CFA Institute 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey: Confidence in Finance Careers Soars Among Canadian Graduates
Article content
Latest global survey of over 1,000 Canadian university students and graduates finds increased confidence in career prospects despite today's landscape.
Article content
TORONTO — The 2025 Global Graduate Outlook Survey released today by CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, found that Canadian university students and recent graduates believe that the finance industry offers the most promising career prospects in today's economic climate.
Article content
Confidence in the sector has nearly doubled in the past two years. 40 per cent of Canadian respondents ranked finance as the sector in which they felt most confident, compared to 21 per cent in the 2023 Graduate Outlook Survey. Further, confidence in finance careers surpassed all other industries by at least 20 per cent, including STEM (20 per cent), healthcare (19 per cent) and marketing (16 per cent).
Article content
'Over the last few years, we have seen a significant increase in finance as a career choice for young people in Canada,' said Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO, CFA Institute. 'That is reassuring. At CFA Institute, we believe finance serves an essential role in society and needs more committed young people to enter the field to help address the many societal challenges we face. That 93 per cent of graduates express a desire to pursue a career that positively impacts society is inspiring and gives me hope for the future of the profession.'
Article content
Artificial intelligence emerges as both a risk and opportunity
Article content
Despite optimism about the finance sector, students harbour significant concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential disruption. While a vast majority (87 per cent) express confidence in their AI literacy, nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) fear AI could negatively impact their career ambitions and make it harder to find a job.
Article content
Canadian students strongly recognize that AI skills are vital for career advancement. The survey indicates 35 per cent believe AI competencies will significantly enhance their job market prospects, outpacing traditional skills such as learning a foreign language (23 per cent). Indeed, 64 per cent of respondents prioritize soft skills (such as communication and collaboration) and quantitative skills (49 per cent) as the most critical factor for career advancement, far above connections (35 per cent), internships (34 per cent), academic grades (26 per cent), or the prestige of their university (25 per cent).
Article content
Commenting on the findings, Michael Thom, CFA, Managing Director, CFA Societies Canada, said, 'I'm glad to see that Canadian students and recent graduates are proactively seeking to equip themselves with specialized skills, particularly in AI which is fast becoming essential in the finance sector. In fact, half of Canadian respondents said they would be more interested in a job if it offers AI training. And 96 per cent recognize that upskilling, professional, or post-graduate qualifications will be essential to their future career success.'
Article content
'This drive and eagerness to continue building skillsets is exciting to see from Canada's next generation of professionals, especially as adoption of AI continues to proliferate across industries in Canada, and the need for the next generation to be drivers of Canadian growth. AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable skill in entry-level professional roles across Canada, and those who are able to combine their technical competence with interpersonal skills will be well suited to succeed in building their careers to meet the future. We are committed to helping these young professionals bolster their skills throughout each step of their careers with our education programs and research.'
Article content
What are graduates seeking in their careers?
Article content
Salary remains the primary career driver for Canadian graduates (56 per cent), though benefits and flexible working arrangements are also highly valued (54 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively). The evolving approach to career guidance also marks a generational shift, with students in Canada increasingly consulting professors (40 per cent), social media platforms (33 per cent), and influencers (27 per cent) for career insights.
Article content
The next generation prefers trusted human advisors, but other options are available
Article content
The findings also emphasize crucial implications for financial service providers seeking to engage effectively with the next generation, specifically the continued importance of trust in financial guidance, with 92 per cent of Canadian graduates placing the highest trust in human financial advisors for sound financial advice.
Article content
Graduates showed substantial reliance on other resources, including friends and family (88 per cent), and online financial education (79 per cent). Comparatively, they are less likely to trust technology-first advice, with only 67 per cent turning to AI assistants like Chat GPT followed by robo-advisors (64 per cent) and social media and influencers (62 per cent).
Article content
Financial security remains paramount, with 52 per cent of Canadian respondents citing financial peace of mind as their primary motivation for wealth-building. The next generation seeks long-term financial security and thinks that solid financial planning (57 per cent) and understanding of the markets (54 per cent) will help them achieve their financial goals.
