relations? Then it would confuse you more. Because it is related to HR and the query includes both HR and Finance Fields.

If you are interested in research,then you can rather pursue CFA. But Research, again as a term is very generalized. You need to specify, what kind of research you looking for?;)

From your profile I think you might be either interested in Financial Research or Equity Research. Then you might rather try for CFA/CWA or if you have time and energy (patience is the purity), then pursue CA. :-P

Research is an outstanding field. Getting into it means you get the best of the finance field.

I hope this post helps.

Cheers,
Chetan.

Guys,

I am interested in ER, but no finance background. I have landed into banking sector as PO after 2 years working in marketing/sales.

I am interested in Risk management too, now How should I make myself clear in Choosing, CFA or FRM ? My interest lies in research too..

Kindly advice

How to get into equity research?
My perception is similar to that mentioned in this article, hence quoting to avoid re-inventing the wheel. It lists what MBAs and CFAs must do preparing for their first job.

1. Engage in writing intensive coursework
   
2. Take a research-intensive course or sign up for a research project
   
3. Seek finance related work that will require the development and analysis of corporate financial forecasts and statements
   
4. Take a course to build understanding of key business calculations
   
5. Take an additional corporate finance course such as investment management, valuation techniques, financial management or real estate financing
   
6. Join toastmasters or the debate team to build and exercise your powers of persuasion
   
7. Take a course or workshop on public speaking to build your powers of persuasion and presentation skills
   
8. Check with career services to identify an individual or group locally that does strategic planning and offer to work for free
   
9. Ask professors you have if they are working on any projects you can help with requring collecting and analyzing data, particularly if it is around a business issue
   
10. Get a summer experience doing strategy consulting, equity research or strategic planning
    

How to get into equity research | Equity-Research.com

Thanks Punit for this post. It is a real helpful one for me.

The course is no doubt rigorous but doesnt have that much of a recognition in the market compared to popular finance courses like CFA/FRM/CAIA.

Frankly speaking, it would suit you better to do these courses rather than the PGDIB.

Regards.

thnx a lot sir.i am looking forward to CFa but after my mba as it involves high costs so i want to ensure myself of clearing it.so in the meanwhile i want to gain some knowledge so thought of pursuing this diploma as the course content seems good to me.what would u suggest sir?

deejaygr8 Says

hi puys.while surfing through the website of ICFaI university tripura i saw a course PG Diploma in investment banking.it is conducted in distance learning mode.the course contents are good.do you people think that it is worth pursuing this course.will it b able to boost my profile if clubbed with mba?

The course is no doubt rigorous but doesnt have that much of a recognition in the market compared to popular finance courses like CFA/FRM/CAIA.

Frankly speaking, it would suit you better to do these courses rather than the PGDIB.

Regards.

hi puys.while surfing through the website of ICFaI university tripura i saw a course PG Diploma in investment banking.it is conducted in distance learning mode.the course contents are good.do you people think that it is worth pursuing this course.will it b able to boost my profile if clubbed with mba?

I have never read one...

I don't even know at what level i am. I am aspiring to be an ER analyst some time. Spending most of my time improving my finance fundamentals right from Balance sheets(Non commerce background) to Risk analysis. This is my second year, time is passing fast.

Should i concentrate reading Annual Reports or concentrate on my fundamentals?

Alot of people here want to get in Equity research or trading or whatever high finance job. I just wonder how many have read an annual report ?

After reading the title and messages here i thought i throw some light on investment research.
This post would help those in 1st year or 2nd year Degree as you have more time. I know this has been posted before.( Note i havn't read previous messages of this thread !)
The Hedge Fund Experience - Good, Bad, Ugly | WallStreetOasis.com

Hey guys!

I have one questions to experts out here. I have enrolled for CFA L1 for Dec. 2010. Currently I m not working anywhere, left my job in March this year. I was working in WNS in one of the process called Ameriprise(sister concern of American express). I am also preparing for mba entrance, after disastrous performance in season 2009.

