What are the career options for someone with Financial Planning education in India?
They have multiple career options. They can take a job as Wealth Manager in banks, in financial planning’s firm, in private wealth management department of non banking financial companies, etc. Secondly they can take a job as financial analyst in equity research, in Financial and marketing research. Also a job as derivatives analyst and as a financial planning consultant.
What are the new sets of skills required today to be relevant in Financial Planning domain?
Besides the knowledge of 6 step financial planning process, they have to be fully conversant with domestic and global economic indicators; should have efficiency In Currency Derivatives, Microsoft Excel, and Financial Behavior.
Who is the ideal candidate for the CFP Program that you teach?
The candidate should be graduate with above average commonsense, sharp intellect, good communication skills. He /she must have reasonably GOOD confidence level; be hard working and ambitious.
Why would someone take up CFP and not the generally accepted MBA program in India?
MBA is out and out a generalized qualification whereas CFP Certification coupled with efficiency in skills in the domains specified above will make him an ideal candidate for any job in personal finance, financial research, financial analysis and relates areas. It will also offer him an option of graduating to an entrepreneur in wealth management and financial planning business with small experience of 2-3 years.
Will your students, taking up a Financial Planning program, be relevant outside India?
CFP Certification obtained in India can be validated in major countries of the world like USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia; etc The skills in wealth management acquired in India will also be relevant in those countries. Such candidates will have to only update themselves with regard to taxation and financial laws of the concerned country and clear generally short examinations.