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Career conversations: A blueprint for success in private equity

Sungho
Published 21 Feb 2024

Sungho Ha, CFA, was inspired to pursue a career in finance after visiting Wall Street as a university student. Now working as an Investment Manager, he credits the CFA® Program with helping him to achieve his goal. Watch Sungho’s career story. 

    Back when I was a university student, I traveled to Manhattan by myself. The sight of Wall Street was majestic and exciting. That inspired me to start my career in the finance sector. Hi, my name is Sungho Ha. I am an Investment Manager in Simone Investment

    I started my career as a credit underwriter at a savings banking in 2006. The main target was small and medium-sized enterprises. As I always had the desire to move into a larger market and company, I decided to study for CFA® exam.  

    CFA® curriculum have various subjects for ethics and the fixed income derivatives, et cetera. I believe that that is your one place to connect (with) what you are doing now or what you wanted to do in the future.

    Investing in a company, especially in a buyout, There's HR, sales, marketing and more to consider. One person cannot be an expert in all this area. My role in a buyout is that of the financial specialist, CFA charter and knowledge give me credibility.

    Getting the CFA® (designation) was a big challenge to me because at the time, I have a weak knowledge of accounting and English is not my first language, but that's not going to stop me. In total, I invest seven years to complete the CFA® exam with one time failure for Level I. Two times failure for Level II and three times failure for Level III. I start the CFA [Program] journey in my twenties and getting it in my thirties.

    To anyone who is thinking of getting your CFA® (designation) never doubt yourself. If you ever fail an exam, never give up. The never giving up attitude will become a great asset in your life and career.