For any job, there are three things that matter most to employers.
1. Academics – Your academic background is highly influential when it comes to securing a job
2. Work experience and internships – This allows employers to gauge your proficiency in your job
3. Certifications – Credentials from valued leading organization in the industry makes your more credible.
Recruiters while screening resumes pay attention to above three parameters. To stand out, your resume needs to stand out within 5-10 seconds in which recruiters glance at your resume. While you can’t change much of academic and work experience part in your resume, you have an opportunity to grab recruiter’s attention with substantial credentials added to next to your name.
There are several investment banking certifications and courses that can add value to your resume. These certifications range from risk management to capital markets to financial modelling and merger and acquisitions. Here are some industry’s leading certifications you can go for —
1. Chartered Financial Analyst ( CFA)
CFA is the most prominent credential available for finance professionals. Taking the certification opens plethora of lucrative opportunities in investment banking, asset management, and portfolio management. This credential is offered by CFA Institute and is recognized globally.
2. Chartered Investment Banking Professional (CIBP)
CIBP is the coveted investment banking certification for investment banking professionals around the world. This certification is offered by Investment Banking Council of America (IBCA), a leading institution in investment banking. The certification tests candidates’ proficiency in frequently and commonly encountered areas of investment banking including financial modelling and analysis, discounted cash flow, leveraged buyouts, sell and buy side mergers and acquisitions.
For fresh finance graduates looking to get into investment banking and seasoned investment bankers, CIBP is a proven way to break into investment banking and accelerate career respectively.
3. Chartered Investment Banking Analyst ( CIBA)
This certification is offered by New York Institute of Finance. It covers the bases of investment banking including forecasting, advanced excel, credit among other areas that are necessary for entry-level investment bankers. This certification is equally relevant for mid-level finance professionals who wish to switch to investment banking.
4. Financial Risk Manager ( FRM)
Financial risk management has gained prominence after global financial crisis. Investors want to protect their capital more than they want their capital to appreciate. Financial risk managers help investors to save their money. This certification is offered by Global Association of Risk Professionals and test candidates for necessary skills required as a risk manager.
5. Capital Markets Professional Certificate
This certification is offered by New York Institute of Finance and focusses on capital market ( debt and equity). This certification for finance professionals in equity, debt and related research roles. DCM/ECF professionals will benefit highly after this certification.
6. Professional Certificate in Corporate Finance
Offered by edX in collaboration with Columbia University, this certification introduces you to corporate finance and paves way for fresh finance graduates looking to get a foot in corporate finance, and later move to investment banking. As an investment banker, if you want to learn the ins-and-outs of corporate finance, this certification will easily do the job.
Investment banking is a challenging and demanding career in terms of skills and efforts, and recruiters are always looking to hire top talent for this role and avoid chances of talent to slip by., Adding investment banking certifications to your resume will help you grab recruiters’ attention and move forward successfully.