Now I have got offer from Capgemini for Hedge fund process. There my job profile wud be abt gathering information hedge funds from fund managers via emails or calls.

Now I m into dilemma whether to accept this offer not or wait till Dec 10 exam. Please reply ASAP.

Thanks in advance!

i need to take admission to MBA this year.
now my coaching center sir is referring me a college affiliated to sikkim manipal university.
but the best part is apart from getting a MBA degree from Sikkim Manipal University, the college will provide me the following certifications based upon which he is telling that i'll be getting an avg package of 5 lacs n that too in core finance n not any marketing. he is ready to give it written on stamp paper.

The certifications are - DBF, PGDFA, DTIRM, AML-KYC n Trade Finance Professional from IIBF.
NSE's NCFM level 2 and CFP from FPSB.


What i want to know is -
1) is it worth to do MBA from Sikkim Manipal affiliated college?
2) Are these certifications worth enough?
3) if i do MBA will they give me a distance learning degree?
4) will it affect my future growth prospects, in case i shift from one company to other?

Plz help me in taking decision

Hi

sorry about my ignorance, but what are DBF, DTIRM, AML-KYC...

AND how do you suppose to finish ALL the mentioned courses along with MBA within 2 years?

Hi,

I am CA

I have got interview offer from Irevna (Divison of CRISIL).The profile as follows.Please let me know how is this profile whether challenging,whats the exact work done and what are future growth prospects.

Job Description :

The role involves analyzing and reviewing liquidity and capitalization ratios, conducting peer comparisons, tracking the movement in CDS spread and implied volatility of equity options for latest events like earnings/results release, M&A; etc. for all the companies under portfolio.
The role also involves in-depth credit analysis including, understanding covenants and debt maturity profile, liquidity analysis and gauging ability to refinance, identifying possible covenant breaches, understanding contingent liability, pension liabilities and other hidden risks.




The associate would also co-ordinate with the equity research/ strategy team to understand the equity view on the company including the assumptions implied from consensus estimates.

The associate will have complete ownership of the database with minimal intervention from client.

Please reply urgently i have to confirm my presence for interview on Sat i.e 2moro.Exam is on Monday

Please..............

The profile will include advising client who are looking for investments in a particular companys debt offering (bonds, debentures, etc). Your role will be to inspect or analyze a target companys balance sheet, its debt profile, its existing debt, the liquidity the company has, the likely return form the investment etc.
The company IRVENA is a off shoring arm of CRISIL which will provide such research and advice to its clients all around the world.
The prospect is good considering that you are a CA and hence will be able to offer views regarding local corporate M&A; laws.
It would be a good idea to gather a bit of knowledge about the company i.e. who are its clients, which are its operational areas, its history etc.

Sorry to post this here. I know this is a wrong thread to post but i need help

i need to take admission to MBA this year.
now my coaching center sir is referring me a college affiliated to sikkim manipal university.
but the best part is apart from getting a MBA degree from Sikkim Manipal University, the college will provide me the following certifications based upon which he is telling that i'll be getting an avg package of 5 lacs n that too in core finance n not any marketing. he is ready to give it written on stamp paper.

The certifications are - DBF, PGDFA, DTIRM, AML-KYC n Trade Finance Professional from IIBF.
NSE's NCFM level 2 and CFP from FPSB.


What i want to know is -
1) is it worth to do MBA from Sikkim Manipal affiliated college?
2) Are these certifications worth enough?
3) if i do MBA will they give me a distance learning degree?
4) will it affect my future growth prospects, in case i shift from one company to other?