Article content
The full results of the 2025 Graduate Outlook survey can be viewed here.
Article content
About CFA Institute
Article content
As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors' interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 10 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at
Article content
www.cfainstitute.org
Article content
or follow us on LinkedIn and X at @CFAInstitute.
Article content
Enrolling in the CFA Program and earning the CFA charter prepares individuals for a variety of
Article content
career paths
Article content
in every sector of the global finance industry. Candidates can access all the essential study tools through the
Article content
Learning Ecosystem
Article content
including mock exams, the newly introduced
Article content
Practical Skills Module
Article content
and exam study tips. For more about the CFA Program, visit:
Article content
CFA Program
Article content
The 2025 CFA Institute Graduate Outlook Survey was fielded via an online survey from March 28-April 22, 2025, by Dynata with a sample of 9,023 respondents studying for a bachelor's degree or higher, or who have graduated with a bachelor's degree or higher within the last three years aged 18-25. Respondents were from Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Craig Izenstark Launches Scholarship to Support Future Leaders in Finance and Technology
Boca Raton, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2025) - In a commitment to empowering the next generation of financial and technology leaders, Craig Izenstark has launched the Craig Izenstark Scholarship, a new initiative designed to support high-achieving students pursuing careers in finance, economics, data science, and related fields. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: With a belief that access to education is the foundation for lasting innovation and leadership, the scholarship program offers financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence, personal integrity, and a vision for creating positive change in their chosen industries. "I've been fortunate to build a career in finance, but I recognize that not every talented student has the same opportunities," said Craig Izenstark. "This scholarship is my way of helping to level the playing field and invest in individuals who will drive progress in the future." The Craig Izenstark Scholarship is open to students across the United States. Applicants are required to submit a short essay that highlights their goals, achievements, and how they plan to contribute meaningfully to their field of study or community. The winner will receive a $1,000 award to help support their educational journey. Beyond financial support, the scholarship reflects Izenstark's broader mission to promote ethical leadership, innovation, and education in today's fast-changing economy. He believes that mentorship, opportunity, and access to resources are key drivers of long-term impact. The scholarship has already drawn interest from aspiring students eager to share their stories and gain support for their academic ambitions. How to Apply Students can learn more about eligibility requirements and apply through the official website: The application deadline and details are available on the site.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Owen Sound arena receives $915,000 for renovations
The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound, Ont. (Source: The City of Owen Sound) The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound has been given $915,00 from the province for renovations to its arena. The money was announced by MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Paul Vickers, on Friday, coming from the Ontario Ministry of Sport's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. 'I think every young hockey player in our region dreams of one day suiting up for the Owen Sound Attack in the Bayshore Community Centre,' said Vickers. 'This critical investment to upgrade and modernize the Bayshore facility will go a long way to supporting hockey and lacrosse teams in the Owen Sound Community, which will help inspire our next generation of young athletes.' The J.D. McArthur Arena in the community centre needs critical capital repairs to replace the ice pad, which is more than 40 years old, the boards, glass, and safety netting. Upgrades will also be made to associated mechanical systems. This grant will cover half of the total cost needed for the project. 'The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is at the heart of sport, recreation, and community life for the Owen Sound area,' said Mayor Ian Boddy. 'We're grateful for the generous support from the province through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. This grant enables the essential upgrades in the J.D. McArthur Arena floor and boards, ensuring safety, accessibility, and enjoyment for all users.' Construction for the project began in May. The rink and upper concourse will continue to be closed until early September. The Owen Sound Attack box office and merchandise store and community hall rentals will stay open.
