Many of us think about further professional study. The key decisions to make are – do I have the time available? And which course is right for me?
After nearly 20 plus years in the financial services industry and her undergraduate qualification, Edwina found herself in this position. Like many of you she was juggling running a business, Gateway Financial Marketing, her family and trying to complete other personal goals such as her Bronze Medallion at the local surf lifesaving club.
She had the inevitable circular discussion of, yes it would be good for her, but how would she fit it all in. And then, what courses are out there that would meet the requirements of providing professional growth, being interesting and being a significant but not unreasonable time commitment.
The Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) program –stood out as one that would fit Edwina’s criteria of extending her professional growth, offering flexible study options and providing industry status….more about that below.
CIMA certification is the peak, international technical portfolio construction certification program designed for investment management analysts – that is, those involved in any aspect of constructing multi-manager portfolios, whether practitioner or advocate.
Some benefits of CIMA certification:
- It offers an unrivalled opportunity to formally equip yourself with the knowledge, skill and expertise to build better quality investment portfolios – and be recognised for it.
- Once certified, you join a global network of CIMA professionals – 150 CIMA professionals in Australia and 7,250 worldwide
- CIMA certification is the only financial services certification in the USA to meet international standards (ISO 17024) for personnel certification
- You’ll develop strong relationships with your CIMA program classmates and within the CIMA certificant community.
One of the major attractions for Edwina was that the CIMA certification fits uniquely in the space between the CFA program – which is perhaps best suited to those who primarily design portfolios of individual securities – and the CFP program – which is perhaps best suited to those who give broad-based financial planning advice. In other words, the CIMA certification is specialised to the space between CFA and CFP and is ideally suited to investment management analysts – that is, those involved in any aspect of constructing multi-manager portfolios, whether practitioner or advocate.
The program is challenging and rewarding. The curriculum, the quality of the lecturers and particularly the opportunity for interaction with other participants from across the wealth industry makes the commitment to the program well worthwhile.
It was a lot of work but so satisfying personally and professionally.
What did Edwina get out of it?
- Update of knowledge – the program features a faculty of academics from leading Australian university business schools, independent consultants and experienced practitioners. The content and knowledge learnt was up to date, relevant but challenging all at the same time.
- Professional networks – everyone knows that a well connected person is going to do better in business than someone not connected. The lecturers and other participants were all highly regarded industry professionals and are now part of Edwina’s network. Through them, this network has extended even further.
- CV benefits – there is no doubt that CIMA certification has benefits for your CV. It is directly related to the industry we work in, funds management, and the program curriculum is directly applicable to everyday dealings with funds management
- Study skills are life skills – the routine, discipline and brain engagement of studying again translates into benefits for everyday life.
Why CIMA certification?
- CIMA certification is recognised globally via the affiliation with the Investments and Wealth Institute based out of the US
- Significant time commitment but not overwhelming
- Sits between a CFA (securities analysis) and CFP (financial planning) so perfect for those involved in any aspect of constructing multi-manager portfolios
- Not all the curriculum is technical – it includes Ethics and Law, as well as Behavioural Finance. The Ethics subject was an area that wasn’t included when many of us did degrees a long time ago
- The residential component of the program allows total concentration and focus without day-to-day distractions, resulting in a better experience in her view
For more info go to https://cima.com.au