Plz help me in taking decision

nice idea Varun... I'll update the list soon... btw most certification ask nothing more than graduation...

but it will be great if few others come forward as well

Hi Punit.Can you please take same of your time to list down the eligibility criteria for all the certifications you have mentioned at the start of the thread.This will be helpful for us to identify the certications which we can take as per our background.ThanksRegards,Varun

heyyyy rajdhani ki ladki... sumthng wrong wid dat!!!!
dis course is from ximb, finacial planning and wealth management.. 6 months weekend classes... is it worth or its just the brand name dat wud add on to my cv???

hey guys plzz lemmen knw the earlist abt dis course.. i have done eco (hons) rajdhani clg, deklhi university. will dis course help in future.. currently m luking for sum job in research profile.. fees is a bit more 50000 for 6 months!!
plzz guide wat to do.....

rajdhani ke ladke ho lekin kis course ki baat kar rahe ho dude...

hey guys plzz lemmen knw the earlist abt dis course.. i have done eco (hons) rajdhani clg, deklhi university. will dis course help in future.. currently m luking for sum job in research profile.. fees is a bit more 50000 for 6 months!!
plzz guide wat to do.....

The workshop will be useful for both awareness about industry demand and networking, however, you will need a decent certification- which may take years, that's why I suggested join a good firm in another department and shift to research...

Punit I am thinking of joining a workshop on equity research at a consultancy named CONSCI . It is a 7 weekends course , would like to have your thoughts on it.

Also i went through the different courses posted by you, can you please suggest me a short term course abroad for a MBA fresher like me.

thanks & regards,

sagar

IMHO you already have good education, find a job which is on the retailing/clients side, gradually earn a certification and shift to the research department in same firm.

my profile was of loans participation servicing, more of a reconcilation job . it was related to loan syndication.

ok , are you one of the authors in the traders forum TTF.

regards

sagar

Sagar...
what exactly was your job, even if it was for 2 months.
ER is a broad term, have a look at the firms in the link above, a lot of slightly different job profiles exist. Like someone else mentioned earlier in this thread these HR tend to be very specific( "narrow minded") about the type of resume they seek. A mistake people make is to send the same resume to all of them. IMHO before applying for a job it's worthy to inquire about the job profile and present your resume similarly. The certification/course/project/research which can be useful depends upon the sought job profile.

thanks for the reply Punit, I really appreciate .
Currently i am looking for a job. I have no work experience as yet except that i worked as financial analyst in a kpo that too for just two months. As i posted earlier, I am looking to get into IB or ER & would like to get your thoughts on it.

best regards,
sagar

Hi Sagar,
Engineering + MBA Fin itself is pretty good education. What is your current job profile?
Depending on personal taste you can gradually shift from financial marketing to financial research while at the same time earning a certification. There are hell lot of courses offered all over the country chose one which suits your (aspiring) job profile.

Hi Punit I am Sagar from Mumbai and a MBA in Finance and having an engineering background, i wish to get into IB or ER. Please guide me about how should i go about it, like which certifications i should go for ,eg cfa cma, etc

earlier i had inquired about a course in IB and ER conducted by CBA along with NSE. would it be useful. please help

List of ER firms, prop firms,hedge funds and PE funds from the same site: The Traders Forum ? Careers in trading, investment research and financial markets

List of financial education providers in India

i heard XIMB starting is starting a course named 'Program in financial planning & Wealth management' (FPWM) in delhi for 6 months ..it seems to be good ,i mean XIMB faculty !. Any one has any other review ?

Hello,

I am preparing for MBA for next year.So will it be good idea to pursue CFA side by side.

I am working now in mfg industry.Can you guide me where to look for such jobs i mean sites etc.

Thanks

Dear All,

Thanks for your valuable replies.

Would CFA degree help me in geeting into M&A; advisory services/market analysis.So far what i have observed,investment banking,credit rating agencies firms do not recurit fresh CA.I have searched sites like naukri.com and found that these companies take exp people.

