UEF Finance and Banking Students Explore Investment Analysis with International Experts

The year 2025 marks a significant turning point for Vietnam’s financial sector as Ho Chi Minh City accelerates its goal of becoming an international financial center, attracting numerous investors. This transformation creates an urgent demand for highly qualified financial professionals. What do businesses require? How should students prepare to compete in an increasingly demanding job market? To provide students with a comprehensive perspective on recruitment trends and career opportunities, the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at UEF, in collaboration with Smart Train Academy and the CFA Institute (USA), organized a seminar titled “Market Potential and Core Skills for Success in Financial Investment Analysis” on the morning of March 25. The event also served as a career orientation session for 2023 cohort students majoring in Finance and Banking.

 

The program featured two distinguished experts: Mr. Huy Vuong – lecturer at Smart Train and Head of Investment Analysis at a Japanese investment fund in Vietnam, and Ms. Florence Wong – Director of Partner Development for the Asia-Pacific region, CFA Institute. From UEF, attendees included Dr. Hà Thị Thủy – Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting, and Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Lâm, MA – Vice Dean of the Faculty.

Opening the seminar, Dr. Hà Thị Thủy emphasized: “The CFA credential is a valuable advantage in recruitment and a testament to students" professional competence in the financial field. Pursuing CFA helps students build a solid foundation, differentiate themselves, and increase competitiveness in the job market.” She encouraged the 2023 cohort to be proactive in their preparation to seize career opportunities, particularly in the context of a fluctuating domestic economy.

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is an advanced financial analysis credential awarded by the CFA Institute, widely recognized around the world. It is one of the most prestigious qualifications in the finance and investment sector, providing specialized knowledge in portfolio management, financial analysis, business valuation, risk management, and professional ethics.

The CFA program consists of three levels (I, II, III), requiring candidates to pass rigorous examinations, have at least four years of professional experience in the financial industry, and adhere to strict ethical standards set by the CFA Institute. CFA charterholders are highly sought after in fields such as fund management, investment analysis, financial advisory, and positions at banks, investment funds, securities firms, and multinational corporations.

Speaker Huy Vuong introduced an overview of CFA and popular career pathways in finance, stressing that the credential opens opportunities in leading organizations: “The CFA is designed for those pursuing investment analysis and is especially beneficial for students interested in financial advisory, fund management, or corporate finance roles within multinational corporations”. He also highlighted the importance of developing skills such as data analysis, strategic thinking, and numerical reasoning. Career tracks were outlined, including Sell-side (advisory and investment analysis), Buy-side (portfolio management at funds and banks), Corporate Finance (business financial analysis and strategic planning), and Professional Services (audit firms and financial consulting).

Continuing the session, Ms. Florence Wong offered practical insights into the journey of “Unlock CFA” – strategies to achieve the CFA designation and maximize its benefits. “The CFA journey requires perseverance and well-planned strategies. Students should begin with Level I early to build knowledge gradually and strengthen their professional expertise. This also provides a competitive edge given the rapid economic growth in Vietnam and Southeast Asia”, she noted. She also shared details on study timelines, exam formats, and the progression across CFA levels.

Numerous questions regarding fluctuations in Vietnam’s economic market drew strong interest from the students

According to Ms. Wong, CFA holders have access to competitive salary opportunities. “Statistics show that approximately 20% of high-earning professionals in finance hold the CFA credential. This is an important factor to consider if you plan to invest in your future career”, she added.

The seminar concluded with a Q&A session featuring both experts and Dr. Hà Thị Thủy. Students raised questions about the CFA exams, time management strategies, and personal development plans. Thanks to the valuable advice from leading professionals, Finance and Banking students gained a clearer understanding of their specialization and identified suitable career pathways for future development.