Globe and Mail
3 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Who is attending the G7 summit in Alberta this week? A full list of the world leaders attending and invited
Canada will host more than a dozen world leaders at the Group of Seven summit in Kananaskis, Alta., starting on Sunday, with several pressing issues at stake both on and off the agenda. There are seven member states in the informal grouping of some of the world's most advanced economies, and five have new leaders since last year, including Canada. But in addition to those nations, the host also typically invites leaders from other countries and organizations to shape discussions and encourage global co-operation. Carney sets out foreign policy shift as G7 convenes under the shadow of Trump's trade war Prime Minister Mark Carney has already made waves with invitations that have signaled his economic and foreign-policy priorities and, in some cases, stirred controversy ahead of his first G7 leaders' summit. Here's a look at the world leaders who will attend the meetings in Alberta this week, and those who won't: U.S. President Donald Trump The G7 summit will mark U.S. President Donald Trump's first visit to Canada since he returned to the White House in January, launched a trade war and made comments about annexing the country. The summit comes as Ottawa and Washington continue to negotiate toward a new trade and security deal, and many other world leaders will be looking for face time with the President. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer This will be Mr. Starmer's first time visiting Canada and first G7 Leaders' Summit since his party's election victory last year. Mr. Carney announced Wednesday that Mr. Starmer will come to Ottawa for bilateral talks prior to the official summit. The two men previously met in March, during Mr. Carney's first trip abroad as Prime Minister. French President Emmanuel Macron Mr. Macron is currently the longest-serving member state leader in the G7. He has represented France at all seven leaders' summits since his election in 2017 (2020's meeting was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and this year will be his ninth. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Mr. Merz, who was elected Chancellor earlier this year, will be representing Germany at the summit for the first time. Since his election, Mr. Merz has plunged into diplomatic efforts to try to secure a ceasefire and keep Western support for Ukraine intact, as well as improve trade relations with the United States. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni This will be the third summit for Ms. Meloni, who hosted the G7's 50th leaders meeting in her country's Puglia region last year. She and Mr. Carney met for the first time last month when he was visiting Italy for Pope Francis's funeral. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba This week's summit is also the first for Mr. Ishiba, whose Liberal Democratic Party was elected to power last fall. The Prime Minister expressed his hopes for the summit and strengthening bilateral relations with Canada in a Globe and Mail opinion piece earlier this week. 'This summit will be a crucial milestone. To lead the international community from division to co-operation, we must maintain and strengthen an international order based on the rule of law, not power,' he wrote. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Mr. Carney, who took office in March, is technically the newest of all the member-state leaders coming to Alberta. But he is no stranger to the G7, having attended many conferences and meetings during his time as Governor of the Bank of Canada and then of the Bank of England. The Prime Minister has said the priorities guiding the summit are 'anchored' in building stronger economies. He will be seeking co-ordinated action in three areas: 'protecting our communities and the world,' 'building energy security and accelerating digital transitions,' and securing economic partnerships. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen The European Union is considered a 'non-enumerated' member of the G7 and sends either the president of the European Commission or the European Council to each leaders' summit. Ms. von der Leyen has served as Commission President since 2019, and was a long-serving member of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet before that. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi The decision to invite the head of a government accused of meddling in Canadian democracy — after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused 'agents of the Indian government' of orchestrating the killing of a B.C. Sikh-separatism advocate —has prompted backlash, including from within the Prime Minister's own Liberal Party. But last week, Mr. Carney said it made sense for India to be at the table, as it is one of the largest economies in the world and central to global supply chains. He wouldn't comment on the allegations levelled by his predecessor against India, saying 'the rule of law is proceeding as it should.' He said the invitation to Mr. Modi was extended in the context of continuing dialogue between law enforcement in both countries. Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico Ms. Sheinbaum accepted Mr. Carney's invitation to join the summit, and says her team is working to set up bilateral meetings with G7 leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Mexico and Canada have both been targets of Mr. Trump's punishing tariffs, and the three countries are set to begin renegotiating the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade next year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Mr. Zelensky might get another chance to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alberta, as Washington continues to push for an end to the war that started with Russia's 2014 seizure of Crimea and escalated to a full-scale invasion in 2022. Their last meeting erupted when the U.S. President berated Mr. Zelensky in front of media in the Oval Office. Ottawa and its peers fear the U.S. is too obliging to Moscow and that a bad deal will only create more instability in Europe. Mr. Carney and Mr. Zelensky met for the first time last month in Italy on their visit for the funeral of Pope Francis. NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte Mr. Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, will attend his first G7 leaders' meeting since he assumed office last fall. His visit comes amid rising pressure on some NATO member states, including Canada, to increase their defence spending to meet the organization's targets. President of the World Bank Ajay Banga Last year's G7 summit in Italy was Mr. Banga's first, and the former Mastercard CEO's attendance this year comes at a time of turmoil and instability as Trump's trade war shakes up global economies and markets. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Mr. Ramaphosa attended his first G7 summit in 2019, the year he took office, and has attended nearly all leaders' summits since then. His participation this year comes amid tensions with Mr. Trump, who ambushed Mr. Ramaphosa in their Oval Office meeting last month, falsely accusing his government of killing white farmers. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva This will be President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's third G7 since taking office in 2023. He has tried to partner with countries across the Global South while advancing democracy and environmental protections. He'll be taking those themes to the COP30 summit in the Amazon this November, which his office claimed this week Carney will be attending, though Ottawa has yet to confirm. United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will come to Alberta at Mr. Carney's invitation. Canada has described the wealthy Gulf country as 'a critical partner' in humanitarian efforts such as foreign aid projects and the resettlement of vulnerable Afghans. Sudanese groups have criticized Canada for not publicly calling out the UAE for its role in arming the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary the U.S. has accused of carrying out a genocide in Sudan. The UAE has strenuously denied involvement in the conflict. South Korea President Lee Jae-myung is eager to present South Korea as a stable, democratic country following a turbulent period that started with the former president declaring martial law last December. South Korea has long aspired to join the G7 and argues that its economic and regional clout is similar to that of G7 member Japan. Ottawa and Seoul have pledged deeper co-operation on maritime security, critical minerals and the environment. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who took office in 2022, is a willing partner for Canada as it tries to shore up its trade and defence links across the Indo-Pacific. In March, Carney announced a deal was in the works to have Ottawa partner with Australia on an early-warning radar detection system to use in the Arctic and across the U.S. border. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Mr. Subianto will attend the summit after years of Ottawa pursuing deeper ties with Indonesia — a demographic and economic giant in the Indo-Pacific. Canada and Indonesia signed a free-trade agreement last year and Ottawa aspires to sell small-scale nuclear technology to the island nation as it helps to develop small reactors for northern Canadian communities. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Ms. Smith is set to greet world leaders when they arrive at the Calgary airport for the G7 summit, host representatives from non-member countries at a reception, and hold bilateral meetings throughout the summit. The premier has already made international relations a hallmark of her administration. She made headlines in January when she visited Mr. Trump's Florida home prior to him taking office, in an effort to stave off his tariffs on Canadian goods. Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will not attend the G7 leaders' summit despite an invitation from Prime Minister Mark Carney. The development may ease some of the tension inside Mr. Carney's Liberal caucus, as some MPs were upset by the invitation. The MPs say India and Saudi Arabia are in violation of Mr. Carney's own G7 priority of 'countering foreign interference and transnational crime,' and therefore should not have been invited. China Beijing was not invited to attend the summit. China warned the Group of Seven members on Friday against 'manipulating' issues related to the world's second-largest economy for their own agenda, after they accused Beijing of unfair business practices a year earlier. Beijing's criticism of the G7 and what it represents comes amid a surge in global trade tension between the United States and China this year, as well as within the bloc's membership. Prime Minister Carney is also being urged by 10 pro democracy and human-rights groups in Canada to raise the plight of jailed Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai at the summit, and to join the U.K., U.S. and Australia in calling for his unconditional release from prison over a Beijing-imposed national security law. – With reports from Stephanie Levitz, Steven Chase and The Canadian Press
