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How to Become a Financial Advisor or Financial Planner in India?

When it comes to choosing a financial planner, it’s important to choose the right fit for you. To get you started on your search, here are some suggestions that will help you find the right one.

To ensure that an advisor who will help you plan your finance, follow these steps. Do the research of the available advisors – the first step is to find a financial planner who will help you plan your finances.

Using a search engine of your choice, type in “[your state] financial planner” and from there select from the list available. When choosing this, look for a planner with an active license, one who is accredited by a board or association, and one who has experience of working with clients of your profile.

Just as you would with a lawyer or a doctor, do not hesitate to contact the financial planner you select and ask him to provide you with details of his qualification and any awards he has won. A planner should be able to answer any question that you may have regarding his services. After all, if a client feels that a financial planner understands him, then he remains loyal to him.

Who is a financial advisor or a certified financial planner?

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is the only professional who has to be qualified through a set of exams and also has to complete a long-term internship with at least 2 years of experience in the field. The CFP designation is highly respected around the world and financial planners with this designation are preferred by most investors. Their fees may vary depending on their level of qualification, specialization, and tenure in the industry.

Many times, it happens that the idea of choosing a financial advisor fills you with fear and dread. What if you need to plan your funds with the help of a professional? This is because you have been failing to plan your funds because of less time, following the old ways, peer pressure, less understanding of the financial markets, and so on.

Here’s to your success! A financial advisor is a certified financial planner who is licensed and regulated to take mandate decisions on multiple aspects of financial planning. He is the person who can buy or sell your stocks and guide you to invest in the best investment channels. They may charge for their services either on a commission basis or hourly rates.

However, our advice is to trust financial planners who either take a flat annual fee or charge per hour for managing your portfolio instead of charging a commission on every stock they buy or sell. First of all, the financial advisor has the expertise to do your research. He will first examine your current financial situation and after this, he will recommend to you what exactly you need to do to achieve your financial goals.

What Indicates Your Need To Have a Financial Planner?

Sometimes, we may find our hands stitching behind our backs with threads of logical weakness and inability to manage funds. As we get older and busier with our lives, we need someone who can guide us in the right direction in today’s changing economic scenario.

Financial planners plan and manage your portfolio in a way that saves your time. Undoubtedly, it is a dependence that gives you pride and independence to focus on other activities. You can hand over 1% of your annual assets to financial advisors and in return, you will be getting more and more bunch of advice.

A financial advisor is someone who helps manage your money by planning for your future. A financial planner is a person who will help you make the best decisions regarding your financial future.

How to Compensate Financial Advisors?

We know that financial advisors can work on a commission or fee basis. However, it doesn’t mean that we are getting the right services. There is a lot left to learn which paying methods work best. There are a lot of organizations that offer financial advisor services. However, there is a growing number of advisors who don’t make a living off the fees they charge their clients.

These advisors work on a commission-based basis, earning money from the products that they sell to their clients. This is a complicated process that involves a number of questions. First, advisors should think about how they want to work and what their goals are. Most advisors that work with commission-based income will need an individual retirement account (IRA). The IRA acts as a holding place for the money that you earn from commissions.

There are three valuable lessons to consider the paying structure of the planner:

Search for a fiduciary or a trustee planner who sells funds only if it is in your interest. Are you looking for a financial advisor? Before you invest with any financial advisor, it is essential to check whether they are qualified.
A thorough background checking of the financial planner is always required. Queries related to any criminal act in the past and the references of the existing or past clients help in sensing the authenticity of the planners they link their names to. The financial planner or a professional should be financially literate. Likewise, the credentials of the financial planner should be verified. The proof should cover their academic qualification, skills, and experience in handling clients’ funds and the media reviews that may have been published over a period of time. The proof can be in the form of an educational certificate or a professional license or any other document that will provide the best evidence of your identity.
Check the planner’s credentials and ask them some new trends about the financial markets. The best financial planner can predict the market performance, talks about market risks, and suggest safe techniques when the market sags or rises. Your planner should be able to explain in simple language what will affect your finances, and what you can do to protect yourself. They should also give you the chance to talk about how much risk you’re willing to take on when investing, and explain that even if it’s not guaranteed, your investments could still grow over time.

As the new year rolls in, we expect that you choose the professional financial advisor who can build amazing results for you when the execution process enters. Whether you’re starting a new business, buying a home, or saving for retirement, you need expert advice to succeed. Most financial advisors work with clients one-on-one and only meet with them a few times a year, but we believe that’s not enough.

We think if you’re going to invest your money and take all the risk for future growth, you deserve to know what’s happening on a regular basis. That’s why we are building robust advisors of the future.

In the field of financial advice, a value proposition can be clearly identified. Advisors can use a wealth of knowledge and experience, with a superior process to help you make the right investments. Generating alpha means that the client who pays fees makes more money than he would have made without paying them.

Financial planning is a service that is often hard to define. A financial plan does not come with a tangible product or even a specific service but instead is an intangible process that brings value to the client. The value of financial planning is in its ability to improve your clients’ well-being.

A financial plan isn’t just about peace of mind – it’s about improving the quality of life and security of your clients as well. Financial advisors today are better equipped to help their clients make informed choices about their finances. This is where having a well-defined value proposition helps. A well-defined value proposition helps you:

Communicate more effectively
Keep promises to your clients and
Deliver the right experience

Financial planning is about more than just managing your money. It’s about understanding all the factors that impact your financial future, including your income, expenses, investments, and risk tolerance. Financial planners help you see how these components fit together to achieve your long-term goals.

Organization

The Financial Planner will help you map out your financial future, by helping you get your financial house in order. The Financial Planner will take the information you give it about what you’re saving for, and then calculate how much money you’ll need to save each month, year or even every few years into the future. It will also tell you if any of your investments are underperforming, whether your savings are on track for retirement, and what kind of insurance coverage you might need.

Accountability

Planning is the key to achieving your financial goals. And with Financial Planners, you can create a personalized plan that will help you work toward your financial commitments faster than ever before.

Objectivity

A financial planner is committed to your financial well-being. A financial planner remains there for you when you have questions about your investment portfolio, retirement planning, education funding for your children, or any other matters that may affect your family’s finances.

Proactivity

Education is one of the most important tools you can use to prepare for your financial future. Financial planners help you identify how far education might take you, and then they help you develop an education plan that will lead to a degree or certification in the field of your choice.

How do you find a financial advisor who is a good fit for your needs?

If you’ve already been working with an advisor for a while, you might have a good idea about whether they are the right fit for you. However, if you feel like you’re not quite sure yet or want a second opinion, then a great place to start is by checking your credit score and report. That way, you can quickly identify any potential problems that may have been overlooked by your current advisor.

Go for Fee-Only Financial Advisors

Fee-only financial advisors charge their clients a flat fee for providing advice. They do not receive commissions or other incentives, so they’re 100% committed to your best interest. A Fee-Only Advisor is a financial advisor who charges you a fee for their advice, as opposed to charging you commissions.

Hire a Financial Advisor who is a CFP®

A Certified Financial Planner professional has not only a four-year college degree but also studied financial planning at the graduate level for two years. They then need to pass a difficult 7-hour exam with an average pass rate of less than 50%. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.® is the leading global professional body for CFP® professionals, representing more than 157,000 planners worldwide. It has established a rigorous certification program to provide a uniform standard of education, experience, and ethical conduct for those using the CFP® marks.

Find someone of trust and name

You need to find a financial advisor who’s good at what they do. Don’t just go with the person who gives you the most aggressive sales pitch, or who comes most highly recommended by your friend or neighbor. Research how many years they have been in business and their credentials. You need to know that you can trust this person to give you solid advice about your money.

In a nutshell, financial planning is the process of creating a financial plan to achieve your goals. A financial plan is a roadmap that helps you reach your goals in different areas of your life. A good financial plan enables you to live the life you want, not just for now but also for the future. It provides clarity about how much money you will have at different stages of life and what kind of lifestyle that money can enable you to have. Financial planners on the other hand are your ally to robust planning and advisory concerning your financial future.

Conclusion: In today’s fast-changing world, it is becoming increasingly important to have a trusted financial advisor by your side. This is the only way you can ensure that your hard-earned savings and investments are safe and secure and that you will be able to retire comfortably.

How to Become a Financial Advisor in India?

There is a huge demand for Financial Advisors in India. In this write-up, we look at how one can become a financial advisor in India along with the opportunities and challenges in this career.

Are you looking at a career as a Financial Advisor in India?

There cannot be a better time to be one. Count out the short-term headwinds and slowdown in the economy, India is often being seen as the next big powerhouse for growth. It is slated to become the third-largest economy in the world by the end of the decade and would lift millions of people out of poverty and create one of the largest middle classes in the world. Today’s middle class in India is expected to move up the ladder in the due course of time. With higher disposable incomes and savings, the role of Financial Advisors would continue to grow and become important in our lives.

Do you need a special qualification to become a financial advisor? What are the roles and responsibilities you need to fulfill in this role? Likewise, you are likely to have questions on how to become a financial advisor in India or the career options you can explore in this field. If that sounds your case in this article, we shall look at the information you must know with regards to a career as a Financial Advisor.

What Does a Financial Advisor Do?

Financial Advisors wear different hats depending upon the industry they are in. The simplest definition of the role of a financial advisor would of that of a person who helps individuals, families, and organizations make decisions related to their investments, taxes, insurance planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and money management. Financial advisors work with different kinds of organizations, and these include –

Banks & NBFCs
Brokerage Firms
Insurance Companies
Wealth Management Firms
Accounting & Tax Planning Firms
Debt Management Firms

The primary role of a financial advisor is to help clients with their financial goals based on their unique requirements and challenges. This profession has gained great interest in India over the last three decades since the opening up of the economy which has led to huge growth in cash outlay and inflow among individuals and organizations. You can work as a part of an organization as we have mentioned earlier or start your firm. The ultimate desire for most Financial Advisors in India is to chalk out their path and work with their own set of clients.

Three Must-Have Traits for Financial Advisor

There are three main traits to a good financial advisor, and a top financial advisor needs to have each of these skills. These traits aren’t interchangeable and cannot be substituted. These include –

Education – Some self-trained Financial Advisors have spent years in the industry and gained insights into this trade and have done well for themselves. However, this isn’t what you are aiming for and to find your foot in the industry you will need the right kind of education. Depending on the industry you choose to start your career in there are different kinds of eligibility criteria. Some organizations require candidates to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance or specialization in accounting and financial management to go with their bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, if you are looking to scale the top of the pyramid you must opt for CFP or the Certified Financial Planner Charter.
Experience – We had mentioned earlier you can build an independent career as a Financial Advisor. As you’d know most clients are likely to prefer seeking advice from an experienced advisor instead of a rookie irrespective of the qualification. This is where financial advisors need to gain experience before turning independent. You can take up a job with a financial firm or intern under a top-rated advisor before you turn independent. In doing so you will become well acquainted with the fundamentals of the industry and the strategies applied on a case-to-case basis. The fact is irrespective of degree and qualification there is no substitute for experience.
Soft Skills – The role of a financial advisor goes beyond reading numbers, interpreting them, and offering advice to clients. Numerous software and tools can do these jobs right now. Hence, along with education and experience, you also need to pick up several soft skills in the process. Communication skills are very important in this industry and in a diverse country like India proficiency in different languages is an added advantage. Apart from this you also need to pick up organizational skills and client servicing skills which would help you stay ahead of the competition.

