NYSSA and CFA Institute have awarded scholarships to five candidates taking the June exam. Scholarship winners are a select group that meets strict criteria which take into consideration a number of factors, including experience and interest in the investment profession, adherence to ethical standards, financial need and commitment to NYSSA and CFA Institute. Scholarship recipients received awards valuing more than $2,000. NYSSA provided free registration and materials for the Weekly Review, and CFA Institute waived the CFA exam program fees (less a $220 administrative fee).
Claudiu Cornetti, a level I candidate, is a Macaulay Honors College scholar nearing completion of his BBA in finance and investments at Baruch College Zicklin School of Business with expected graduation in May 2009. He interned at AIG Investments in the Private Equity Funds Group division in summer 2008, in which he was responsible for due diligence, evaluation, and analysis of fund opportunities. “A CFA charter will offer me not only a valuable distinction in finance, but also a basis for following through on CFA Institute’s mission of promoting the investment profession while upholding the highest ethical standards.” Cornetti plans to start working after graduation and soon after attend graduate school.
Holomo Koni Kourouma, a level I candidate, holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Conakry, Guinea. After working for eight years as finance manager for ExxonMobil’s Guinean subsidiary and Catholic Relief Services, Kourouma is currently working toward a master’s degree in international political economy and development with an international banking and finance concentration at Fordham University. “Meeting the CFA Charter requirements will allow me to respond to the demand for sound analytical skills and uncompromising ethical behavior in the financial market. Ultimately I will build on these skills, behaviors and experience to better address developing countries’ investments and financing needs.”
Robert Rugelis is a CFA Level II candidate. While studying for a general business degree at Alfred University, Rugelis participated in the Student Managed Investment Fund and realized his passion: money management. He recently graduated with an MBA in investment management at Pace University where he was a research assistant for finance professor Alan Tucker. At Pace he was also a manager of the Global Portfolio Analysis Center (G-PACT Lab) where he helped students use investment analysis software and perform equity research. He is currently looking for an entry-level position to begin his career in asset management. “The CFA designation is a gold standard for investment professionals,” he noted. “It shows that you have achieved a high level of analytical mastery. Even more important, CFA candidates and charterholders espouse values and ethical standards that are integral to the credibility of the profession and industry.”
Yuan-Hui (Joyce) Su, a Level III candidate, is currently a graduate student pursuing an MA in Mathematics of Finance program at Columbia University. Her previous work experience has been primarily in fixed income. She has broad knowledge in financial analysis, risk management, asset/liability management, and fixed income trading. After years of working in finance, she is now pursuing her long- time interest in math to gain a stronger mathematical and statistical background. She is also a certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and holds an MBA in finance from NYU Stern School of Business. "I view the CFA Charter as a valuable set of knowledge that helps build upon my financial career and as a statement of how dedicated I am to achieving mastery of financial concepts. Upon achieving her CFA charter and academic degree, she aims to restart her financial career with a focus on quantitative investment management and research.
Natalia Zvereva, a level I candidate, moved to the United States from Russia six years ago without knowing a word of English. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree in finance and investments at Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. Last year, she completed the sales and trading summer analyst program at Merrill Lynch, and she is currently interning in the foreign exchange trading department at Brown Brothers Harriman. “Pursuing a CFA Charter is a great way for me to significantly broaden my knowledge and to differentiate myself from other college students who graduate in this difficult job market environment.”
In addition, thanks to a donation from the Belgian and Vermont Societies who did not use all of their scholarships, the following applicants received partial scholarships: Victoria Hui, Michael Newman, Ron Vogel, and Ling Yang.
