Latest news with #CFAInstitute
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
More Indian grads feel job-ready than Americans: What's fuelling their confidence?
Indian graduates are stepping into the job market with a level of confidence that clearly eclipses their American peers. A staggering 87% of Indian students and graduates say they feel prepared to launch their careers, compared to just 72% in the United States, according to the Graduate Outlook Survey 2025 by the CFA Institute—the global body known for setting benchmarks in financial education. But this isn't just about optimism. It reflects deeper contrasts in how young professionals across countries are experiencing university life, interpreting employer demands, and defining what it means to be truly job-ready. The trigger behind the confidence The survey—drawing responses from over 10,000 students and early-career professionals across 21 countries—highlights a fundamental shift: Today's graduates care far less about grades and brand-name universities, and far more about real-world experience and marketable skills. Top contributors to job confidence include: • Relevant skills (50%) • Work experience (47%) • Internships and professional networks (34%) Meanwhile, traditional academic credentials are losing ground. Just 28% of respondents cited grades, and 25% pointed to university reputation as key to job readiness. Credentials over degrees? Graduates think so The global job market's appetite for applied skills is leading many students to rethink the value of traditional degrees. In fact, 60% of respondents now believe industry certifications are more valuable than postgraduate degrees. Certifications like the CFA Charter, which offers sector-specific credentials with international recognition, are increasingly seen as pathways to competitive advantage in a skills-first economy. It's a sign of the times: theory alone no longer cuts it. A global snapshot and where India stands India's performance stands out—not just against the U.S., but against much of the developed world. Only China (92%), Brazil (89%), Saudi Arabia (89%), and Singapore (88%) reported higher levels of confidence. Countries such as the UK (71%) and Canada (79%) were notably lower than India. These figures reflect growing career optimism among graduates in emerging economies, many of whom report higher confidence in their readiness to enter the workforce compared to peers in some of the world's most developed higher education systems. The bigger picture The Graduate Outlook Survey 2025 offers timely insight for educators and employers aiming to support the next generation of professionals. As graduates increasingly prioritise practical skills, certifications and hands-on experience, academic institutions may benefit from embedding more career-aligned training into their programs. Strengthening access to industry exposure, professional guidance and skills-based pathways could further reinforce the confidence students report globally. For employers, the findings reflect a talent pool that is increasingly prepared to contribute from day one. Hiring strategies that recognise diverse forms of preparedness, whether through internships, certification programs or demonstrated skill sets, may align better with how graduates today define employability. In a competitive hiring environment, these adjustments could support both recruitment outcomes and long-term workforce development. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Gurvinder Singh Wasan, CFA, Senior Fund Manager, Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund
With over two decades in fixed income, this Mumbai-born CA and CFA charterholder now leads multiple debt and hybrid funds at Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund. His strategy blends macro insights with tactical moves. The real drive? Earning investors' trust and delivering alpha while ensuring safety and liquidity. Let's start with your personal story Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How did you land this job? Which funds are you currently managing? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is your investment philosophy, and how would you describe your investment strategy? What gives you the kick while managing other people's money? I am a Mumbai boy, born and brought up in a joint family of businessmen. I have completed a Master's in Commerce and am a Chartered Accountant by qualification. In addition, I am a CFA charter holder from the CFA Institute, USA.I have been working in the fixed income industry for about 21 years now. All my previous roles have been great learning curves, where I had the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues, talented subordinates, and enthusiastic is a small industry where most professionals in the investment segment know each other. I would say I was at the right place at the right time, and was fortunate to land my current role as Senior Fund Manager with Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund Prior to this, I was associated as a Senior Fund Manager and Credit Analyst with JM Financial Mutual Fund. Before that, I was part of Principal Mutual Fund, where I had my longest stint. I have also worked as a structured finance analyst at CRISIL and ICICI Bank I have been entrusted with a diverse mix of funds that stimulate my interest and enhance my professional profile. On the duration side, we manage Gilt and Dynamic Bond Funds. On the shorter end of the curve, there are Ultra Short Term and Low Duration Funds. In the mid-tenor segment, we have Short Term and Corporate Bond Funds. We also manage a Credit Risk Fund with a credit the hybrid front, I manage Balanced Advantage, Conservative Hybrid, Aggressive Hybrid, Equity Savings, and Retirement Funds. Additionally, I handle Fund of Funds schemes such as the Multi Asset Fund of Fund, as well as passive offerings like the Nifty SDL and Gold investment philosophy combines a top-down macro approach with a core-tactical strategy. We closely track macroeconomic indicators and, based on our assessment, determine a suitable duration profile for each mutual fund this framework, we construct a core portfolio and aim to generate alpha through tactical allocations, which we actively manage to take advantage of market opportunities. Overall, our mandate is to prioritize safety and liquidity while consistently seeking alpha real kick lies in being entrusted with the responsibility of managing someone's hard-earned savings. That trust itself is a powerful driving force.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Gurvinder Singh Wasan, CFA, Senior Fund Manager, Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund
