EDITOR: How did you first hear about CFA Institute and the CFA Program?

DI MICHELE: My initial exposure to [then] AIMR and the CFA examination came about through my work at UBS in February 1999. At that time, we were a young organization in Italy and most of my colleagues were preparing for the June examination. My prior work experience at Italian banks had led me to join the Associazione Italiana degli Analisti Finanziari (AIAF) or the Italian Association of Financial Analysts. Although the AIAF is a well-known and respected institution in Italy, I was looking for an internationally recognized program.

EDITOR: Please briefly describe your current position with UBS.

DI MICHELE: I am currently the director of advisory services to private clients within Wealth Management Italy. I manage a group of individuals who provide advisory services to high-net-worth individuals. I also serve as a member of the committee that develops the investment process for the products and services group in Italy.

EDITOR: What are the fun parts of your job?

DI MICHELE: I would definitely say that client relationship management is the best part of my job. To understand the needs of clients and provide them with “best-of-breed” practices, many times has much more to do with interpersonal skills than with financial prowess.

EDITOR: What knowledge gained from the CFA Program do you use in your day-to-day business activities?

DI MICHELE: It reminds me that in all financial decisions there must be method and risk awareness. The portfolio management curricula are part of my daily job as I am managing private wealth.

EDITOR: You earned the charter in just three years. Can you remember any particular strategies or tactics that got you through the three CFA exams?

DI MICHELE: I can’t think of any particular strategies; however, I would recommend that candidates start preparation early, thoroughly review the materials, and find a study partner. Fortunately, UBS organizes study groups to assist its employees in their preparation for the CFA examinations. My final recommendation would be to dedicate the last month to practical exercises and exam techniques.

EDITOR: For someone considering the CFA Program, what can you offer as the most compelling reason to pursue the CFA charter?

DI MICHELE: The vast and complete Body of Knowledge of the CFA charter is the best way to obtain a detailed understanding of skills and knowledge required to succeed in the investment management industry today. It also serves as an excellent self-analysis tool to help young people gain a complete understanding of their strengths and weaknesses in the field of portfolio management.

EDITOR: Was it worth the effort to earn your CFA charter? If yes, can you explain how?

DI MICHELE: The CFA charter is an “international passport” that financial institutions around the world recognize and respect. It is a symbol of preparation and knowledge that can help open doors all over the world. This of course must be coupled with one’s own skills and qualifications.

EDITOR: What did you learn from the CFA Program that you would not have learned any place else?

DI MICHELE: Two words: ethics and method. These are the best values of the CFA charter.

EDITOR: What have you gained from the experience of being a volunteer with the Italian Society of Investment Professionals (ISIP)?

DI MICHELE: While serving on the Board of ISIP I have learned to effectively manage and balance member needs, providing value-added services while adhering to budgetary constraints. My experience on the board of ISIP has presented me with an opportunity to challenge myself. More specifically, understanding the needs of members and providing them with the value-added services required is a constant challenge, especially considering our budgetary constraints.

EDITOR: Any other information or insight you'd like to pass along to prospective and future charterholders?

DI MICHELE: Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed or discouraged by the amount of studying necessary to pass the exam because, in the end, you will be repaid in full.