Educational Qualification Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in the field of finance, law, business, accounting, or economics is the minimum qualification you need to be a financial advisor in India. A master’s degree in any of these streams would be a bonus. This profession requires additional licensing if you wish to get in helping clients buy bonds, securities, or insurance.

There are two types of Financial Advisors in India – Fee-Only Advisors and Commission Only Advisors. If you are joining a job with a firm, you may not have to bother with the additional certifications as either you won’t need to have all the certifications or the firm you join would help you with these certifications. As an independent advisor here are certain certifications you need to be aware of –

Fee-only advisors need to be registered with SEBI certified financial advisors (Securities and Exchange Board of India) as an RIA (Registered Investment Advisor).
Fee-Only Advisors need to obtain NISM (National Institute of Securities Market (NISM) Series-X-A: Investment Adviser (Level 1) as well as NISM Series-X-B: Investment Adviser (Level 2) certification to become an accredited advisor.
Commission Only Advisors need to gain certification and take the Insurance IRDA Examinations IRDAI IC 38
Commission Only Advisors who wish to work in the Mutual Funds industry must take the NISM-Service-V-A Distributors Certification Examination
Both Fee-Only and Commission Only Advisors must earn their certification like CWM (Chartered Wealth Manager) from the National Institute of Securities Market

CFP (Certified Financial Planner)

The career path for Financial Advisors is fast growing in India and millions of people would be engaged in one of the many facets of the industry in the coming years. The educational qualification and certification requirements that we have mentioned above would put you at the bottom of the pyramid and from there on it is your knowledge, client servicing qualities, and interpersonal skills that would define your career.

This career path is competitive and at the top level, the competition increases. However, if you are looking to start at the top of the pyramid and wish to get into the seven or eight-figure annual salary mark at the beginning of your career you should seriously consider opting for the CFP or Certified Financial Planner path.

This is one of the most coveted degrees or charters that one can have in the financial industry and there are less than 2000 charter holders in India. This certification is Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB). An internationally recognized certification, it is much in demand in the financial consultancy career. If you hold the CFP charter you can expect to start your career as a financial advisor at the top executive level in any firm.

CFPs are still a rare find in India and even rarer in the role of financial advisors. After earning your charter, you can provide your services in the capacity of a top consultant or represent big organizations in offering financial advice to their employees or other clients. This can open up career opportunities like no other and help you reach the greatest heights in this industry.

Opportunities and Challenges

We have so far covered the basics of becoming a financial advisor in India and looked at the job role and responsibilities. This career path offers immense growth opportunities and shall continue to do so in the future but there are challenges that you’d encounter all along the path. Let us now list the major opportunities and challenges in this field

Opportunities

Fast-growing investment, tax planning industry
No boredom with new learning opportunities
Good salaries and other perks of the job
Flexibility in work schedule
Ability to turn independent profession early in career

Challenges

Meeting client expectations regularly
Being objective amidst emotions and fledging expectations
Sailing through rough markets when returns can turn negative
Staying updated with industry and government policies
Maintaining a strong relationship with all clients

To sum up, the role of a financial advisor is quite a challenging and at the same time an exciting one. There are few things as gratifying as helping clients make the best financial decisions and grow their investments. But this also comes with its set of responsibilities as hundreds of people would make their financial decisions based on your advice.

It is a career path that requires you to offer tailored advice to clients based on their unique goals and challenges and strictly adhere to confidentiality rules. If you have your heart in the game and don’t mind putting in the long hours for the benefit of your clients, financial growth and job satisfaction won’t ever be an issue in this career path.

Super Specialized MBA Finance Syllabus Distinguish from General MBA Finance

A Masters’ degree in business administration is more than just a certificate. It is your claim to a better future, enhanced career opportunities, a better life and the chance to make your own destiny. There is no wonder that with a MBA degree you can do a lot in life that may not otherwise be possible with any ordinary degree.

But in order to accelerate growth and fulfill all your dreams, doing just any MBA course may not be enough. You must understand the different kinds of MBAs offered by different colleges and universities and enroll in a program that best suits your needs. So before you decide on what you want to study understand the difference between a super specialized MBA finance syllabus and a general MBA syllabus.

Things You Need to Know about MBA Programs

According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2017-18, management courses both in graduate level as well as post-graduate level attract a large percentage of students every year. In the post-graduate level most students are within the age group of 22 to 25 years. Around 76% MBA aspirants have a graduate degree in engineering while there is also about 10-12% students from commerce background.

There are essentially two kinds of management degrees offered by colleges and universities in India. One is the full-fledged two year Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree which can be offered by recognized universities and colleges affiliated to them. On the other hand, post graduate diploma in management can only be offered by autonomous institutions. Though the two year residential program is most common in India, there are other part-time, distance, online as well as executive MBA programs that are offered by different institutions across the country.

For enrolling in any MBA program (either in one of the central or state universities or in autonomous institutions), you need to meet certain criteria such as have a decent MAT, CAT score that allows you to seek admission in one of the programs. You also need to have a good percentage in your graduate degree. Adequate knowledge of mathematics, general aptitude and reasoning are necessary skills. If you are serious about a MBA these are a few things you must keep in mind.

Why Enroll in MBA Program

MBA is your window that opens to a world of opportunities. If you ever dreamt of owning your own house by the sea, of driving a luxurious car, of going on long international vacations and of enjoying life king size, you should get a MBA degree. That’s because very few professional courses offered in India open this kind of opportunities in so short a period as a degree in MBA does. There is no doubt that the two year program can be intensive and grueling. In the 24 months in campus you will get the learning of your life.

Most colleges and universities boast of great faculties who have behind them both academic excellences as well as professional experience. They teach beyond what’s written in books and expose young minds to the rigorous demands of management in the job sector. If you are ready for the ride of your lifetime, if you want the opportunity to be taught by brilliant teachers who go far and beyond – you need to complete your MBA today!

There is no denying that the journey isn’t easy. Though almost every other youth in India today enrolls for a MBA program, not everyone excels. That’s because the syllabus is large and tough. But no road to success is easy and smooth. You need to cross every hurdle, jump over the potholes, take the long meandering road in order to reach your destination. As a young graduate with eyes in the future, you can fulfill all your dreams if you are ready for the joyride (and the bumpy ride!) called MBA.

Types of MBA Programs You Need to Know

The term MBA is quite a buzz-word as almost every second person knows about it. While everyone understands the general meaning of the term, very few understand what the program encompasses. MBA programs are essentially of two kinds – general MBA and super specialized MBA. In this article we shall be talking in details the difference between the two and how one is different from the other. We shall also be discussing the various ways both are advantageous in their own right. We shall also be throwing light into why you must be aware of the difference between these two types of MBA programs.

General MBA – What it Entails

In General MBA the course structure is designed in such a manner that many things related to management are taught in the two years. Stress is especially laid on ways to develop critical thinking, hone a student’s leadership capabilities and also teach them business management. Emphasis is laid on the broad subjects of management, especially in the first year of the program.

The curriculum is divided mainly into two parts – 1^st year and 2^nd year. In the first year there are two semesters where the basics of management are taught. During these 12 months emphasis is laid on explaining what management really means and what are expected of future management executives. During the second year, every MBA program offers their students the opportunity to specialize in their chosen field. Specialization in general MBA is not all encompassing but even then teaches management students a few key things that help them secure a job later. Though in a general MBA there is a scope for specialization, it is not the single focus on the program. Emphasis is stressed on teaching students the general meaning of management.

Advantages of General MBA
General MBA is offered by innumerable B-schools in India. It is a very popular program because the generality of the program exposes students to a whole gamut of learning. There is no doubt that since the program is so popular it must have several advantages which we shall be discussing below.

Teaches broad domains of management which can be applied in multiple industries.
In terms of career opportunities, a whole gamut of options becomes readily available for those with a General MBA.
In the second year of the program students have the freedom to choose an elective of their choice. They can base their choice after understanding their calibre in the first year of studies.

Disadvantages of General MBA

Though there is no doubt that general MBA has a lot of advantages that makes it appealing to the young minds there are a few disadvantages that you should be aware of.

Many find the course curriculum of General MBA restrictive and unimaginative. It is also considered traditional.
A general MBA degree can restrict your job prospects because of its course structure.
A general MBA degree from a two-tier or three-tier college doesn’t add much value to your CV. If you want to pursue general MBA you must do so from a top-level B-school.

Super Specialized MBA – The Future of Management

There are two ways of learning things – one where you learn a subject in all its generalities and in the other approach you take a more in-depth interest in the subject and learn more about a specialized topic or subject. While we have spoken in details about the former while speaking about General MBA program, now we shall be talking about what a super specialized MBA means.

In a specialized MBA, as the name suggests, the course is much more targeted. Here the focus is purely on a specialized branch of management such as Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Operations or Marketing. During the two-year program, students are specifically taught about their chosen field of management studies.

There is hardly any scope to learn the general aspects of management. In most cases this type of course structure is designed for those who already have prior knowledge about management or have appropriate work experience.

Specialized MBA is mostly popular with those who know what they want in their future or understand the exact market requirement and want to prepare themselves for a sure-shot chance at a high paying job. Specialized MBAs are in high demands in several sectors such as hospitality management, rural management etc.

Advantages of Specialized MBA

In the past few years there has been an increasing demand for specialized MBA post graduates. There maybe a small window of opportunities for those seeking specialized MBA but the scope and growth opportunities are humungous. Let’s now take a look at some of the advantages of specialized MBA.

In many job opportunities preference is given to those with a specialized MBA than those with a simple General MBA.
Usually the course period is shorter. Since it is designed for those who already have basic knowledge about management, it is concise and short-term.
It is an excellent course for those who already know what they want from their profession.

Disadvantages of Specialized MBA

There is no doubt that there are certain disadvantages of specialized MBA that we must address. Though they are not such great problems that should stop you from pursuing this course, you should still be aware of the problems.

This course limits opportunities of a candidate. If on a later date you want to change your domain, it will become difficult with this degree.
There aren’t too many colleges offering specialized MBA which means that your chance of getting admission is limited.