Let's start with your personal story I am a Mumbai boy, born and brought up in a joint family of businessmen. I have completed a Master's in Commerce and am a Chartered Accountant by qualification. In addition, I am a CFA charter holder from the CFA Institute, USA. How did you land this job? I have been working in the fixed income industry for about 21 years now. All my previous roles have been great learning curves, where I had the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues, talented subordinates, and enthusiastic peers. This is a small industry where most professionals in the investment segment know each other. I would say I was at the right place at the right time, and was fortunate to land my current role as Senior Fund Manager with Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund . Best MF to invest Looking for the best mutual funds to invest? Here are our recommendations. View Details » Prior to this, I was associated as a Senior Fund Manager and Credit Analyst with JM Financial Mutual Fund. Before that, I was part of Principal Mutual Fund, where I had my longest stint. I have also worked as a structured finance analyst at CRISIL and ICICI Bank . Which funds are you currently managing? I have been entrusted with a diverse mix of funds that stimulate my interest and enhance my professional profile. On the duration side, we manage Gilt and Dynamic Bond Funds. On the shorter end of the curve, there are Ultra Short Term and Low Duration Funds. In the mid-tenor segment, we have Short Term and Corporate Bond Funds. We also manage a Credit Risk Fund with a credit play. Live Events On the hybrid front, I manage Balanced Advantage, Conservative Hybrid, Aggressive Hybrid, Equity Savings, and Retirement Funds. Additionally, I handle Fund of Funds schemes such as the Multi Asset Fund of Fund, as well as passive offerings like the Nifty SDL and Gold ETFs. What is your investment philosophy, and how would you describe your investment strategy? My investment philosophy combines a top-down macro approach with a core-tactical strategy. We closely track macroeconomic indicators and, based on our assessment, determine a suitable duration profile for each mutual fund scheme. Within this framework, we construct a core portfolio and aim to generate alpha through tactical allocations, which we actively manage to take advantage of market opportunities. Overall, our mandate is to prioritize safety and liquidity while consistently seeking alpha generation. What gives you the kick while managing other people's money? The real kick lies in being entrusted with the responsibility of managing someone's hard-earned savings. That trust itself is a powerful driving force.
CNBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
These college majors have the best job prospects — and they aren't what students expect
For many students, majoring in finance is a proven pathway to a well-paying career and job security. In fact, U.S. graduates believe that finance offers the best career prospects overall, considering today's economic climate, according to a new survey by the CFA Institute, a non-profit focused on financial education. The group polled more than 9,000 current college students and recent graduates between the ages of 18 and 25. While confidence about career prospects in finance increased over the past year, confidence decreased in other areas including STEM and healthcare, the CFA Institute also found. However, finance ranks well behind many other majors when it comes to employment opportunities after college, other data shows. More from Personal Finance:Trump aims to slash Pell GrantsStudent loan borrowers face 'default cliff', report findsWhat the endowment tax in Trump's megabill may mean for college "For me, a career in finance represents a pivot to stability," said Rafael Perez, 29, who is pursuing a Master of Science degree in finance at California State University in Sacramento. "I've been a creative my entire life, so discovering my affinity for finance was a relief in a sense." Perez says he still experiences some pushback from his peers. "When I tell people I'm getting an MS in finance, they often jokingly call me a 'finance bro,'" he said. "Despite the negative connotations of the phrase, it also reflects an expectation of financial success and prestige." Students and their families are paying more attention to which college majors are most likely to pay off, and are putting greater emphasis on a degree's return on investment, according to Peter Watkins, CFA Institute's senior director of university programs. "There's an awareness from students that they have to make sure the degrees will make them work-ready," he said. As young adults enter the real world, they are facing an increasingly tight labor market. According to a recent analysis of labor market conditions for recent college graduates by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, job opportunities "deteriorated noticeably in the first quarter of 2025." Among this group, the unemployment rate jumped to 5.8% — the highest reading since 2021. Although finance majors had higher salaries compared to most other majors, grads with nutrition, art history and philosophy degrees all outperformed both finance and STEM fields when it comes to employment prospects, the New York Fed found. For finance and computer science, the unemployment rate in those fields was 3.7% and 6.1%, respectively. By comparison, the unemployment rate for art history majors was 3%, and for nutritional sciences, the unemployment rate was just 0.4%, the New York Fed found. After notching significant gains since 2020, the rise of computer science majors came to a near standstill this year, other reports show, fueled by concerns that artificial intelligence is rapidly taking over jobs in the field. Economics majors also fared worse than majors such as theology and philosophy when it came to the employment rates for recent college graduates, according to the New York Fed. Philosophy majors have an unemployment rate of 3.2%, for example, and for economics, it's 4.9%. The New York Fed's report was based on Census data from 2023 and unemployment rates of recent college graduates. The disconnect between the New York Fed's outcomes by major and the CFA survey findings — which is based on perceptions — is likely due in part to societal expectations, particularly from parents, Watkins said. "It may possibly be parental guidance, as in, 'go for business,'" he said. Meanwhile, demand for humanities majors is on the rise, and with good reason. At a conference last year, Robert Goldstein, the chief operating officer of BlackRock, the world's biggest money manager, said the firm was adjusting its hiring strategy for recent grads. "We have more and more conviction that we need people who majored in history, in English, and things that have nothing to do with finance or technology," Goldstein said. This demand for liberal arts degrees is fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence, which drives the need for creative thinking and so-called soft skills. "It's a bit of a gold rush in AI, people who are adopting quickly are going to succeed quickly," Watkins said.
