The India Career Accelerator Program (ICAP) is designed to equip CFA® Program candidates with essential job-ready skills, giving them a competitive advantage in the finance and investment management industry. In addition to receiving comprehensive training, the initiative will connect participants with employers for potential employment opportunities and provide a certificate of completion, recognizing the commitment to professional growth.
Overview
Employers value CFA® Program curriculum for its depth and rigor, recognizing it as an asset in the financial industry. Candidates who have completed or are pursuing the CFA Program are eager to find career opportunities that align with their skills and knowledge. To connect the two, we have developed the India Career Accelerator Program. ICAP is a complimentarily benefit offered as a part of CFA Institute and CFA Society India Affiliate membership, exclusively available for candidates in India.
Affiliate memberships with CFA Institute and CFA Society India offer valuable networking opportunities, professional development resources, and career support. Members can connect with global and local finance professionals, access exclusive events and learning materials, and utilize specialized job portals. These memberships offer the essential tools and connections for a successful and credible career in finance.
Program Highlights for ICAP 2025 Cohort:
- Practical Learning: Gain hands-on experience and essential technical and soft skills.
- Career Development: Access resources tailored to your professional growth.
- Foster Connections: Network with industry professionals.
- Certificate of Completion: Showcase your commitment and expertise.
- Assessments & Resume Book: Demonstrating proficiency can earn you a spot in our resume book.
ICAP is designed for ambitious individuals who are passionate about their careers in finance. If this describes you, register now!
Registration Process:
- Register for ICAP by 15 February 2025 at 11 PM IST: Eligibility – Minimum CFA Level I pass, with active CFA Institute & CFA Society India Affiliate membership.
- Receive Confirmation: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will get an email confirming your seat. (ICAP is only open for the first 300 registrants who meet all eligibility criteria).
- Affiliate Membership*: If you are seeking affiliate membership to meet eligibility criteria, apply here –after receiving confirmation of your registration and become a member prior to the registration deadline of 15 February 2025 at 11 PM IST.
Details
Participants are expected to dedicate approximately 200 hours to this initiative over a three to four-month period. Synchronous (instructor-led) sessions will primarily be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
*If you do not have an affiliate membership, please follow the process outlined on the membership page to become an affiliate member and then register for ICAP. Affiliate membership runs from 1 July to 30 June of the following year. As an affiliate member, you will be provided with a wide array of membership benefits by CFA Institute and CFA Society India, respectively, which are designed to help you enhance professional ethics, knowledge and skills and contribute to your career development.
The cost of affiliate membership in India, is composed of the following:
- CFA Institute dues: Up to INR 13,500 (USD 159 - to be adjusted pro rata, basis the application date). Read: Prorated fee schedule for new members
- CFA Society India dues: INR 3,000 plus GST (to be adjusted pro rata, basis the application date)
Example: If you apply on 1 January 2025, the dues will be about 50% of the full amount (for the period from 1 January to 30 June).
The registration link will lead to a form where you will be asked to provide additional details, including your name, CFA Institute ID, email, and mobile number.
The ICAP modules will be delivered through a mix of the following learning opportunities:
- asynchronous modules hosted on learning management systems;
- synchronous modules delivered via Zoom and led by professional trainers; and
- interactive networking sessions with senior industry professionals to build relationships and hone networking skills.
Most, if not all, modules will include assessments, and participants are expected to secure a minimum passing score (typically 70%) in each.
Participants who have completed all the modules and who achieved the minimum passing score in all assessments will have the opportunity to include their resumes in a resume book. This resume book will be sent to employers who have agreed to review participant resumes and consider hiring from the cohort. The final decision to interview, shortlist, or hire is solely with the employer; CFA Institute will have no say in the matter. CFA Institute will solely play the role of facilitator throughout this process.
What you will learn
The ICAP will feature six technical modules and four soft skills modules.
Technical modules
Gain insight into the investment industry with a comprehensive overview. Dive into macro- and microeconomics; explore industry participants; delve into money markets, fixed income, derivatives, and alternative investments; and master risk and portfolio management.
Uncover the significance of financial reporting and illuminate the guidelines, distinctions, and applications of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Grasp the fundamental concepts of income and expense recognition.
Acquire a structured approach to model building. Learn the ins and outs of industry and financial statement analysis, understand revenue and cost drivers, conduct cash flow analysis, delve into valuation techniques, and build industry-specific models. Plus, explore sensitivity analysis to gain a holistic view.
Dive into the realm of credit analysis. Explore fixed-income securities, securitization, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, real estate, private credit, and credit ratings.
Learn about the significance and challenges of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions. Gain expertise in key concepts, management, and an in-depth understanding of various types of ESG factors.
The Python modules are the same “Practical Skills Modules (PSMs)” that are currently part of CFA Program Level I and CFA Program Level II curricula. These modules offer a comprehensive introduction to this versatile programming language, providing participants with a solid foundation in its fundamentals. Designed to be accessible to learners of all levels, these modules cover essential concepts, syntax, and best practices, ensuring that you grasp the basics with confidence.
Soft skills modules
- Introduction to Effective Communication and Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Professional Writing and Effective Listening and Speaking
- Presentation Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication Styles and Beliefs
Understand the nuances of managing your time more effectively.
- Introduction
- Session objectives
- What is time management?
- Benefits of time management
- Eisenhower Matrix
- Time Management Techniques
- Goal Setting
- Dealing with Procrastination
Our networking sessions are invaluable platforms for connecting with industry experts and expanding your professional network. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals, gain insight into current trends, and exchange ideas with like-minded peers. With a diverse community of professionals, you'll have the chance to forge meaningful relationships that can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives in the investment industry. Embrace these sessions as an integral part of your professional development journey.
Our comprehensive resume-building and interview preparation sessions are designed to equip candidates with the tools and strategies needed to excel in the competitive job market. Through hands-on guidance and expert insight, we walk you through the process of crafting a compelling resume that highlights your unique strengths and achievements. Our sessions delve into effective formatting, impactful language, and tailored content, ensuring your resume stands out to potential employers. Additionally, our interview preparation sessions simulate real-life scenarios from mastering common interview questions to refining your body language and communication style.
Why should you sign-up?
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Live Learning
We acknowledge the value of direct human engagement in certain training scenarios. Our synchronous online sessions are thoughtfully structured to optimize the learning process.
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Dynamic Modes of Delivery
We utilize real-life examples, including Excel models, case studies, and prerecorded videos, to provide a comprehensive understanding of all concepts. Live practice sessions empower participants to apply their knowledge in real-time under the guidance of expert instructors.
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Individual Assessment
After completing each module, participants will receive individual assignments that will be assessed by both peers and subject matter experts.
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Job ready skills
Gain practical competencies and proficiencies that equip an individual to perform effectively in a professional work environment.
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Industry Network Access
Connect with and leverage a network of professionals of investment management professionals. This access facilitates career growth, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities.
Contact us
For any further information, please write to [email protected].