Tuesday, August 16, 2011

CFA or MBA - Which Course is Better

Many aspiring students often get confused whether to opt for MBA or CFA. General queries like “which one is better course”, “which course would make them more marketable” and “which course will offer them a better salary package” arise in the minds of students are do not know which way to follow. Whether any student opt for MBA or go for CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), the professional goals and management areas vary with regard to both these courses. The CFA India is of huge importance in the asset management industry; where as, MBA in India holds much importance in investment banking and business management in general. Chartered financial Analyst has no role in investment banking, though the course of CFA provides with the technical skills to succeed in investment management. A course of MBA offers more opportunities and prepares with a broad range of challenges in the business and management world. If only investment management comes into question, then also MBA course offers better prospects to succeed in the respected industry with good salary package. But some people consider CFA and MBA programs to be “complimentary” of each other, rather than “competitive” of one another. And for this reason, they believe that students should pursue both courses if they want to make their career in investment management.

The CFA designation is given after passing three tough exams. The candidate should also have prerequisite work experience. The estimated cost of the course is not more than $5000 depending on the quantity of the study materials acquired. Chartered Financial Analyst course offers better financial jobs and professions related with finance. CFA certificate holds much more importance if the person is going for investment managers, fund money mangers and asset management professions. But, MBA courses offer better job prospects than CFA courses because MBA degree from a renowned business school offer specialization in many different areas. MBA courses do not bound to a specific sector or type of business or work, where as, CFA courses offer jobs only in financial sectors.

Masters degree in finance helps students to prepare for careers in financial analysis, corporate finance and investment management. The Chartered Financial Analyst designation is compared to Masters in Finance degree. Though CFA program covers topics related to portfolio management and investment analysis, some standard topics of finance are also covered in Masters in Finance course.

In order to study the course of CFA in finance, there is no need of prior experience required. But for MBA courses in finance, industry experience is of utmost importance and an experience of 2-5 years would definitely help the students in learning the course in a better way. MBA courses are designed to teach the students about business management and principles required in a workplace. The MBA courses helps in making them adapt to various situations and perform even in adverse situations. In a real business environment, at times, various complex situations arise and being an MBA graduate, the person will feel easy in tackling such situations and challenges.

Monday, August 8, 2011

MBA Education for Banking and Non-Banking Managerial Jobs

Business schools in many countries offer management courses tailored to full time, part-time, executive and distance learning MBA programs. Since MBA degree from any well-known institute not only offers recognition, but also a high salary package, a wide range of MBA programs are tailored with specialized concentrations like finance, marketing, accounting, information technology, human resource management and many other fields. In India, some MBA colleges offer post graduation diploma courses called PGDM programs which are approved by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). AITCE is an apex Indian government undertaking with a view to improve the qualitative technical education system throughout the country and regulate the norms and standards for planning the quantitative growth and matters connected therewith. Since the strength of any country’s economy lies in finance and banking sectors, the importance of MBAs in these sectors cannot be understated.

In India, all types of commercial banks, public sector banks, rural banks, foreign banks, private banks and urban co-operative banking institutions play a significant role in boosting the economy and financial position of the country. MBA degree is considered to be the foremost qualification which is required by these banking and financial institutions for their managerial level positions. MBA education in finance provides important knowledge about the financial skills and solutions for the issues relating to the domestic and international banking and services. Market analysis and cash management skills are two important areas which every MBA student must know how to handle. MBA with specialization in finance offers to learn a variety of subjects like costing, budgeting, corporate finance, international finance, investments, working capital finance and securities etc. MBAs pursuing their courses in finance can start their career in any investment firm or any banking institute as an associate manager. MBA in finance from top MBA colleges offers lucrative job placements from big companies and financial institutes. An MBA finance has options to work with leading banks and non-banking institutions. He or she might have an option to work as a securities analyst or working with brokerage firms dealing in buying and selling of securities.

Degree of MBA in India from any reputed college is considered to be one of the most sought after degree aimed at providing high class management studies. Since the studies of marketing teaches about the art of selling products and services, MBAs has to analyze and assess the feasibility of products and services according to the market demand. They are required to introduce marketing strategies for marketing new products. They have to set marketing goals and have to work on branding, planning and adoption of promotional campaigns. In other words, marketing MBAs have to bring out new ideas and concepts which can help the companies and organizations to grow and prosper. Marketing MBA courses are designed to help inculcate good reasoning and problem solving skills which can help the individual to sell and market the products in difficult situations. MBA in marketing offers good pay-scale packages and jobs in this area are always in demand for all commercial, industrial and corporate sectors.