You're considering a career as a Financial Analyst. How can you navigate the various potential paths?

Para construir una carrera como analista financiero, comienza con una licenciatura en finanzas, economía o un campo similar, enfocándote en habilidades analíticas y cuantitativas. Gana experiencia a través de pasantías para aplicar lo aprendido en situaciones reales. Considera obtener certificaciones como el CFA o Series 7, que son altamente valorados en la industria y pueden abrir puertas a roles más avanzados. También, desarrolla habilidades blandas como la comunicación efectiva, esenciales para destacar en un entorno financiero competitivo y dinámico.

Achieving the CFA certification is obtaining the highest distinction in the investment industry, in addition to promoting ethics and professionalism, it opens up new professional and relationship opportunities. It is important to understand that taking the program to be a CFA candidate requires a great investment of time, effort and work since the duration of this is 3 years (1 for each level). Andrés Arboleda, President of CFA Society Colombia and alumnus of the University, explains that “The CFA Program includes a rigorous academic and ethical curriculum that trains its candidates in a wide range of subjects, always framed within a strong core of rigorous ethical principles that must be fully complied with by all candidates.”

Upskilling is something I’m actively pursuing. I prefer learning in layman’s terms, so I start with practical tools like Excel for financial modeling before progressing to advanced software. My interest in art and creativity helps me develop unique ways to visualize data and trends, a skill that's increasingly valuable in finance. By combining practical learning with creative approaches, I’m building a robust and versatile skill set that enhances my analytical capabilities and enables clear communication of financial insights.

Being recognized as a CFA symbolizes opening up to a world of opportunities; in fact, in several countries the certificate can be used to validate university entrance exams.

In Latam for example, the CFA designation is being sought to be accepted to exempt candidates from presenting some of the certifications from the Securities Market Self-Regulatory Authority (AMV) that are required in the country, since the content and tests to obtain it are practically the same for both. Without a doubt, the CFA is one of the most prestigious awards in the financial world.

The certificate not only demonstrates a high-level academic training that will give investors certainty regarding strategic advice or counsel for their portfolios, but it is also a way to generate peace of mind regarding the ethics or responsibility of the financial analyst. The CFA Institute has a strict surveillance and compliance policy, such that it can suspend or withdraw the certificates of those who commit dishonest or criminal acts; constantly demonstrating its commitment to the ethical profession of professionals.

After this long process, Professor Arcila expresses his commitment to encourage and motivate students and teachers to become certified in the CFA program. He will look for spaces to involve the University in the activities, research and publications of the CFA Institute.

Networking is the base for a budding financial analyst. To me, networking is about creating meaningful relationships that contribute to long-term career growth and finding mentors who can offer guidance based on real-world experience, not adding connections. I've found that connecting with professionals through platforms like LinkedIn & attending industry events opens doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Being part of professional associations has been particularly valuable, providing access to exclusive resources and allowing me to learn from seasoned analysts. This proactive approach has already started to shape my understanding of the field and the direction I want my career to take.

It is true that the financial world is going through a moment of reputational crisis. Scandals do little to consolidate its credibility and society increasingly questions the ethics and values of those who work in the sector. In response to this, global entities such as the CFA Institute, which has more than 160,000 members in more than 158 countries, have sought to lead the investment profession worldwide by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the maximum benefit of society.