Super Specialized MBA in Finance – Scope and Career Opportunities

Among the many forms of specialized MBA one that is gaining quite some popularity is super specialized MBA in finance. As the name suggests it is a very niche area of MBA pertaining to financial management. There is a huge learning curve when you take up a specialization in finance and the opportunities after the completion of the course are immense. Some of the things that are invariably taught in this area of specialization include –

Corporate Investment Management
Small business and corporate finance
Hedge fund management
Portfolio Management
Securities analysis
Investments
Collections
Fundraising
Borrowing
International finance
Disbursements
Understanding international financial market and macroeconomics

If you have an aptitude for finance and understand how the global financial market operates, this is just the kind of specialization that you should do. However since we are talking about a highly specialized and professional program, you have to be thoroughly knowledgeable and be sure that this is the career you want to pursue.

The skills required for completing an MBA in Finance are –

You must have adequate quantitative skills
Must know basic financial management principles and accounting principles
Ability to work with numbers in the long run
Multi-tasking skills
Understand concepts of valuation, fixed income securities, valuation, macroeconomics, and volatility of international markets.

Numerous opportunities open once you complete a specialized MBA in finance. Some of the fields where people with such degrees are highly sought are –

Asset Management
Corporate Finance
Corporate Banking
Credit Risk Management
Derivatives Structuring
Hedge Fund Management
Treasury, and
Private Equity

How To Get Admission for Specialized MBA in Finance

If you are really interested in seeking admissions in specialized MBA in Finance you will need to not only have an aptitude for financial dealings but will also need an aggregate score of at least 50% in your graduation. Apart from this, you also need to clear an entrance exam (such as CAT or MAT), the score of which will play a deciding role in how your admission goes. Most colleges also have different rounds of personal interviews as well as group discussions. Doing well in GD/PI is important to get admissions in your choice of college.

Duration of The Specialized MBA in Finance Program

Sometimes it can get confusing – is a specialized MBA program a full-fledged two year program or a shortened one year program? If you too are confused then here we have all the answers for you. While two year programs are not unknown they aren’t very popular. Usually a specialized MBA program is open for executives who already have some know-how about finance with at least 5-10 years of experience.

If you are still confused the next best thing to do is check the MBA finance syllabus to know more. Usually you will find all details in the prospectus. That’s the best place to find every information about admission and syllabus.

What’s the Difference Between Super Specialized MBA Finance and General MBA Finance

Though both super specialized MBA in Finance and General MBA in Finance appear to be one and the same thing, there is a difference between the two. In the super-specialized MBA in Finance the core focus is financial management. The course is also designed in a manner that financial principles and management applications are taught in-depth. Very little emphasis is laid on general management skills. On the other hand, a general MBA in finance will mean that you are taught the basics of management in details and in the second half of the program emphasis will be laid on finance. No in-depth emphasis is laid on finance in a general MBA program.

Now that you understand the difference between MBA finance syllabus in a specialized course structure and a general MBA in finance, you will be in a better position to choose between the two. Opt for the one that best suits your requirements.

One Year MBA in India: Colleges, Courses, Fees, Admissions & Career

Career planning is essential if you want to fast-track your life towards success. There are many things worth considering while you think about your future. If you think that getting a job is a good enough boost for your career, you are not entirely right. Securing a job is just the first step. How fast you advance in your career, how steep your career graph looks matters in the long run.

So how do you ensure that your career is in the right path and you are indeed taking the right decisions? This you can do by objectively assessing the future the current path offers and how changing route can fast-track things. As a working professional, it may be the right time to think about going back to college and getting a 1 year MBA. This qualification can put you at an advantage when it comes to seeking better career options.

Confused? Don’t be. The one year MBA programs are increasingly becoming popular in India and abroad because of several reasons. As the name of the program clearly states, the duration is only 12 months (which in some cases does extend to 14 months). This can save you from the gruelling two-year program that often delays your transition from a student into a working professional. in this article we shall be discussing everything about a one year MBA program such as the colleges offering such programs, course scope, fees, admission, career opportunities etc. Here you will find every bit of information you seek about the accelerated MBA program.

What is One Year MBA?
Typically when we think of a Master’s in Business Administration or MBA, we consider it to be a two year program. But nowadays, almost all B-schools are offering a one-year program. Also known as an accelerated MBA program, this typically caters to professionals who want to advance their careers by adding another degree into their CV. Since the time frame of this course is shorter, the learning happens in a faster pace. The workload is expectedly greater and so is the syllabus. Usually there are no internships offered in these programs, primarily due to the time constraints of the course.

If you do not have the luxury to opt out of your career for two years, then this one-year program is ideal for you. This program is very popular among professionals who wish to take a year off and improve their credentials. Here you get the opportunity to learn everything that others usually learn in two years. Some of the advantages of enrolling into a one year MBA program are –

It is of a shorter duration. This means you don’t have to put your career on hold for a longer duration. You get to learn all about business administration within a year.
It is less expensive. Since the time frame of this program is shorter, it is naturally less expensive.
You get a recognized MBA degree. Here we are not talking about a diploma program but a full-fledged MBA degree. The only difference is the time frame.
It is also known as a professional MBA. Since the one year MBA program caters primarily to working professionals, it was initially referred to as a professional or executive MBA.

While there are many advantages of this course, it cannot be discounted that there are a few disadvantages too which you must know about.

The duration can be too short. This means that the learning experience may not be as comprehensive as a two-year course would be.
There are no internships offered in a one-year program. Thus you can miss out on the direct learning opportunity that your full-fledged MBA counterparts get.
If you do not have work experience, it is almost impossible to enrol in a one-year program. Moreover, you will require a minimum of 5 years of work experience to apply for these courses.
Without a pre-decided career goal, you may be lost with a one year MBA degree. This program is ideal for those who know exactly why they want the degree and how they can use it to improve their career.
Networking with industry stalwarts and experts is limited as there isn’t much scope of interactions. This is due to the lack of internship opportunities in this program.

Despite the cons, this is definitely a course that you should consider if you are interested in fast-tracking your career. Upon completion of this course, you have the chance to pick up your career where you left but move ahead at a much faster pace. Many of the organization do allow their employees to take a sabbatical and pursue these one-year programs. If you are already part of the management industry or are looking at ways to expand your scope, then you should consider enrolling in a one-year management program.

Colleges in India offering One Year MBA
MBA is one of the most popular post-graduate level program in India. There is almost a 100% job guarantee upon completion of a MBA program which is why it is so much in demand. With local and global businesses fast expanding in India there is a huge demand for entry and mid-level management graduates.

It is also seen as a professional program that helps create managers and improve management in any organization. While in the two-year program, you are taught things right from scratch and in details, the one-year program is concise and abridged. That’s the main reason why the latter is offered primarily to working professionals who already have an insight on how things work and seek a professional degree to improve their career prospects.

There are numerous colleges in India that offer the one year MBA program. Below we list some of the most prestigious B-schools offering executive MBA to working professionals.

Name of the Institution – IIM Ahmedabad
Name of the program – Executive MBA
Name of the Institution – Indian School of Business
Name of the program – Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)
Name of the Institution – IIM Bangalore
Name of the program – Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGPM)
Post Graduate Program in Public Policy and Management
Name of the Institution – IIM Calcutta
Name of the program – Executive PGPM
Name of the Institution – International School of Financial Planning
Name of the program – PGD In Financial Planning
PGD in Financial Analysis
Name of the Institution – SP Jain Institute of Management

Name of the program – Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM)

Post Graduate Management Program for Women

Name of the Institution – MDI Gurgaon

Name of the program – National Management Programme

Fees of One Year MBA Programs in India
It is no hidden secret that MBA programs are expensive. If you want to enrol into a two-year program in one of the prestigious B-schools of the country, you will be ready to shell out a few lakhs upon the completion of the course. This may not be affordable for many professionals in early phase of their careers especially those working in the hinterland where salaries are somewhat lower.

Comparatively, the one-year programs are a lot cheaper though even their fees run into a few lakhs easily. However the cost of the program becomes insignificant when you consider the lucrative job offers that await you after 12-14 months. For working professionals who seek to fast-track their career, you should be looking at this course as an investment for a future where your income increases manifold.

Most of the IIMs offering a post-graduate executive MBA charge approximate fees from anything between ₹15 lakhs to 30 lakhs. In the most prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, the course fee for an Executive MBA program is ₹28 lakhs. In IIM Raipur, the program called Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executive (PGPWE) costs only about ₹8 lakhs.

Enrolling in a private institution can be an equally expensive affair. But again the dividends are worth every penny spent. The advantage of paying such high fees is that you get the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry since we are talking about a specialized course that is meant for only a targeted section of professionals, it is important that only the best teach. This is exactly what you can expect from the best one year MBA courses in India.

Admissions for One Year MBA Programs in India
A full-fledged one year MBA program was first launched by ISB Hyderabad in 2001. It was a full-time residential program equivalent to already existing post-graduate MBA program. The course was a huge success as working professionals were looking for such opportunities as similar courses have been popular elsewhere. These programs were already very popular abroad, especially in Europe and the US and were much awaited in India too.

After the first success, IIMs too started similar programs. Once the AICTE approval came for private institutions to offer similar courses, many B-schools started offered full-fledged residential programs for working professionals. Today over 25 B-schools offer the one-year program additionally to the full-fledged two-year MBA course. This has increase the scope for working professionals to learn new skills in the middle of their careers.

Admission for the program is primarily dependent on your GMAT/GRE score. The average GMAT expected ranges between 690 and 710. The better the score, the brighter are your chances of getting admitted into a prestigious B-school. However the GMAT score doesn’t alone determine your chances. Since we are talking about an executive MBA here, your work experience will matter. Colleges seek a minimum experience of 4-5 years and maximum of 10 years. You cannot be a fresh graduate and expect to enrol in a one-year program.

Admissions happen almost all round the year, depending on the institution. IIMs usually start new batches in the month of April while AICTE approved colleges commence at various times of the year. Some begin their classes in January, some April, some in September and some later in November as well. You will have to keep a check on the various institutions to see when their admissions open.

Career Prospects after Completion
The primary reason why you would think of enrolling in a one-year post graduate management program is to help move your career in the right and upward direction. Having worked in the industry for a few years if you feel that there is something lacking in your job or how your growth trajectory looks like then you should think of going back to school. Of course it is not east to go back to books, classrooms, lectures and assignments once you get into a 9 to 5 groove but it is challenges that makes a person grow. If you do not want to stagnate with your career than you must do the unthinkable and enrol in one of the illustrious executive MBA courses offered by one of the many prestigious B-schools in India.

Upon completion of the course you can go back to your field and get a better position. Alternatively you can also plunge into a new industry without having to start afresh. The opportunities after the executive MBA are numerous. Placement packages after the completion usually range between ₹17 lakhs and ₹30 lakhs per annum.