Mint
09-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
85 percent Indian Graduates Prefer Industry Certifications for Better Jobs - CFA Institute Survey 2025
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Business Wire India 87 percent of Indian graduates are confident about their career prospects, with finance and certifications seen as key drivers of success 68 percent believe certifications are more valuable than postgraduate degrees for career growth 38 percent of Indian graduates rank finance as their top career choice, ahead of IT and education CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, released new insights from a survey of over 9,000 university students and recent graduates across India and 10 other global markets on their career confidence, sector preferences, and the growing role of professional certifications in shaping future-ready finance careers. The survey explores evolving attitudes toward career choices, education pathways, and employer expectations amid a dynamic job market. Certifications Outpace Postgraduate Degrees in Career Value 85 percent of Indian graduates say certifications have directly improved their employability or earnings, while 68 percent believe certifications offer better career progression than a postgraduate degree. These insights reflect a clear shift toward flexible, outcome-driven learning aligning with CFA Institute mission to provide rigorous, practice-oriented finance education. 'The insights clearly show a generation that is not only confident but also deliberate in the way they approach career growth,' commented Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head, CFA Institute, India. 'The consistently growing preference for finance and the trust placed in certifications highlight a skills-first mindset among Indian graduates. As expectations from employers evolve, we remain committed to equipping future professionals with the tools, values, and global perspective needed to lead with integrity in the financial world.' Finance: The Sector of Choice for Indian Graduates The survey reveals that finance tops the list of career preferences among Indian graduates, with 38 percent expressing the most confidence in this sector, followed by IT (32 percent) and education (21 percent). This strong preference reflects the sector's perceived stability, growth potential, and global relevance in India's expanding economy. With increasing demand for skilled finance professionals, those equipped with globally recognized certifications are well-positioned to thrive. India's Emerging Workforce Is AI-Confident and Career-Driven 92 percent feeling confident about using AI tools in the workplace and more than half actively seeking employers that offer AI training, the cohort is embracing technological change as a career enabler. Interest in AI careers has also seen a steady rise growing from 59 percent in 2024 to 63 percent this year, while enthusiasm for roles in digital marketing and web development has waned. This reflects a decisive pivot towards more future-aligned fields, driven by both awareness and adaptability. When asked what matters most in securing jobs today, graduates cited soft skills (64 percent) and AI skills (56 percent) as more valuable than academic grades or institutional reputation. Global Exposure, Local Commitment While nearly two-thirds of Indian graduates are still considering studying abroad, a notable 67 percent say they would prefer to return to India for employment, with 87 percent showing strong confidence in their career prospects. This signals a growing desire to blend global learning with domestic opportunity, a trend that reflects rising confidence in India's economic and professional landscape. Digital Platforms Redefining Career Exploration Indian graduates are increasingly embracing digital platforms to navigate their career journeys. Nearly half use social media to explore real-life career paths (46 percent) and build their professional presence (46 percent), while 37 percent leverage it for networking opportunities. Trust in digital guidance is also rising—83 percent feel confident relying on AI assistants for financial advice, and 74 percent trust insights from social media influencers, highlighting a growing reliance on tech-driven support. Trusted human advisors remain the preferred choice, but other options are also highly valued in India The findings also emphasize crucial implications for financial service providers seeking to engage effectively with the next generation in India, specifically the continued importance of trust in financial guidance. An overwhelming majority of Indian graduates (91 percent) place the highest trust in human financial advisors for sound financial advice. Indian graduates also show substantial reliance on other resources. Friends and family are highly trusted (83 percent), as are AI assistants like ChatGPT (83 percent). Online financial education resources are also significantly relied upon (75 percent). Robo-advisors and social media, influencers, or creators trail slightly behind, trusted by 74 percent and 71 percent of Indian graduates, respectively. 'Over the last few years, we have seen increased interest in finance as a career choice,' said Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute. 'That is reassuring. At CFA Institute, we believe finance serves an essential role in society and needs more committed young people to enter the field to help address the many societal challenges we face. That 93 percent of graduates globally express a desire to pursue a career that positively impacts society is inspiring and gives me hope for the future of the profession.' More information on the 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey results can be found here. As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors' interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 10 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at or follow us on LinkedIn and X at @CFAInstitute. About the 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey The 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey was fielded via an online survey from March 28-April 22, 2025, by Dynata with a sample of 9,023 respondents studying for a bachelor's degree or higher, or who have graduated with a bachelor's degree or higher within the last three years aged 18-25. Respondents were from India, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States. The India sample included 1,250 respondents currently studying for or holding a bachelor's degree or higher, having graduated within the last three years. Click here for Media Contact Details Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
