(August 15, 2013)

Recent graduate passes prestigious CFA exam

SHREVEPORT, LA — After months of studying, Josh Scott '13, passed the first level of the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam this July. Of the 47,502 worldwide test-takers, only 18,078 passed making for a 38 percent pass rate.

The CFA program is comprised of three levels each culminating in a six-hour exam. Completing the program takes most candidates between two and five years and the average age of individuals taking the first exam is 25. After the exams, candidates may become regular members of the CFA Institute to then earn their CFA charter.

"(Being awarded the CFA charter) separates you from others," said Scott. "It's a professional designation and it's a big deal within the industry. (By having a CFA) you bring more authority in what you're saying and it opens up a lot of doors. You have more options as far as finding a job, and you know a lot more about finance in general."

Scott attributes part of his success from his time spent at Centenary and the relationships he cultivated with mentors like Dr. Barbara Davis, CFA, and Dr. Harold Christensen. "I definitely feel prepared to enter the industry because of my experience. Because of the academics and experiences you have at Centenary, this school was instrumental in getting me where I am today."

After graduation, Scott was hired at Regions Financial Corporation as a Commercial Credit Analysis. He is now training in Birmingham, Alabama, as part of the four-month Management Associate Program and will return to Shreveport upon completion.

Down the line, Scott hopes to further develop his financial skills and continue to explore the industry for his dream job. "Being a financial adviser would be pretty cool," said Scott. "I enjoy that aspect of working with people and also the quantitative side. But there are so many things you can do within this industry and even same company. So it's a little overwhelming for me to pick right now."

Regardless of where he lands in the business, Scott has already surpassed expectations and is headed in the right direction. "I honestly don't know how I got through it while in school and searching for a job," said Scott. "It's a personal achievement."