While it may seem to be an arduous task to get back to studying, the advantage of an executive course is that the course work is very targeted and specific. Moreover you will be taught in a manner that doesn’t belittle your years of experience rather helps you grasp advanced concepts better. There is no doubt that once you complete such a course, you will only succeed in your career.

One Year MBA in a Gist

Also called an Executive MBA
Offered primarily to working professionals
Minimum requirement is to have at least 4 to 5 years of work experience
GMAT/GRE scores are crucial
It is not a diploma course but a recognized post graduate masters’ program
It is different from a similar two-year program in the sense that its duration is only 12 to 15 months.
The course plan is concise and to the point
In most cases no internships are offered in this course as the time period is very short
Job placements are offered by some institutions while many others do not offer so
Students are taught by highly skilled and experienced teachers
The course is less expensive than the two year program
IIMs all over the country offer the accelerated MBA program
AICTE approved institutions can also offer the course
There are over 25 B-schools that offer this program
It has been a very popular program abroad and was introduced in India in 2001

The 1 year MBA has been designed for a specific section of management executives – primarily the working class. Though it is a full-fledged recognized Masters’ program, it is short and specific. However it is not a course of fresh graduates. This is where the main difference of this program lies. This is the perfect course for you if you want to take a break in your profession and take time out to study. If you think you can do it, the one-year course in MBA is just made for you.

Why Students Prefer Delhi for Regular MBA Program

The stepping stone to success in life is choosing your career wisely. Unless you walk the right path in life, you cannot taste success. For a student it often becomes difficult to determine the right path in life. If you have until now followed the footsteps of your elders or blindly trusted the judgment of others, now is the time for you to step out of your cocoon and see the world in a new light.

Regular MBA College in Delhi

MBA is one of the most sought-after courses in India because there is high employability after a management degree. The advantage of MBA is that anyone from any educational background can enroll in these courses. There are numerous regular MBA college in Delhi and it seems to be the right place to go for your post-graduate education. But before you take the decision, you should know why you must thoughtfully take a decision for a better tomorrow.

For a fresh graduate there are exciting career decisions to make in the coming days. Primarily, a graduate can choose to continue with their education or seek a job and earn independently. If you are thinking of the former, it is imperative that you make a wise decision right now so that you don’t regret it later.

There is very little time between your graduation finals and admissions to your post graduate, and if we can be frank here, let’s not forget how fast the graduating years fly. For every student studying in college, the three (sometimes four) years of graduation is more about fun.

It is the time for every youth to open their wings, fly high in the sky, experiment with things they never knew they could, participate in college fests, widen their horizons by interacting with students from all fields and so much more. While classroom teaching remains the backbone of college life, the time spent outside the four walls is equally educative. Often, that’s the reason why years pass and students don’t realize that it is time to plan for the future.

If you are also standing in the crossroads of life, undecided about your next step, you need to revisit the education you received until now. You have to see things with a new perspective and take a decision that will be good for you. It is the time for you to know that –

You haven’t learnt enough yet. Yes! Even after spend 10+2+3 years as a student, you haven’t learnt enough. What you have done all these years is understood how the world functions and the standard norms that are the driving force. Though you have passed all examinations with flying colors, in reality you have been a bystander. It is during your post-graduation that you can become a participant and learn ways to contribute to the society. Every post-graduate course is designed with the purpose of turning students into critical thinkers and doers.
You have been spoon-fed until now. Another heard truth that is difficult to swallow, isn’t it? But again, that’s the truth. Our education system has been designed in a manner where students follow a prescribed syllabus and do as instructed. But in higher education, especially in professional courses like MBA, students are encouraged to think out of the box. Yes, there is a syllabus but that act as guiding stars. You must be your own inspiration.
Competition is with yourself now. Until now you have been encouraged to compete with your class-fellows. You have been told that your merit is truly determined based on how you outperform others. But in the final years of your education, this system doesn’t work. Now you will be encouraged to improve your own skills. You will be told that you are your own competition. Your grades and mark sheets may get you a job, but it is your performance that will determine your success. These life skills will be taught at the post graduate level. In management course, these skills are empathized even more.
Management is an acquired skill. You must know that a regular MBA graduate is absorbed in the industry mostly in human resources and marketing sales. Here the pre-requisite is to be able to manage customers and employees successfully. It is a skill that is especially taught in a normal MBA course. If you are keen interested in these job sectors, you should prepare yourself for a course that will teach you managerial skills.
What you choose today will determine your tomorrow. It is easy to flow with the tide. It is harder to swim against one. How you decide to swim today will determine the challenges you will face tomorrow. If you want to have a successful career, you must carefully decide today. Take your time to assess your capabilities. Since a regular MBA is open to all, it is easy for anyone to enroll in such a course. But you must understand how this professional course will shape your future.

Why Study Regular MBA?

In the job sector employees are always on the lookout for managers. As industries become more customer-driven and as customers become more aware of their consumer rights, it has become important for businesses to hire managers. Most often management graduates are expected to be exceptional communicators and crisis managers. Communicating with clients, customers and competitors isn’t easy.

You have to be prepared to face their wrath, handle their tantrums, solve their problems and address their concerns. Above all, you must be able to do all this professionally. Can you do so much without the right guidance? No, you can’t. But if you think you have managerial skills and are a natural problem solver, you must enroll into a regular MBA course to enhance your skills and learn the ropes of the industry.

Below we shall highlight some of the reasons why doing a regular MBA will clear your career path.

# Chance to Learn Something New
In professional courses such as MBA you expect to get insight about business operations, sales, human management and so on. These are areas of learning that are not usually taught till graduate level in most courses in India. So when you enrol for MBA, you get the opportunity to explore subjects such as finance, marketing, operations, human resource, operations etc.

# Increases Your Job Prospects
There is a consensus among employers that business school graduates are better at handling the challenges of modern workplaces. They prioritize hiring of fresh B-school graduates as these students are expected to understand the complicacies of workplaces. If you graduate with an MBA degree you automatically come into the limelight and employees will line up to hire you.

# Scope to Earn More
It is no secret that MBAs earn more than an average individual. They are paid more because they are skilled workers who enter the industry prepared. There are additional benefits too that others do not enjoy such as performance bonuses, healthcare, travel allowances etc. If you are looking to fast-track your career and earn more than your contemporaries then you must also enrol in a reputed B-school in Delhi.

# You Can Explore The International Job Market
Gone are the days when you could only dream of working abroad if you graduated from a foreign university or college. Today you can study in India and yet aspire for a job abroad. If you are talented and convinced that you can make your dream come true then there is nothing stopping you. Yes, you need to be pushed in that direction and that’s why choosing the right educational institution is very important.

# Stay Connected with Industry Stalwarts
The amount of opportunity you get as a B-school graduate is quite unparalleled. Since networking is one of the foundations of business management, you get the chance to interact with industry stalwarts very early in your career. This further accelerates your career and helps you fulfil your dreams quickly.

# Opportunity to Be Your Own Boss
You must have read ample inspirational stories about entrepreneurs with an educational background in management becoming their own bosses. You are taught the ropes of how to manage a business, create an action plan, plan a marketing campaign etc. while in B-school. This education exposes you to entrepreneurship. If you have dreams of running your own business then a B-school post-graduate degree is must for you.

Why Students Prefer Delhi for Regular MBA Program

There are many places to study MBA in India. The popularity of this course has ensured that there are numerous colleges (both government and private) offering business administration degrees. It is true that you can live in any part of the country and earn a MBA degree easily. It is that popular. But the real question that arises here is – are all MBA programs the same? Answer to this pertinent question will determine where you decide to study and why.

While the general scope of this professional program remains the same, every institution has a different syllabus. The difference also lies in the approach. Though every institution claims to be offering this as a professional course, few actually do so. Most others take a conservative and traditional approach in teaching the program.

This means that students are not exposed to the realities of the job market while pursuing the course and nor are they prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Instead they have to satisfy their urge to learn more by attending more mundane classroom lectures that are unimaginative and boring.

This is the hard-hitting reality of what is taught in most B-schools around the country. If you are really interested in making a career in business administration you must choose the right program and the right institution.

Otherwise you will only have a degree that will hardly fetch you a job, leave alone help fulfill all your dreams. This surely isn’t what you want at the end of the two-year program – a half-unbaked syllabus, uninspired teachers and an environment that isn’t encouraging.

If you really want to succeed in life, you must make the right moves at the right time. Going to Delhi for completing your education is one of those right decisions. There is no doubt that Delhi is the hub of higher education in India. There are numerous premier institutions in the capital of India offering path-breaking courses and programs designed for the modern necessities of the world.

When you want to enroll in a regular MBA program you should definitely explore the different options available in Delhi. This city being the capital of the country has all the facilities that any student would want. We shall be discussing them below.

Chance to Be at the Hub of Activities – Delhi is a happening city. It is the seat of the Parliament, it is the city where all major developments happen first, and it is also the city which is heart of the country. Can there be a better place to kick start your career than being in a city that is always bustling with activities.
Opportunity to Learn from the Best – One of the major drawbacks of studying in a B-school situation in any tier two or tier three cities is that they don’t get to recruit or partner with industry stalwarts. This is where Delhi has an edge over others. Most B-schools in Delhi boast of impressive faculties who have been part of the industry for decades. They bring with them experience and expertise something that textbooks can never provide.
Scope to Complete Internships – Internships are opportunities for students to understand the nature of their future job, to see if they can fit into the competitive workspace and to experience the day-to-day workings on an intimate level. Studying in Delhi opens internship and training opportunities by the galore. Moreover if you can enroll in a reputed regular MBA program you get the assurance of meaningful internships that are facilitated by the institution.
Immediate Job Opportunities – Do you know what is even more frustrating than not being able to study in a reputed institution? The fact that after completion you do not get your dream job. Unfortunately this is what happens to many management graduates who do not land on a plush and comfortable job immediately after passing out. But if you carefully choose the institution from where you study, you can be assured of a job too. Most of these institutions offer campus placements inviting corporates on a regular basis.
Affordable Education – Finally it all boils down to whether you can pay for the program or not. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if you eye for the best course, but if you cannot afford it there is hardly any use dreaming. The good thing about the reputed colleges in Delhi is that they are mostly affordable. The course structure and fee is designed for everyone. Moreover you can easily avail students’ loans too with guidance from the best colleges in the city.

A degree in business administration can take you places. It is that window of opportunity for you to realize your dreams and fulfill all your wishes. If until now you haven’t been sure about how to steer your career, enroll in a B-school today and fast-track your life. Make sure you enroll in a regular MBA college in Delhi to get the maximum leverage. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring today.

Job Readiness Tips for Finance Students in 2021

‘Times they are a changin’ – Bob Dylan

They say time never waits for anyone. It’s always changing. Bob Dylan may have immortalized this fact through a song that was released way back in 1964 but even today we must all play catch up with the fast changing world all around us.