Yes you are correct, IB and Top CRA's don't take fresh Chartered Accountants in recruitment, they take either Chartered Accountants who
have prior experience or are Rank Holders or Passed in one go. I was working
with a leading CRA and so know the profile of people working there. See CFA
(AIMR)is a great qualification and for getting that they need 4 yrs of work ex, so all in all you get work ex and ur degree also...But it all depends upon your work ex and knowledge, even after CA/CFA or any other coveted degree if you are not upto their expectation...u will get a reject. The purpose of any degree is to give knowledge and recognition...dats it. After that how you make use of that creates your path. No degree in world can guarantee a job in your dream field but will definitely give you an opportunity to hit upon.
If it's possible for you, go for a top tier MBA, IB's and CRA's do recruit directly from their even if you don't have much or any experience...But Mind it, Your college should be of the Top League.....

Dear All,

Thanks for your valuable replies.

Would CFA degree help me in geeting into M&A; advisory services/market analysis.So far what i have observed,investment banking,credit rating agencies firms do not recurit fresh CA.I have searched sites like naukri.com and found that these companies take exp people.

I talked a bit about networking http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/12326-need-some-opinions-on-cfa-154.html#post2147434 and people think it is about getting a jack, connection etc. but actually its all about maintaining goodwill and visibility...

Cheers.

IMHO for a CA targeting M&A; can be very rewarding, you will have a very specialized career profile. The jobs are few but still a significant supply-demand mismatch.

You may like to consider online courses from NYIF: Mergers & Acquisitions - Online Training Course

If you can afford to study abroad, the gold standard is CM&AA;: Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors

An Introductory course is available at BSE too: BSEIndia

There are some workshops to held from time to time.

Job should not be a problem at all, though finding a interesting job profile may take some time.

Good luck.

Actually a CA who gets into the BIG 4 or even a second rung- but well known firm in Corp Finance (remember Corp Finance- NOT audit) role, will find it somewhat easier to get into such roles as M&A; Consulting 3-4 years down the line. I have friends who are CAs and thos who went into Auditing have remained there but those who ventured into Corp Finance/Consulting have after 2-3 years ended up in M&A; Advisory roles with top companies.

The qualifications that Punit mentioned will definitely be good for your understanding but to get into such roles you also need to build a good rapport. That will be a surefire way to get into such roles. Just qualifications will not get you anywhwere. For getting into such roles, you must also network well in the industry.

I would suggest that any CA should attend industry meets, institute conferences/seminars and network with the people he meets there. That will give him/her a higher chance to land into such roles. Just my $0.02 on this ! Cheers !

Hi,

I am currenntly working in mfg industry as CA since last 3 months.

I would like to pursue career in market analysis and M&A; activites.Which course will be good for me and were to search for such jobs.

Thanks in advance

IMHO for a CA targeting M&A; can be very rewarding, you will have a very specialized career profile. The jobs are few but still a significant supply-demand mismatch.

You may like to consider online courses from NYIF: Mergers & Acquisitions - Online Training Course

If you can afford to study abroad, the gold standard is CM&AA;: Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors

An Introductory course is available at BSE too: BSEIndia

There are some workshops to held from time to time.

Job should not be a problem at all, though finding a interesting job profile may take some time.

Good luck.

For instance equity research and i-banking are the most commonly used words by the people on this forum IMHO, but how many actually know what it actually means and what kind of work it actually entails doing? Today, every second guy irrespective of his background wants to become a CFA and end up as an analyst or portfolio manager, which is frankly ridiculous.

thats precisely why it has started to lose ground... being overrated among candidates as 'pass CFA and become portfolio manager'.
5 years back a CFA was a big thing, a CFA would seriously think about even pursuing MBA since it gave a solid ground. Now obviously employers dont take it that seriously.

People think only from a job prospective- in that way it is overrated now. Getting into equity research is a tough job as I quoted an article couple of posts back.

Yes the program itself is very good. But a candidate needs to look beyond passing it.

Puneet.

I dont think CFA is at all overrated. The kind of mental grind that it takes you through is intellectually stimulating and bodes well for getting the best knowledge in finance. The problem occurs when people blindly begin following a trend without understanding what they are getting into and whether it is the kind of work they want to do or not.

