Latest news with #AratiPorwal
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
70% graduates fear AI will hurt job prospects: CFA survey
A sample survey by the CFA Institute found that over 70 per cent of graduates surveyed believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will make it harder to secure their desired jobs. At the same time, 92 per cent said that gaining proficiency in AI or automation tools would enhance their career prospects. The CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, on Thursday, released Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025, capturing insights from over 9,000 fresh graduates, including 1,250 from India on career trends, confidence levels and sector preferences among others. According to the report, Indian graduates are more likely than the global average to think that AI or automation tools will make it more difficult to secure the jobs they want. While more than 50 per cent are confident that they will be able to use AI effectively, 56 per cent feel that having AI skills will give them an edge in the job market, apart from having relevant soft skills. Interest in AI careers has also seen a steady rise, growing from 59 per cent in 2024 to 63 per cent this year. 'This reflects a decisive pivot towards more future-aligned fields, driven by both awareness and adaptability,' emphasized the CFA report. Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head, CFA Institute, India, said, 'For this generation, AI is no longer just an option. And they are aware of how imperative it is for professional growth and are looking forward to gaining relevant skills.' The report reiterated that consecutively for three years, the finance sector continues to remain at the top of the list of career preferences among graduates, with 38 per cent expressing the most confidence in this sector, followed by IT (32 per cent) and education (21 per cent). The preference order of sectors remains exactly the same as that of last year's report. But the finance sector has noted a significant jump to 38 per cent feeling more confident about career prospects in this sector than 30 per cent last year. For those confident about the finance sector for promising careers, 23 per cent graduates consider it to be a stable and attractive career option, whereas 26 percent of graduates find it the most valuable sector to make a career. Dr Archana Singh, Professor from D Y Patil University, who was present for the launch of the report in Mumbai, said, 'The finance sector is evolving with time. In this new version, focus is on tech-enabled finance with use of technologies such as generative AI, blockchain etc. making it imperative for students to get relevant training for this evolving sector.' Notably, the majority of graduates (40 pe rcent) responded that they seek a job immediately after graduation. Whereas 68 per cent believe certifications offer better career progression than a postgraduate degree, reflecting a clear shift toward flexible, outcome-driven learning over higher education. The report stated that 85 per cent of Indian graduates say certifications have directly improved their employability or earnings. 'The insights clearly show a generation that is not only confident but also deliberate in the way they approach career growth,' added Porwal.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
City colleges introduce financial planning courses in curriculum
MUMBAI: Recognising the need for structured education in financial planning, a number of educational institutions in Mumbai are stepping forward with specialised programmes that blend academic learning with practical, real-world financial expertise. From the upcoming academic year, institutions like Sydenham College, K J Somaiya Institute of Management and S P Jain School of Global Management will launch new courses in financial planning, wealth management and applied finance. These programmes aim to equip students not just with theoretical knowledge but with actionable skills and globally recognised certifications that can prepare them for careers in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem. The rise of 'finfluencers'—social media personalities offering financial advice—has caught the attention of both the public and regulators. According to a recent study by the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, nearly 82% of retail investors influenced by social media reported acting on the advice received, yet only 2% of content creators are registered with SEBI. This alarming gap underlines the risks involved when financial literacy is shaped by unverified sources. 'What stands out in this research is the potential for social media and finfluencers to democratise access to financial information,' said Arati Porwal, senior country head, India, of CFA Institute. 'However, with that potential comes the responsibility of ensuring that advice shared is transparent, accurate and ethical. Having spent years working to build trust between investors and finance professionals, this is a critical moment for collaboration between regulators, platforms and content creators.' To address this growing need, several professional bodies around the world have begun partnering with universities and traditional educational institutions to integrate their specialised courses into formal academic programmes. Sydenham's MSc in finance now integrates the globally recognised Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential, with the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India as a knowledge partner. This full-time, two-year course, with access to internships, live projects and mentorship from industry leaders, opens the doors to careers in investment analysis, tax planning, corporate finance and more. K J Somaiya Institute of Management is also offering an executive PGDM in financial planning—a dual qualification course tailored for professionals with at least three years of experience in financial services. Participants will receive a postgraduate diploma from the institute along with the CFP certification. 'The Indian economy is projected to reach a GDP of $7 trillion by 2030, with the number of millionaires set to double by 2026,' said the institute's director Raman Ramachandran. 'This surge in wealth creation is driving a growing demand for skilled financial planners.' Krishan Mishra, CEO of FPSB India, said there was a pressing need to distinguish between genuine financial expertise and unregulated advice. 'This partnership represents a significant step in developing a workforce equipped with both the technical expertise and professional ethics required in today's financial services sector,' he said. Prof Rajanish K Kamat, vice-chancellor of Homi Bhabha State University, emphasised the value of empowering students with globally recognised credentials and future-focused skills. 'Financial planning education is essential for building a secure future and we will equip students with globally recognised skills through the CFP certification, preparing them to excel as ethical and skilled professionals in the evolving financial planning landscape,' he said. Meanwhile, the S P Jain School of Global Management is launching a 12-month Master of Applied Finance and Wealth Management (MFWM) programme, spanning Mumbai and Dubai. 'The finance industry is evolving rapidly, and professionals today need a unique blend of technical expertise, practical experience, and global exposure to stay ahead,' said the programme director Arindam Banerjee. Banerjee added that the curriculum would include the core principles of applied finance with in-depth training in wealth management, offering students a comprehensive understanding of client portfolio construction, risk and insurance advisory, tax planning, real estate and retirement strategies and financial engineering. The CFA Institute is also playing a growing role in shaping ethical investment education in India. Paul Moody, managing director of global partnerships at the institute, highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce costs and expand access. 'This is an international degree, and we're working to make it more affordable,' he said. 'We've recently reduced the cost of Level One and expanded scholarship options. We're also in talks with several universities for academic tie-ups.' Currently, 37 Indian institutions, including IIM Mumbai and IIM Nagpur, are affiliated to the CFA program.