Even if 2020 began pretty normally with the hullabaloo of a new year and prospects of a great year, by March, most of us realized that it is going to be the worst year in our collective living history. When WHO declared Covid-19 as a global pandemic and ascertained that the virus spread through person to person contact, there seemed nothing more to do but lockdown nations. That’s exactly what most countries did. Announced weeks of lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. Initially countries like Italy, Greece and Iran (apart from China) struggled to cope up with the virus that had spread in their country like wildfire. Their staggering response alarmed every other nation and everyone went on a panic mode to contain the spread of the virus. Wearing masks in public places became mandatory, maintaining social distance a norm while health workers continues to spread awareness about hand and respiratory hygiene.

While governments did the needful to stop the spread of the virus, people all over were put on a back foot trying to cope up with so many new rules and regulations. The strictest of the regulations was the imposition on movement. Being forced to stay at home, preferably work from home and stay put in your place for months at end soon became the norm.

Now that many months have passed since the strict imposition of lockdowns, several countries have relaxed their regulations. Countries have opened up to a large extent, allowing daily wage earners and low income earners to work while those being able to work from home advised to maintain status quo. There is no doubt that the virus is still at large, affecting cities after cities, towns after towns. But in the last few months, if there is something we have all learned is how to live with this virus and yet fight the tough battles (of livelihood and health safety) every day.

Difficulties That Followed Lockdowns

Of course, it hasn’t been easy. Not for the governments, not for the economies, not for the millions of working population and least of all for the students. When it comes to the latter, in most places, educational institutions have still not opened (and are unlikely to open any time soon). This means students, both tiny tots and young adults are having to learn from home. While for the younger ones may be enjoying staying at home, avoiding the rigmaroles of formal schooling, the young adults haven’t been so fortunate. They have found themselves in muddy waters with no faults of their own. With much better understanding of what is happening around the world, calculating the consequences of a pandemic on their career, the stress of completing their final education from the confines of their homes hasn’t been easy.

Students, especially those acquiring a degree in financial planning, have been hit quite hard. With uncertainty about prospects of getting a job to inability to consult their mentors and teachers personally, they are facing the brunt of the pandemic quite extensively. But like after even the darkest of days, the sun shines even brighter, if you are a student of finance, you must look for that speck of sunshine. You have two options – to sit at home and drown yourself in self-pity or take this situation as a challenge and prepare yourself for better days.

Become Job Ready While Staying at Home

The final years of your education decide the course of your life. It is in these couple of years that you get a direction about how to realize your dreams. When you enroll for any professional course, you do so because you see yourself making a career in that chosen field. For finance students, professional course in Financial Planning means you are open for jobs at the banking sector, in wealth management, stock market, mutual funds and more. Unfortunately, due to the current prevailing conditions, everything seems bleak. Reports pouring in from all over the world of dipping GDPs, unemployment, job loss can undoubtedly create panic in your young mind. While the economic situation is definitely grim, all hope isn’t lost just yet.

While you are at home, it is time for you to not just complete your course – which is obviously being taken care of by your college or educational institution. While you graduate, you must also use this time to prepare yourself for job in a post-Covid world – in 2021. The fact that businesses will operate differently once everything opens up and people start going to offices cannot be discounted. You have to be prepared for a changed work environment once everything resumes. Below we shall be talking about few things that you should primarily focus on right now.

How To Become Job Ready in a Post-Covid World?

Take a Stock of Your Skills – Competition in the post-Covid world is going to get tougher. You will have to fight to get noticed. There will be people better and brighter than you. There will also be many smart ones who prepared themselves well in advance. You must ask yourself right now what you have that others don’t. If you want the job of your dreams in the banking sector or as a financial advisor, you must be able to bring more to the table than your competitor. That’s one of the primary reasons why you must be enhancing your skills. You should be able to apply everything that you learnt theoretically in the practical world. From being introduced in financial planning in the first semester to learning about financial and strategic management in the final semester, the course must have been all-inclusive. Now is the time to ask yourself whether you recall everything you learnt. Now is the time to ask whether if in a given situation, you can apply the things you have been taught.

The honest truth, if be told, is that most students will not be able to recall what they learnt. That’s your edge. That’s where you can create your mark. You can race ahead by showing your prospective employers that you completely understand financial planning and its nitty-gritties. Among the many ways you can showcase your financial skills is by being staying abreast about the stock market, current bank interest rates etc. If as a student of finance, you do not know the latest market figures, getting any job will become difficult for you.

Build Your Resume –How do you present your case to prospective employers without saying a word? CVs or resumes are made so that job seekers can highlight their qualifications and skills for better perusal. You should take your time to build a CV that’s interesting to read without being superfluous. If you haven’t yet written a CV, do so now. You can search online for tips to create an appealing CV. You may also come across tools and websites that help you write a CV. However be wary of auto-created CVs. They will not present you uniquely. Only you can do so.

It is crucial to note the difference between CV and resume. You must understand that CVs or curriculum vitae is a longer version than a resume as it highlights everything – right from your educational qualifications to extracurricular activities and so on. A resume, on the other hand, is shorter, preferably one page that summarizes your skills and educational qualifications. It is advisable to prepare both since some companies ask only for a resume while others may ask for CVs.

Be Digitally Active – One of the reasons why the world did not have to completely shut down its every business operation was because today we have the technology that empowers us to work anywhere, anyhow. It is due to this technological advantage that most companies have been operating without forcing their workforce to work from offices. It’s only because of the numerous digital platforms that schools and colleges have continued to run their classes, ensuring that education isn’t halted at any cost. Technology has been the biggest tool in our hands today that has saved a lot of stomachs from going hungry. As a millennial, ready to step into the world of business and employment, you cannot be digitally challenged. That’s not even an option any more.

You must be digitally diligent to as to use all kinds of technology with little assistance. In all likelihood, the work-from-home culture will continue for some more months, even if the cases of coronavirus infections lessen. This means that in 2021 when you get a job, you will work digitally, from your home. You must be prepared for it. Ask your seniors from college who started working professionally before the outbreak of the virus things you must know to work from home. Be adept in using spreadsheets, setting up and attending virtual conferences and in multi-tasking. These are the skills that will take your further next year.

Expand Your Network – Gone are the days when a fresh college pass out would get a job of his liking without making much effort. Today you need to be pro-active and showcase your caliber, even before you start a real job. As a student, if you have until now not been active on professional networks or associated yourself closely with the industry, you must do so immediately. Join LinkedIn and start following the best of the best in the finance industry. Follow trending discussions, comment and engage in conversations so that you can expand your worldwide. The financial industry, as any other industry, is fast evolving. You must stay abreast with the changes as and when they happen.
Freelance to Expand Your Knowledge – In 2021, employers will look for young candidates who are job ready. They will not want to spend time teaching the new kids on the block the tricks of the trade. So how do you equip yourself without getting a job? By freelancing. There are several opportunities for freelancers out in the market, even in these trying times. If you are good at your job and know how to meet deadlines and follow instructions, you can get lots of work right from the comfort of your home. In fact it is a good idea to explore freelancing opportunities right now when you are still at home, unable to actively look for jobs. Freelancing will open numerous windows of opportunities and will also teach you a lesson or two about work ethics and industry expectations. Remember, you will hardly be considered a newcomer when you freelance, especially if you behave and work professionally. This is the opportunity for you to put your best foot forward.

Be Prepared to Adapt

While you become job ready for a hopefully better 2021, you must also be open to change. We don’t know till now how the world will be once a vaccine for Covid-19 comes and everyone is vaccinated. We don’t know if that day is coming any time soon. We don’t know how long businesses will have to operate remotely. We don’t know how long the travel restrictions and social distancing norms will stay in place. But what we can guess is that the world is unlikely to be what it was in 2019. This year has shaken the normalcy of things so much so that we will all have to adapt to new norms in the coming days. We will all have to become more responsible, our attitude (towards our planet) will have to change. We will have to look deeper into ourselves and correct ourselves. All this is happening to a large extent right now, and they will evolve as time passes.

As a young adult, you will be expected to lead from the front. You will be expected to show how to adapt to change. You will have to be a forerunner by living a healthier lifestyle, by working more diligently and being more productive. So, if you are preparing for a job next year, you must change – your attitude and work ethics must improve for the better. A lackadaisal attitude will not pay you dividends. Buck up and storm right ahead. The world is waiting for a person like you!

How Finance Students Need to Prepare as Independent Professionals in Post-COVID World

The repercussions of the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic have been alarming to say the least. This period has allowed us all to delve deep within us and to acknowledge fears that haven’t surfaced for the longest of times. All of us had to stay away from other people, were asked not to visit our families and this gave us the opportunity to learn new things every day. Besides affecting our personal lives and disrupting it completely, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a severe toll on the economic condition of the country too.

Several business models have been completely shattered because they were not able to sustain the uncertainties of the time. What is worse is that this is not over yet. Since there is no vaccine available in the market yet, we are bound to live our lives dictated by a new set of rules, involuntarily. This lockdown period has exposed the hidden vulnerabilities of big and small business ventures to the public. The losses that were incurred during this time will have to be recovered as soon as this nightmare is over. But of course, COVID-19 did not come with a date of expiry and we have no way of knowing for sure when things will get back to normal.

Looking at this scenario from a futuristic perspective, the students of today will play a major role in stabilizing the country’s economy in the post-COVID business world. This year has been difficult for all students, especially the young minds studying Finance and Financial Planning. They will prove to be one of the pioneer economic drivers that will help restore balance to the ensuing precarious condition.

Students – The Greatest Sufferers

Why has it been difficult for the students of Finance and Financial Planning? Because like all other students, they have had an extremely rocky academic year. Not being able to go to college, learn in a formal and serious environment and losing focus from the curriculum are some of the expected challenges they have had to face. Things are worse for those students who were supposed to graduate from their colleges this year. There are certain things that you learn specifically in your last year, which widens your perspective of the real business world.

Considering all the negatives of the coronavirus pandemic, how can the students of Finance prepare themselves for a post-COVID world? It is not as difficult as it seems. Being a student of Financial Planning, you are well aware of the basics of risk analysis and its subsequent solution. All you need to do is speculate the kind of changes there might be in the business world after the virus has been properly dealt with. It should not come off as a surprise that many companies and banks that you were planning to work with have frozen the recruitment process. Hiring new candidates during these troubled times would only mean extra expenses for the recruiting company. Rest assured, after things get back to normal, recruiters will be hunting for fresh aspirants for many jobs.

Skills Students Should Nurture for a Post-COVID Business World

It is quite obvious that the ongoing situation might have taken its toll on the students of Finance and Financial Planning, like everyone else. The job market is not stable at the moment, but with time, it will regain its normalcy. While recruitment may have been stopped for the time being, no one can stop you from dreaming and realizing your dreams. If you have the skills and the knowledge, you can start your professional career independently. Though it isn’t going to be an easy journey to be an independent financial expert, if you have confidence you can achieve the impossible.

