The CFA designation has become increasingly important as a signal of solid knowledge and training in the financial industry. People working in different professions acquire the CFA charter:

• financial analysts - equities, bonds and government securities
• investment bankers
• stock brokers
• risk managers - derivatives
• portfolio / asset managers
• financial planners
• teachers and professors
• financial journalists
• accountants
• business and valuation consultants
• experts who provide legal testimony
• securities lawyers

The above list is not complete and new uses of financial expertise crop up all the time. Industries where CFA charterholders work include:

• investment banking
• portfolio management
• currency trading
• municipal bonds
• banking
• stock brokerage
• insurance companies
• corporate finance
• venture capital
• education
• government (IRS)

Sometimes employers require employees to attain their charter and at other times people desire a charter for promotion, gaining an edge over the competition in the job market or a career change to an industry of their choice.

While a salary increase is certainly possible after the CFA charter has been attained, there is no guarantee. Salary increases are also a function of experience, job performance and other market factors beyond an individual's or an employer's control. The charter definitely helps many candidates get the right job and expands their employment opportunities. Annual salary surveys conducted by the CFA Institute document the salary structure of CFA charterholders. Please visit the CFA Institute for more information.

Some long-term career benefits of a CFA charter are:

• Wider job opportunities
• Ability to rise to higher occupational levels
• Greater responsibility
• Greater networking ability in the financial industry
• Potentially higher salary when combined with the right experience
• Greater ability to act as a financial expert and a consultant
• Worldwide renown of the CFA charter opens up international opportunities