For instance equity research and i-banking are the most commonly used words by the people on this forum IMHO, but how many actually know what it actually means and what kind of work it actually entails doing? Today, every second guy irrespective of his background wants to become a CFA and end up as an analyst or portfolio manager, which is frankly ridiculous.

When such people pass out with MBA/CFA/CA or whatsoever, their lack of clarity of thoughts becomes apparent to the employers and hence the value of the qualification takes a hit. But this does not mean that the worth of the degree or program is questionable. Anyways, my 2 cents on the whole scenario !

Just a slight aberration to what Punit mentioned (hope you dont mind me pointing it out Punit).

Thank you, I really missed that part and started talking from recognition in job prospects... CFA is overrated IMHO.

Almost similar to CFA IMHO, since there a lot of CFAs around
FPSB India is a proper affiliate of FPSB US, just go through their site.
quite little- 10K Rs registration, 2k for each module, mentioned on their site. Also check
National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. -> NCFM -> NCFM Modules -> Modules of Financial Planning Standards Board India (Certified Financial Planner Certification)

Dude just give a goddamn try
Easier than CFA (US)... Form a group of candidates, exchange notes, questions, answers in each weekend

Let's wait for someone who is actually taking the program to give a ground-zero insight.
.............................................................
BTW
What you believe should be clear in your head and not in huge font.

Just a slight aberration to what Punit mentioned (hope you dont mind me pointing it out Punit).

CFA and CFP are NOT SIMILAR.

CFP is more about knowledge of various investment products such as mutual funds, insurance, ULIPS, pension plans etc and more importantly preparing a financial plan for the lifetime of an individual keeping in mind his earnings capabilities and his financial goals.

On the other hand, CFA is more about the fund management, actively managing portfolios and related risk, researching companies based on top-down/bottom-up approaches or relative valuation/peer valuation frameworks or using the sector-specific DCF methodology.

While both of these courses are finance related, their focus areas within Finance are markedly different so I thought it to be useful to point out.

Thanks. This is a very good discussion started by Punit and I would be glad if even I can become a part of this and help fellow puys in whatever way possible.

Have a good day.

Hi,

I am currenntly working in mfg industry as CA since last 3 months.

I would like to pursue career in market analysis and M&A; activites.Which course will be good for me and were to search for such jobs.

Thanks in advance

How to get into equity research?
My perception is similar to that mentioned in this article, hence quoting to avoid re-inventing the wheel. It lists what MBAs and CFAs must do preparing for their first job.

1. Engage in writing intensive coursework
   
2. Take a research-intensive course or sign up for a research project
   
3. Seek finance related work that will require the development and analysis of corporate financial forecasts and statements
   
4. Take a course to build understanding of key business calculations
   
5. Take an additional corporate finance course such as investment management, valuation techniques, financial management or real estate financing
   
6. Join toastmasters or the debate team to build and exercise your powers of persuasion
   
7. Take a course or workshop on public speaking to build your powers of persuasion and presentation skills
   
8. Check with career services to identify an individual or group locally that does strategic planning and offer to work for free
   
9. Ask professors you have if they are working on any projects you can help with requring collecting and analyzing data, particularly if it is around a business issue
   
10. Get a summer experience doing strategy consulting, equity research or strategic planning
    

How to get into equity research | Equity-Research.com

Sorry about the late reply...

My experiences after cold calling and interacting with numerous HR are that these companies are very close minded about the kind of educational qualification/ experience they require.
The global wealth mgmt firms are even more rigid about their hiring policies.

Yes... I guess that's why so many international certs are available. Precisely what type of companies did you call?

Could you also very briefly inform me of the kind of alternative investments, the indian markets are into?
Thanks.

There are more that 1200 ETFs in US... the trend is expected to catch here soon... NSE has launched several new instruments in last 5 years and new exchanges like MCX-SX keep propping up. Alternative investments are the 'new' thing because the myth of perpetual bull market shattered by recent global crisis.
But yes ofcourse the opportunities are very limited in India for alternative investments as of now.