All you need to do is evaluate your skills and honestly introspect about your options. Below we shall be talking about few things that you need to keep in mind in case you are planning to go solo.

The Future Is Digital

As we limit human contact to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus, there is only one way for us to carry out our daily activities and jobs. We have officially entered the Digital Age and it is mandatory for you to learn everything about it. If you are planning to become a freelancer, you will need to be able to use the digital medium to your advantage. From connecting with clients online, to participating in online meetings, to submitting proposals to multiple vendors, you will need to know how everything is done digitally.

If until now you were banking on your inter-personal communication skills to take your further, you will now need to be able to use the digital ecosystem for communication. As a finance student, you may have ignored the importance of digital communication until now, but you cannot ignore it any longer.

You may need to learn how to use multiple applications like a pro. Remember since you are going to freelance as an independent professional, very few will treat you as a newcomer. No one will tolerate incompetence and lack of understanding. That’s the reason you should use this time at home to brush up your skills, understand the nuances of the financial industry and begin working as a pro.

You have already studied marketing management, statistics of business management, financial accounting, securities market, investment planning and a lot more. All you need to do now is figure out how these are digitally used. From now on, no one will be excused for not being digitally competent. This will be least expected from a youth who works as an independent professional. If you want to kick start your career on a high note, you must start the work today.

Ernst Raue had said that, “The digital revolution is marching on and entering every aspect of life.” This phrase holds true of the current pandemic situation that we find ourselves in. freelancers who wish to survive in the post-COVID world will have learn everything about digitization. Companies too will be looking to work with individuals who are digitally able to meet their requirements.

Build a Resume That Gets the Job Done

Once we enter a COVID-free world, there will be thousands and thousands of fresher with applications in their hands and dreams in their eyes waiting to fill in job vacancies. If you are going to be a part of that rat-race you must be prepared for a tough battle ahead. You can instead choose to become an independent professional with a shining degree in financial studies. But is the degree going to be enough? Will you be able to get desired projects simply with a degree? Well, no you won’t. In the professional world, work matters more than certificates. Of course your degree will give you an opening, but in the long run it is going to be your skills and hard work that’s going to take you forward.

But as a newcomer, taking only baby steps as an independent professional, how do you lure new clients? How do you convince them that you are up for the job? Since inter-personal communication isn’t going to work for the next few months (or years), you must rely on an impressive CV. This is the right time, amidst the ongoing lockdowns, for you to explore the numerous platforms that help freelancers find their desired job.

The first step, however, should be to create a LinkedIn page. LinkedIn isn’t merely another social media platform, but a powerhouse for job seekers and job creators. If you have an impressive page on this platform, follow your industry experts, comment on popular posts, interact with the bigwigs, you will get noticed far more easily. You will be surprised at how effective LinkedIn has proven to be a platform for youth like you.

Alternatively, you should also look for internships before going completely solo. Internships will not only strengthen your CV but also give you much-required exposure. If the placement cell of your college is able to provide you with an internship then there is nothing better. But for those who are not able to reap this benefit due to the prevailing conditions, do not lose hope. There are several platforms (such as LinkedIn) which can help you get an internship, both paid and unpaid. Since the financial crunch is for real this time, do not miss out on an unpaid internships too, at least if you are promised a certificate and letter of recommendation at the end.

There are other means of getting internships too. You can ask an acquaintance, family friend or even a business contact you met online. When you have completed a few internships and gained significant experience, your goal of being an independent professional in the post-COVID business world is closer than ever. Besides these benefits, you get hands-on experience of a work environment before you actually start working independently. This will play in your favor as you would already know how to behave in a professional setting, the importance of meeting deadlines will be an easier task and you would know the direction in which your career is taking you.

Flexibility is Strength

If you aspire to be an independent, self-sufficient and capable professional in the world after coronavirus, you must learn the art of adaptability. It is good to have solid principles and carry out a disciplined lifestyle. But being a flexible candidate will prove to be one of the most important criteria of making a successful career in a post-COVID world. The coronavirus pandemic has proved to us yet again that change is the only constant in the world. All the companies, banks, stock market, mutual fund undertakings, investment platforms and other such work environments will undergo a significant amount of change as soon as the country begins to unlock on a full scale. Businesses will likely favor working with independent professionals (such as you). Being prepared for a new working environment will work to your advantage.

You should not come off as a rigid and stubborn personality, someone who cannot adjust with the reshaping of the work environment. Sometimes, it might get necessary to perform certain tasks that were not allocated to you initially. If you come across as someone who can adapt to trying situations and understand the precarious nature of a new work environment, you will be much sought after.

Since there is a very narrow scope of going to the office physically, your decision to work as a freelancer might just be the right one. Undoubtedly, it will be a difficult process and you might feel you are doing more than you signed up for. But it is crucial to remember that as we will move from this impossible time to the post-COVID world, a time will come when everything will work smoothly as it did before.

In the words of Jessica Hagedorn, “Adaptability is the simple secret of survival.” Being a flexible person will only help you survive the difficult period of time that will be posed after the coronavirus is dealt with. But does being flexible necessarily mean you get to be inefficacious in your job? Absolutely not. You might need to do some extra work and deal with unlikely scenarios but what should remain constant is your diligence and your professionalism.

There is no doubt about the fact that the coronavirus global epidemic situation has had a profound effect on our lives, altering it in ways we never expected. Our definition of normalcy has been changed as we adapt to the evolving conditions. But it is possible to look at the positive alterations made by the coronavirus pandemic. In the world post-COVID, all the work done will be of a sustainable nature to prevent any losses if such extreme conditions surface again. Being a professional in the world after coronavirus will be a completely different experience, but it does not need to be a distressing one.

Instead of learning new terms during this phase like ‘lockdown’, ‘quarantine’, ‘pandemic’, ‘social distancing’, ‘N-95’, you can actually spend this time learning new skills. This will help you sustain yourself in the world of professionals after COVID-19. Maintaining customer relations, expertise in risk management, remote working without much hassle, being an example of flexibility, being a player and getting the job done without breaching the deadline are the desirable attributes. As a student of Finance and Financial Planning, these are some of the most important skills you should develop if you want to foster your career as an independent professional in the post-COVID business world.

Finance Students Job Preparation Ideas in Times of Pandemic

It is not common for fresh graduates to be left in a lurch while they had planned a successful transition to becoming a working professional. Unfortunately that’s what the coronavirus pandemic has done to hundreds and thousands of students worldwide. The good news, however, is that all is not lost. The world hasn’t come to an end (and isn’t likely to), scientists are working overtime to develop a vaccine and many world economies are slowly limping back to normalcy.

Students are in a dilemma and that’s understandable. Until now they haven’t had to witness such tough times. Most read about past horrors in history text books never imagining that a global pandemic of this magnitude could befall on them. Covid-19 came suddenly. If in mid-December, 2019 people read stray news about a virus infecting people in a province called Wuhan in China, by March, 2020 many European countries were reporting escalated cases of people falling victim to this virus. Countries were left with no option but to declare a state of emergency. With little knowledge about the nature of the virus and only information available that the virus spread from person to person through touch or exposure to an infected person, most countries announced lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus.

In many countries lockdowns extended over weeks (and even months) putting economies in jeopardy. Numerous small and medium sized companies, both in organized and un-organized sectors, had to shut shop because of the looming uncertainties of the times. According to International Labour Organisation (ILO), SMEs are the major job creators and recruiters. With many of them shutting down, it has meant that there is a serious job crunch in the market. This is going to directly impacted fresh graduates who do have a degree but no experience to secure a job.

What Students Can Do Overcome These Challenging Times
There is no doubt that students studying or with a degree in professional course have been left in a lurch because of these prevailing conditions. For students with a financial background, especially those studying or having completed financial planning, must be prepared to fight a tough battle to secure their dream jobs. There is no use sugar-coating the reality for the young graduates – the journey ahead is tough. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Unlike the 2008 recession, this time all job opportunities haven’t closed. There are many sectors that are recruiting fresher even during the pandemic. The industries related to travel, tourism, hospitality, leisure and entertainment have suffered the greatest loss. Financial students can, for the time being, stay away from these industries and focus their attention on sectors related to banking, financial institutions, mutual funds, wealth management, tax/audit consulting, stock market, insurance and so on.

While it is natural to stress and worry about the coming days, it is important that students keep their morale high. Surfing too many news articles (most painting a grim picture) isn’t going to help. Though we are not suggesting you to stop following news, do not become obsessed to the point where you worry too much. Among the many things this pandemic has taught us, one has been to not lose hope. Mental illness in the form of depression, stress and anxiety have all been fallouts of the pandemic. Young minds have been most harshly been affected by stress because of the prevailing conditions. Constantly worrying about the uncertain future, helplessly looking for jobs and finding few windows of opportunities is adding to their worries.

It is important to overcome stress and look at the brighter side. Due to the persistent lockdowns and regulations, you now have the time to better yourself – to make yourself job worthy in every aspect. Use this time to prepare yourself for upcoming job interviews. Understand how the financial institutions work and how you can fit yourself in a lucrative position.

Ways to Become Job Ready in Times of Pandemic

Enhance Your Skills – A degree in financial planning means that you have taken the right step towards a fast-moving career. But is that good enough, especially when the world is struggling with a pandemic that has affected nearly 28 million people (and still counting)? The competition is going to get tougher in the coming days which means that you will have to fight harder for a job. Your degree in financial planning, though highly specialised, may not be enough. It is true that through the period of your education in financial planning you may have learnt a great deal and have had the opportunity to interact with industry experts, but you will need to put more on the table if you want a better job tomorrow.

You are likely to also have a professional CFPCM certification (which is offered along with most financial planning courses) but you must also ensure that you know enough about general ledger management, quantitative data analysis, financial management, data processing, cost analysis, cash flow management etc. If you don’t know any or even one of these, use this time at home to brush up your skills. Enrol in online courses, participate in webinars and attend online talk shows to expand your knowledge and vision.
In a post-COVID world, employers are likely to look for youth who have been pro-active during 2020, even while sitting at home. Just because you have been mandated to be home doesn’t mean you cannot learn, at least not anymore. You may have finished your graduation or post-graduation but there is no end to learning. Learn and enhance your skills.

