Invested in the Nation's Capital - local CFA Societies

Education Programs Maintain the CFA Designationas the Highest Professional StandardThe society offers regular speakerprograms that allow members tohear firsthand from thought leadersrepresenting the worlds of investments,business, government, and academia.To promote career opportunities, CFAWsponsors Professional Development Dayto reach out to area employers as wellas networking events for members. ForCFA candidates, the society sponsorsprep classes and study groups, and itoffers ongoing professional developmentprograms for members.Candidate EducationThe CFA designation is recognizedaround the world as the gold standardof professional credentials in theinvestment community. Achieving theCFA designation is extremely challenging.Thus, a primary activity of the society isexam prep classes for Level I and LevelII candidates and study groups for LevelIII candidates. In recent years, CFAW hasdoubled the number of merit and needscholarships it offers to help candidatesdefray the cost of preparing for andtaking the exam.Professional EducationIn a constantly changing marketplace,education does not stop once aninvestment professional earns the CFAdesignation. Thus, the society offersopportunities for continuous learningand professional growth. Educationalefforts range from programs addressingtimely investment topics to “how to”workshops on such subjects as investmentwriting, retaining clients, and practicemanagement.NetworkingKeeping members connected with eachother for both professional developmentand career opportunities is a dedicatedeffort for CFAW. Regular programs rangefrom a reception for new charterholdersto an annual dinner with keynote speakerto more informal social events.Jeanne Shen, CFA, is senior director,investments, of the GAVI Alliance, anonprofit whose mission is to supportpoor countries through sustainableimmunization and other healthrelatedinitiatives. At GAVI, Shenmanages funds that come in throughfund-raising campaigns and donations.A CFA charterholder since 2001, Shensays the designation has been valuableto her because of the knowledgeshe gained in pursuit of the charterand the networking opportunitiesprovided by CFAW. “It’s a constantlearning process, and events, speakers,seminars, and publications all help youkeep pace,” she says.4