The world of finance is changing. With these changes, the business management department at BYU–Hawaii is working to prepare their students to be among the most competent and competitive as they enter this ever-shifting world.
100 Percent Pass Rate for CFA Exam
Recently, 10 students prepared for and took the Chartered Financial Analyst level one exam. The CFA designation is an international professional certification for those working in the finance and investment industries.
Jeff Caneen, Chair of the Business Management Department had this to say:
“The chartered financial analyst (CFA) certification is the most prestigious credential in the finance profession. Candidates must pass a series of three 6-hour exams, have an earned bachelor's degree (minimum), and have a minimum of 4 years' professional work experience in a qualified job. CFA certification is a very hard thing to get. Of the three exams, candidates may only take the level-1 exam prior to graduation. The national pass rate for undergrads on this exam is 12% (it's a very hard test). Brother Wasden has been prepping students to take the test for the last two years. Last year 3 out of 5 passed (60%). This year 5 out of 5 passed (100%). This is really an amazing performance. I don't think there is another school anywhere with a pass rate that high. This just shows that BYU-Hawaii students can compete at the very highest levels academically. Brother Wasden has done an amazing job preparing students for this important exam. We're fortunate to have him at BYU-Hawaii.”
Bloomberg lab adds new level of experienceThe Bloomberg Professional service (commonly referred to as 'the Bloomberg terminal') is relied on throughout the financial services industry as the source of real-time financial market data, news changes, quotes and movements. Finance professionals worldwide use the Bloomberg terminal to monitor global markets to help make informed decisions related to investments and finance strategy. Although the Bloomberg Professional service software can be installed on any PC, it is common to find the software used with branded Bloomberg screens (i.e. the terminals) and colorful keypads installed at large financial services firms, and in some graduate programs.
BYU–Hawaii students studying finance are getting a leg up when they set out for their professions by being Bloomberg trained and certified. BYU–Hawaii has twelve workstations running the specialized Bloomberg Professional service software, eight of which are in a newly opened lab in the Cannon Activities Center (CAC 240). The dedicated Bloomberg lab is available most hours of the day for all students to use, with the priority given to finance and business students. A class is being offered to give students the chance to earn their official certification, and also gain hands-on experience performing research and market analysis.
Many students who have filled internships and full-time employment in places like Goldman Sachs have had an advantage simply because of their experience navigating the Bloomberg Professional service. Typically, a new intern spends weeks learning how to use the Bloomberg, while the students from BYU–Hawaii can begin working right away.
For more information on the Bloomberg lab, call 675-3592.