Search for Online Internship– A professional degree in financial planning and financial analysis will take you a long way. But is a degree enough? Most certainly not. We have already spoken about the need to enhance your skills. While you do that, while you enrol in online courses and participate in webinars, you must also look for internships. Even if they are small gigs for a few weeks or months, don’t reject them. Internships will open your avenues, expose you to a professional work environment and also help you climb the rope of success. If you have already done summer/winter internships before, you will already know how beneficial they can be. But if you haven’t experienced it yet, now is a good time. Many companies, especially small finance-related firms may offer online internships for fresh graduates. Look up for such opportunities. Just because you are sitting at home doesn’t mean you cannot work.
Prepare an Attention-Grabbing CV– How do you reach recruiters? How do you convince them (without meeting them) that you are good at your job? Answers to these questions lie in a nicely done CV or curriculum vitae. Most first-time job seekers do not realise that a CV is a marketing tool that can turn your employment opportunities around. Not only must the CV list your academic qualifications and job experience but also explain why you are perfect for the job. Your CV must highlight your qualities (which shouldn’t be generic and run-of-the-mill) and must also include a personal summary.
Oftentimes you can get confused between a CV and a resume. Know and understand the difference. A resume is a one-page summary of your skills, qualification and experience. The idea behind a resume is to allow a recruiter to glance at the piece of paper and determine your value. A CV, on the other hand, is longer and detailed. Ideally, you should have both as you don’t know which may come to use when.
Grow Your Network – In today’s competitive job market, an average youth must have more than skills and academic qualification. You must know the right people to even get a job recommendation. In a post-COVID world this is going to assume even bigger importance. Once the pandemic reaches its far end and businesses start re-opening, you will find numerous job openings. But remember you will not be the only one looking for a job. The pandemic has rendered many jobless. They will be vying for the opportunities you had pinned your hopes on. The competition is going to get tougher. Use this time to know the right people within your industry. The best platform to expand your network is undoubtedly LinkedIn, though you could also explore other platforms. You will find numerous top-level financial executives posting, commenting, initiating dialogue and more. Participate and learn from these interactions.
Understand the Industry – You may have learnt spreadsheet, accounting and many other things abut finance while studying. However you have to acknowledge the demands of the changed times. 2020 changed so much around us that we don’t know what the ‘new normal’ will be like. This means that you will have to continuously expand your horizons to fit in. But how do you do that if you don’t know the dynamics of the industry? That’s why we suggest you to understand the finance industry before becoming a part of it. Read books on corporate culture, follow blogs or vlogs of established people, try to understand what works and will work in the future. Every industry is bringing in new policies to adapt to the changing times – from social distancing norms to work-from-home culture – everything is changing. Understand the change.
Work on Your Communication Skills – One of the least acknowledged skills for someone in the financial sector is communication skills. Most times financial experts must also possess good communication skills so as to explain jargons to a common man in simple words. Unfortunately not many realise the power of it. If until now you have neglected your interpersonal and communicative skills, don’t do that any longer. There are numerous courses available online on improving communication skills. Enrol and learn. You can also do it yourself by widening your horizons by reading lots of books and by practicing public speaking. Your communication skills will also determine how well or bad your interview goes. Work on your communication skills today.
Learn to Work Remotely – Among the many changes that happened in 2020, one is the culture of work-from-home. Until the pandemic, work-from-home was a flexible option offered by corporates to help their employees balance work and life. Today it has become a necessity. Tomorrow it is likely to become a norm. According to Global Workplace Analytics, 25-30% workforce will continue to work from home multiple days a week. Are you prepared to adapt to this change? Probably not, considering the fact that until now you have attended college, met your friends at cafes, watched movies in theatres and basically done most things outside of your homes. But the new work culture will demand you to sit at home, work from home which isn’t as easy as it sounds. Working from home will mean you must have the necessary gadgets and equipment in place. A laptop, mouse, keyword, a dedicated workplace is a must. You must also be able to work without distractions from family. So, before you apply for any job make sure you have these things in place.

Conclusion
In it’s early days, Covid-19 had brought the world to a standstill. Few months later, economies are slowly opening, businesses are re-starting and the world is still figuring out what the new normal will be like. As businesses and governments do their part in restoring normalcy (albeit a new kind), you must also play your part. As a finance student, it is your duty to be a future leader and help the world get back to its old days. If you want to do so successfully, you have to adapt, adopt, learn and grow. Dos not waste your time sitting at home. Do not lose hope. These are not going to help you further your career. There is no doubt that these are challenging times, but when has mankind not fought back and risen above all odds? If our ancestors have done it innumerable times, so can you.

You have the time right now, so utilize it in the best way possible. Do not while away your time right now only to regret later.

How to Align Career Goals in Finance in Post-COVID World

The abrupt and unpleasant onset of the coronavirus pandemic pushed a halt button over all of our lives, driving us into a state of acute uncertainty. The past few months have not been forgiving for anyone and have completely disrupted the way we have always led our lives. It has becoming especially difficult for students of finance who had a clear idea about their course work and had their career path mapped out in details. This uncertainty has given rise to an insane amount of stress and anxiety among the students who were in their final year, eagerly waiting to jump headlong into the big pool of business world. A large majority of students were cut off by the lockdown just before their semester examinations, or the beginning of the internship season.

The panic created by COVID-19 has left many youngsters susceptible to a variety of rash thoughts and doubt regarding their own capabilities. The biggest reason for this is because no one knows what the post-COVID world will look like, and this unpredictability creates room for confusion, insecurity and reservations about oneself. It should come as no surprise that the generation of today likes to know how things pan out, the intricate details of the procedure and words of wisdom or caution from individuals who have already experienced it. The coronavirus pandemic became the first exception to this as it came with no guidebook or expiry date.

It is no surprise that the economic condition of the country at large suffered substantially because of the extended lockdown period. Students of finance are too familiar with how this impacts them and their careers. Companies, banks and firms have all reduced their intake capacity at the moment, in order to recover the losses over the past unproductive months. Many institutions that students of finance aim for have capped the hiring process temporarily. These distressing changes in the field of employment have given rise to irksome feelings among students and it is time they knew how to align their career paths in a world cured of COVID-19.

It is absolutely crucial to anticipate the kind of changes there may be in the post-COVID business world so that you can prepare themselves amply and appropriately. You may be aspiring to join as an investment banker, stockbroker or mutual fund advisor after your final semester of Financial Planning. While most of the process remains unclear, there are certain parts that we can still bank on. There are some skills that all employers look for and that would not change based on these unprecedented times. You need master these skills to be able to excel in the post-COVID world with the background of Finance and Financial Planning.

Remote Working
Considering the chaotic times we belong to now, it is safe to assume that the workforce will remain remote for a foreseeable future. None of the employers will be comfortable with having the new recruits roam about in the office space while feeling safe. As the vaccine is not yet in the market, it is likely that this epidemic condition will last for a while now. What you need to do is be prepared to work remotely, most likely from the confinement of your homes. This requires you to get the appropriate set-up ready before you sit for the interviews. A working laptop or computer, stable internet connection and a space where you will not be disturbed by other family members or roommates.

For the students of Finance or Financial Planning, the job will, in all probability, involve sitting in front of the laptop screen for hours. It would play in your favor if you have ample practice from now on. This will eliminate obvious health issues like straining the eyes, developing a back pain and other discomforts.

The fact that you might not be able to physically meet your co-workers, colleagues, boss, clients and other members of the office can seem a bit worrying, challenging even. It is quite difficult to work with a set of strangers virtually, for hours. You should prepare yourself for all aspects of remote working because this will most definitely be a pre-requisite by employers in the post-COVID business world.

Grasp on technology
It quite logically follows the fact that you need to work digitally that you need to have a firm grasp of basic technology. COVID-19 has assured us of one thing and that is companies will now fast-track on to digital transformation. This will necessitate the employees to be tech-savvy and this will prove to be one of their biggest assets in the time to come. As a student of Finance, you were not taught a very technical course in your semesters which makes it all the more important for you now. Employers and interviewers will be more interested in a candidate who know their way around some technical stuff. This will ensure them of the fact that the particular candidate can get started without much supervision and guidance.

No doubt there will be an IT team backing you up, it is still better to be prepared for the likely scenarios than remaining held up for someone to help you. What you can do is start with a course that will teach you the technical aspects while you are sitting at home in lockdown. It is only a few hours off your daily schedule but it will help you in the long run. The best part of these technical courses is that you do not need to go anywhere physically and you will learn equally well. With a background in financial studies, you are no stranger to studying hard and learning new things with the same diligence. Most applications and websites that offer these courses are extremely user friendly, coupled with the fact that the courses are easy and the tutors available know how to make the technical stuff simple for newcomers.

Determination and Dependency
These are not skills that you can learn from an application or any other digital platform. These are qualities that you nurture on your own and these will take you a long way in every profession you choose. Each and every employer will be looking for a candidate who can assure them with their determination to work hard and never give up. This proves that you will be one of the dependable resources among all of your co-workers.

One of the best ways to cultivate the habit of determination is to hold on to something you want dearly and fight for it till you actually have it. This incredibly trying period of time has taken its toll on the best of us. It is very easy to give up on your career goals based on the increasing uncertainty that is surrounding your employment opportunities. You need to remain focused on your goal and hang on till you reach it. It would be very counter productive if you gave up on a career in finance after investing years learning tricks of the trade. Yes, the times are hard but that should not deter you from your career objective. Being honest to your goals will only prove you to be a focused and dependable individual, a more likely candidate to be hired.

Flexibility and Adaptability
After studying Finance and Financial Planning for graduation and maybe post-graduation, you are quite clear on how career opportunities will unfold once you are done with college. But this year marks the biggest exception as everything well-planned and thought through went for a toss. You have officially entered the first hiccup of your career, and it is in your hands how you deal with it. It is important for you to able to be flexible with the changes around you, and more than that, adapt to them without much hassle. The way you are handling things on your end, within the four walls of your home, will define how calm and collected you will be once the job starts.

You must be well aware of the workplaces of the companies, firms, banks and other institutions that you were going to apply to. In keeping with the unpredictability of the coronavirus pandemic, it is obvious that all workplaces are going through continuous changes now. In the post-COVID business world, employers will be more interested in job applicants who show signs of being a flexible, humble and adaptable individual.

You have to remember that it is going to be a new experience for both you and your employer in the post-COVID world. There will be minor changes every now and then, you must be willing to accept them and work with them to avoid any delays or miss any deadlines. An attitude that reeks of rigidity and stubbornness will not be appreciated in such dire times. If there comes a time where you are faced with a challenge at work, which might not even be yours to begin with, you need to show the yielding nature to contribute any help to prevent any bumps on the road.

A “can do” attitude is what employers will be looking for after this deadly virus is dealt with properly. It is however important to remember the fact that, just because you are willing to be adaptable and flexible, does not necessarily entail that you have the liberty to be inefficient. This flexibility is a requisite till the institution works like a well-oiled machinery all over again. It is essential for you to lead with a mindset that keeps evolving and you shall face no trouble adapting to your new workplace.

