India Career Accelerator Program
Boost your skills and employability with our India Career Accelerator.
The India Career Accelerator Program (ICAP) is designed to equip CFA® Program candidates with essential job-ready skills, giving them a competitive advantage in the investment management industry. In addition to receiving comprehensive training, the program will connect participants with select employers for potential employment and provide a certificate of completion, recognizing the commitment to professional growth.
Background
Based on our research and interactions with employers in the investment management industry, it is evident that the CFA Program is highly regarded and is viewed as having the most comprehensive curriculum focused on the investment industry. Feedback from younger CFA Program candidates highlights that they are primarily seeking career development resources and support from CFA Institute. The ICAP is designed to bridge the gap between employers and CFA Program candidates, with the goal of providing value to both groups. This initiative aims to supply the investment industry with skilled and job-ready talent, while also facilitating connections between CFA Program candidates and potential employers for career opportunities.
The ICAP is designed to encourage learning and the practical application of that learning, with an emphasis on application skills and soft skills. It is aimed at ambitious young individuals passionate about pursuing a career in the investment management industry.
Here's a quick overview of the participant's journey:
- Review the details about the initiative, including the content, eligibility, and deliverables.
- Verify that the eligibility criteria are met. If not, work toward meeting all eligibility criteria.
- Register for the ICAP on the website.
- Receive confirmation from CFA Institute that all eligibility criteria have been met. If not, meet all eligibility criteria within the given deadline.
- Receive a formal offer from CFA Institute.
- Accept the offer within the given deadline and become a participant of the ICAP.
- Receive access to the learning management system (LMS) and the initiative on the fixed start and end date (note that this is cohort-based initiative).
- Complete all learning modules (including both asynchronous and synchronous modules) and all assignments over a three- to four-month period.
- Upon completion, submit your resume. It will be included in a resume book circulated to select employers across India for potential employment opportunities.
- Receive a certificate of completion from CFA Institute.
Details
Participants are expected to dedicate approximately 200 hours to this initiative over a three to four-month period. Synchronous (instructor-led) sessions will primarily be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria to participate in the program:
- The applicant must have passed at least CFA® Exam Level I and,
- The applicant must be a current CFA Institute and CFA Society India affiliate member.
The following applicants are eligible:
- CFA Exam Level I (pass)
- CFA Exam Level II (candidate)
- CFA Exam Level II (pass)
- CFA Exam Level IIII (candidate)
- CFA Exam Level III (pass)
If you do not have an Affiliate membership. please follow the process outlined on our membership page to become an affiliate member and register for the ICAP.
CFA® Charterholders are eligible to apply, although the initiative is designed for applicants with less than three years of work experience. Employers are likely to consider these candidates for entry-level roles.
There are no additional charges to be part of this initiative.
Note: Only the first 300 eligible candidates who register and accept the offer within the given deadline will be accepted into the 2024 cohort, which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
The registration link will lead to a form where you will be asked to provide additional details, including your name, CFA Institute ID, email, and mobile number.
The ICAP modules will be delivered through a mix of the following learning opportunities:
- asynchronous modules hosted on learning management systems;
- synchronous modules delivered via Zoom and led by professional trainers; and
- interactive networking sessions with senior industry professionals to build relationships and hone networking skills.
Most, if not all, modules will include assessments, and participants are expected to secure a minimum passing score (typically 70%) in each.
Participants who have completed all the modules and who achieved the minimum passing score in all assessments will have the opportunity to include their resumes in a resume book. This resume book will be sent to employers who have agreed to review participant resumes and consider hiring from the cohort. The final decision to interview, shortlist, or hire is solely with the employer; CFA Institute will have no say in the matter. CFA Institute will solely play the role of facilitator throughout this process.
What you will learn
The ICAP will feature six technical modules and four soft skills modules.
Technical modules
Gain insight into the investment industry with a comprehensive overview. Dive into macro- and microeconomics; explore industry participants; delve into money markets, fixed income, derivatives, and alternative investments; and master risk and portfolio management.
Uncover the significance of financial reporting and illuminate the guidelines, distinctions, and applications of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Grasp the fundamental concepts of income and expense recognition.
Acquire a structured approach to model building. Learn the ins and outs of industry and financial statement analysis, understand revenue and cost drivers, conduct cash flow analysis, delve into valuation techniques, and build industry-specific models. Plus, explore sensitivity analysis to gain a holistic view.
Dive into the realm of credit analysis. Explore fixed-income securities, securitization, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, real estate, private credit, and credit ratings.
Learn about the significance and challenges of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions. Gain expertise in key concepts, management, and an in-depth understanding of various types of ESG factors.
The Python modules are the same “Practical Skills Modules (PSMs)” that are currently part of CFA Program Level I and CFA Program Level II curricula. These modules offer a comprehensive introduction to this versatile programming language, providing participants with a solid foundation in its fundamentals. Designed to be accessible to learners of all levels, these modules cover essential concepts, syntax, and best practices, ensuring that you grasp the basics with confidence.
Soft skills modules
- Introduction to Effective Communication and Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Professional Writing and Effective Listening and Speaking
- Presentation Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication Styles and Beliefs
Understand the nuances of managing your time more effectively.
- Introduction
- Session objectives
- What is time management?
- Benefits of time management
- Eisenhower Matrix
- Time Management Techniques
- Goal Setting
- Dealing with Procrastination
Our networking sessions are invaluable platforms for connecting with industry experts and expanding your professional network. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals, gain insight into current trends, and exchange ideas with like-minded peers. With a diverse community of professionals, you'll have the chance to forge meaningful relationships that can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives in the investment industry. Embrace these sessions as an integral part of your professional development journey.
Our comprehensive resume-building and interview preparation sessions are designed to equip candidates with the tools and strategies needed to excel in the competitive job market. Through hands-on guidance and expert insight, we walk you through the process of crafting a compelling resume that highlights your unique strengths and achievements. Our sessions delve into effective formatting, impactful language, and tailored content, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers. Additionally, our interview preparation sessions simulate real-life scenarios from mastering common interview questions to refining your body language and communication style.
Why should you sign-up?
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Live Learning
We acknowledge the value of direct human engagement in certain training scenarios. Our synchronous online sessions are thoughtfully structured to optimize the learning process.
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Dynamic Modes of Delivery
We utilize real-life examples, including Excel models, case studies, and prerecorded videos, to provide a comprehensive understanding of all concepts. Live practice sessions empower participants to apply their knowledge in real-time under the guidance of expert instructors.
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Individual Assessment
After completing each module, participants will receive individual assignments that will be assessed by both peers and subject matter experts.
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Job ready skills
Gain practical competencies and proficiencies that equip an individual to perform effectively in a professional work environment.
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Industry Network Access
Connect with and leverage a network of professionals of investment management professionals. This access facilitates career growth, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities.
Contact us
For any further information, please write to [email protected].