Professional Maturity
One of the most important life lessons taught by the coronavirus pandemic is the importance of maturity to deal with the ever-changing scenario. Being upset with how things are now is fair, but pondering over it and being unproductive is not the way to move ahead. Maturity is defined when you accumulate information, absorb it, process it and find a way to deal with it. In the words of Bharadwaj Karthikeyan, “Maturity does not mean age. It means sensitivity, manners and how you react to it.” Similarly, professional maturity is when you respect the opinions and inputs of your co-workers from diversified backgrounds, without the need to be biased. It is the ability to reach a decision unanimously, instead of being driven by compelling emotions or instincts. It can be expected of employers to select an interviewee who shows signs of professional maturity.

From the current work from home scenario around the country now, it can be deduced that it is difficult to manage one’s own time table when dealing with a team and deadlines. It is crucial to maintain a level of efficiency and productivity from a day’s work keeping aside all the personal activities, commitments, challenges and emotions. There are some tips that will help you develop this quality for the post-COVID business world. You must have a professional attitude and support the decisions of your colleagues or employer. You must be diligent with your work. If there was a mistake made from your end, you should take responsibility for it. You should always dress formally to avoid any unprofessional advances. Most importantly, you must communicate in a professional manner. That involves clear enunciation, maintenance of poise once your idea is challenged and the ability to listen to your co-workers attentively.

There is no hiding the reality that the job market is difficult, even for high-scoring students of Finance and Financial Planning. In such challenging times, it is the expertise in these skills that will help you acquire your career goals. The struggle is inevitable, but it can be made less intensive than expected if you learn how to align your career path once the dangerous coronavirus pandemic leaves the face of Earth. You have been limited to the comfort of your home for months now. As students of Finance, you must make correct use of this time and avoid the slag in your employment opportunities.

Guide to Success: How to Be an Investment Banker?

How to Be an Investment Banker?: The banking sector has been one of the best sources of employment for students of finance and commerce in India for the last three decades. With the Indian economy opening up in the 1990s and increase of education and urbanization, the demand for banking services has grown exponentially.

Along with the fast-growing aspirational middle class in the country, there have been increased penetrations of banks and NBFCs into India’s hinterland. The opening up of private banking institutions and embracing digital technology has brought down the percentage of unbanked population in the country drastically which was among the highest in the world only a decade ago.

Table Of Content

How to Be an Investment Banker?
Why Investment Banking Is A Lucrative Career Option?
What Does An Investment Banker Do?
Where Does An Investment Banker Work?
Educational Requirements
Certified Financial Planner^CM (CFP)
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)
Importance Of Internships
What Are The Salary Trends?

How to Be an Investment Banker?

The banking sector in India offers a variety of job opportunities for individuals with an aptitude for commerce and finance. Bank jobs are suitable for those people who like to work in a traditional, stable and secure environment.

There are a number of banking jobs available today like equity trader, branch manager, bank teller, loan officer, underwriter and credit analyst among others. These traditional roles in the banking industry have seen their heydays and aren’t likely to grow manifold with increased digitization.

One of the roles that are likely to generate maximum employment in the coming years in that of Investment Bankers. It is one of the most talked-about job profiles in India’s banking industry as of now.

As a student of the Commerce Stream or one who is looking for an opportunity in the banking sector, you are likely to have heard about Investment Banking. But there are misconceptions about Investment Bankers.

They aren’t necessarily the witty, suave, jet flying and Lamborghini driving financial advisors as the media tends to often portray them. If you don’t see any of these qualities in yourself and don’t have all the glamor quotient of a Wall Street professional, you can still dream about becoming an investment banker.

Good knack in finance and attention to detail is what’s required for a person to succeed in this role.

Related Article: CFP Course

Why Investment Banking Is A Lucrative Career Option?

Yes, the salaries are lucrative and the job role sounds appealing. But there is more to a career in investment banking that is attracting thousands of young Indians to this job.

As the country moves from the era of the controlled business environment to a more competitive free-market era, most people are looking beyond traditional means of savings and investments. Bank deposits and real estate aren’t the best bet for every Indian anymore.

They are looking to diversify their investments and this is where the role of an investment banker is growing in importance. They are sought out by everyone from middle-class working professionals to HNI individuals and institutional investors.

But given the diverse role that Investment bankers have to play in their day to day job it is certainly an increasingly competitive career path, but has equally if not more rewarding and advantageous opportunities.

If you are one who has vague knowledge about the roles and work profile of an investment banker or the educational qualifications required to be one, you are not alone.

It is still a new role in the context of India and here in this write-up, we shall look at all that you need to know about the job profile, qualification, and expected salaries.

Related Article: CFP Course

What Does An Investment Banker Do?

The primary job of an investment banker towards his clients, be it an individual, an organization or the government, is to help them wisely and prudently invest their money.

They have to work impartially and judiciously towards raising funds for individuals, organizations and capital markets. They have an intermediary role between different companies that need to raise capital funds, by primarily dispensing securities and working closely with investors who have the mind to provide with money in lieu of certain security and reliability.

Herein the Investment Banker focuses on suggesting the right investment paths to clients based on their goals, the tenure of their investments and risk appetite.

They have an advisory role to play within a company, guiding them towards issuing bonds and stocks. Most clients allow them to buy or sell stocks, bonds and other financial instruments on their behalf because of their incredible knowledge about it.

An investment banker also helps in underwriting, which is a process that allocates securities to various investors. Their advisory role extends to the facilitation of mergers as well as acquisitions.

They relate to both the parties involved in the prospects of possible transactions. It is also their job to locate potential buyers who will help in raising funds for the organizations they work with.

Related Article: CFA Level 1

Where Does An Investment Banker Work?

There are several businesses apart from the traditional banks that have been hiring Investment Bankers. Based on your qualifications and preferences you can choose to work with one of the following businesses –

Banks
Mutual Funds
Brokerage Firms
Wealth Management Firms
Estate Planning Firms
Brokerage Firms
Information Technology Firms

Educational Requirements

Investment banking requires some specific educational qualifications to have a successful career. While the career role is open to most students who take up Commerce and Finance having a bachelor’s degree like BBA in Financial Planning will help in becoming an entry-level analyst. Masters in Financial Planning or Masters in Financial Analysis and other master’s degree will help in reaching the mid-level and senior staff in this career path. These are the courses that most students aspiring to become an Investment Banker opt for. There are dozens of institutes in India that offer these courses. The idea behind choosing a course is to graduate with a specialization in Finance.

However, if you are looking to rise up in the competitive pyramid and work with the top Investment Banking companies in India and abroad there are two courses that you should aim for – Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Financial Analyst (CFA). These qualifications are rare in India and they are recognized throughout the world. Below are the insights on these programs:

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

It was one of the most sought after qualifications in the Investment Banking industry. The biggest advantage of this program is the fact that it is globally recognized and allows you to apply for Investment Banking jobs with the top financial intuitions around the world. This is a certification program that is offered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) based in the United States and few other organizations that have earned the affiliation from the affiliated with Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) outside the United States. This is perhaps the most recognized certification program for Investment Bankers with only the best students of finance making the cut and earning their certification.

In India, the certification program is conducted by the Financial Planning Standards Board – India (FPSB). There are several modules in this program and they are:

Introduction To Financial Planning
Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning
Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits
Investment Planning
Tax Planning & Estate Planning
Advanced Financial Planning

With little more than two thousand professionals in India holding a CFP license there is a great demand for candidates with CFP license in the Investment Banking industry. Most students aspiring for this certification take it after their graduation through students who have completed that 10+2 are also eligible for the CFP program. It is mandatory for you to have the NCFM Id which is conferred by NSE Academy.

Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

This is another globally recognized certification program that gives wings to your career if you are aspiring to be an Investment Banker. This certification program is conducted by the US-based CFA Institute. This is a highly recognized designation in the field of finance and the fact that there are just about 150000 professionals around the world possessing this charter talks about the novelty of this qualification. Top Mutual Funds, Brokerages, Risk Management Firms, etc. are always in the lookout for professionals with the CFA charter.

The CFA Institute in India conducts this CFA Exam. This program covers several modules that will help you in your role as an Investment Banker. These include:

Ethical and Professional Standards
Quantitative Methods
Corporate Finance
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Economics
Equity Investments
Alternative Investments
Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning

Candidates aspiring to earn this charter need to complete their graduation and have a minimum of two years of work experience to sign up for this course. It is a long term program that takes two and a half years to complete the course. There are three levels of the CFA Exam that candidates need to clear to earn their charter.

If you wish to get into a high paying job role in the Investment Banking industry possessing these qualifications will improve your scope. These will help you understand your duties and rewarding career opportunities. If you have already completed your Masters, they are still worth the extra effort as you will be able to earn your charter alongside other courses.

Importance Of Internships

You must engage yourself in internships to get hands-on experience in this field. It will become easier for you to relate to your course when you get to apply theoretical concepts in real-life situations. Internships will help you advance as an investment banker because it will build a solid background for your career. The people you meet during this phase might have a role to play in your future and that is why you must sharpen your networking skills. It is always better to know where your career choice will lead you.

Having practical experience in the real world of finance outside your course books is immensely necessary. You will get the prior knowledge about what skills you need to excel in order to advance in your career. If you leave a good impression in the company you are interning with, you might get offered a job as an analyst right after your graduation. Nonetheless, it will help you prepare for job interviews and the recruiters will automatically get to know you have gained some experience through your internships.

What Are The Salary Trends?

This is perhaps what concerns you the most when we talk about the job of an Investment Banker. Given all the labor and educational qualifications, it takes one to be an Investment Banker in India the salaries are lucrative. The average salary for a fresher in this industry in India is between the 6 and 8 lakh per annum mark with the lower end of the spectrum being close to the 4 lakhs per annum.

Masters in Finance or similar specialization will increase your odds of landing up in a job with a reputable organization. Those who enter into this field with a CFA or CFP qualification can hope to earn in the upward of 10-12 lakhs per annum as their starting salary as financial institutions such as Banks, Mutual Funds and Wealth Management firms are in the lookout for professionals with this rare qualification.

With the demand for Investment Bankers increasing across the board this job profile also offers you good growth opportunities and most Invest Bankers can double their income within 3-5 years. At the top of the pyramid Investment Bankers in India also land up in job roles that pay them in the upward of 10 million rupees annually which is among the highest any person in the financial industry can hope to earn.

As you move up the chain in terms of your experience and professional skills you also have the opportunity or exploring an independent career in this field. Seasoned Investment Bankers often don the role of Wealth Planners working with their clients directly and independently.

To sum up, Investment Banking is one of the most lucrative career options for Indian students in the commerce stream. This industry is expected to grow manifold in India as the economy grows and the percentage of the population in the middle-income group grows in India. If you are interested in a career in the banking industry and love to deal with Finance this is surely one of the sunshine sectors that you can’t take your eyes off.