An MBA in Finance is not enough to have a flourishing career. Taking a few courses after the MBA will help you gain the upper hand over others looking for work in the finance sector. These courses will reflect on your resume and equip you with specialised skills to help you upskill and excel in your career.
Read on to learn about the best short-term courses after MBA in finance.
Benefits of Pursuing Short-Term Courses After MBA in Finance
An MBA in Finance provides a strong foundation in business and financial principles. However, to gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, it’s essential to pursue short-term courses that can further specialize your skill set. These certifications not only help enhance your resume but also give you the practical skills and knowledge required to stand out in the finance industry. Below are some of the major benefits of pursuing short-term courses after an MBA in finance.
Enhancing Skill Sets and Marketability
Pursuing specialized certifications after completing an MBA in finance helps you sharpen specific skills, making you more marketable to potential employers. These courses equip you with the technical expertise needed for roles in financial analysis, accounting, risk management, and wealth management. With industry-specific skills, you become more attractive to hiring companies, improving your chances of securing high-paying roles.
Having certifications like CFA, CMA, or CFP shows potential employers that you are committed to continuous professional development and have the specialized skills required to excel in your field.
Staying Updated with Industry Trends
The finance industry is constantly evolving due to changes in regulations, technology, and market dynamics. Pursuing short-term courses allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, ensuring that your knowledge remains current and relevant. Courses such as CFA, NISM, and Quantitative Finance focus on the latest market developments, tools, and investment strategies, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of the finance world.
These courses will help you better understand new trends like digital finance, fintech innovations, and sustainable investing—trends that are shaping the future of the finance sector.
Expanding Career Opportunities
After an MBA in finance, furthering your education with a short-term certification opens up multiple career paths. Whether you’re interested in risk management, portfolio management, financial analysis, or even niche areas like alternative investments, certifications like CFA, CMA, and CFP can help you transition into these roles. These short-term courses provide specialized training that many employers are looking for when hiring finance professionals.
Furthermore, certifications give you credibility and an edge over other candidates in a highly competitive job market. These certifications validate your expertise and allow you to take on leadership roles such as financial advisor, portfolio manager, or finance director, among others.
Curious About List of Short Term Courses for MBA in Finance Students?
List of Short Term Courses for MBA in Finance Students
1. US CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), in the USA, awards the CMA or Certified Management Accountant certification after successful completion of this 6 to 9 months course.Â
A few highlights of the US CMA course are:
- It will cost you a fee of around INR 7 LPA.
- You can complete the course in 6 months.
- Zell Education is one of the top institutes offering the US CMA course.
- Companies like Infosys and Deloitte hire candidates with CMA certifications.Â
Benefits of CMA for Finance Professionals
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is a valuable asset for finance professionals looking to enhance their skills in management accounting. Pursuing the CMA course helps you gain expertise in cost management, financial decision-making, and performance management. With a CMA certification, you are equipped to handle financial management in a corporate environment, making you a desirable candidate for roles such as management accountant, financial analyst, or cost accountant.
The CMA certification is especially beneficial for those looking to climb the corporate ladder in management-level roles due to its focus on leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making.
2. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute is the sole authority in awarding the Chartered Financial Analyst certification . It is a globally recognised designation and essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career in financial analysis. The job you can get after the CFA course can be in the fields of credit analysis, trading and wealth management. The fee for the course will cost you in the range of INR 0.5-1.5 LPA. You can finish the CFA course in 2 to 3 years.
Career Opportunities with CFA Certification
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is one of the most recognized and respected designations in the global finance industry. After completing your CFA, you can explore a wide range of career opportunities, including roles such as investment banker, portfolio manager, equity analyst, or financial consultant.
CFA professionals are highly sought after in investment management, wealth management, and financial analysis sectors. The rigorous CFA syllabus, which covers areas like financial reporting, portfolio management, and ethical decision-making, prepares you for these high-paying and prestigious career paths.
3. CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
The CFP Board or Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. awards the CFP designation to MBA in finance students and graduates.Â
The course highlights include:
- It will only take you 6 months to finish the CFP course.
- You can take the exam 3 times in one year.
- You need to clear 5 tests.
- It can cost you between INR 3,000 and INR 52,000.
- You can join top companies like Amazon and Kotak Life after your CFP certification.
Advantages of CFP for Financial Advisors
Certified Financial Planners (CFP) are in high demand as they are trusted advisors helping individuals manage their financial futures. Pursuing a CFP certification provides you with specialized knowledge in areas like retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and tax strategies. This certification is particularly valuable for those pursuing careers in wealth management and financial advisory services.
A CFP certification offers career benefits such as higher earning potential, more job stability, and increased client trust. Financial advisors with a CFP designation are more likely to attract high-net-worth clients and expand their client base due to the certification’s emphasis on holistic financial planning.
4. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants course is one of the most prestigious certifications in accounting and is preferred by many students who want to build a successful career abroad. In India, ACCA is said to be equivalent to ACCA and CA professionals are hired at the same salary in most companies such as PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, and BDO.
The ACCA or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is one of the top finance courses in the world.
Highlights of an ACCA course include the following:
- Companies like KPMG and PwC hire ACCA certified candidates.
- You can enroll at Zell Education for one of the best ACCA courses.
- The course duration can range between 6 months to 2 years.Â
- You can complete the course within a year if you are eligible for exemptions depending on any existing qualifications you may hold.
- It will cost you between INR 20,000 and INR 2.5 lakhs.
ACCA Salaries Around the World
5. NISM and NCFM Certifications
The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) and National Stock Exchange Academy Certifications in Financial Markets (NCFM) are few of the most important courses for you if you are looking for a career in the share market.Â
Some of the features of the NISM and NCFM course are:Â
- Each module of the NCFM course takes about one to two months to complete.
- You have to pay a fee of around INR 25,000 to pursue the course.
- Stock traders and brokerage houses like Groww and Upstox employ candidates having NISM or NCFM certification.Â
Relevance of These Certifications in Indian Financial MarketsÂ
In India, certifications like NISM and NCFM are highly relevant for professionals looking to break into the financial markets, particularly those interested in stock market trading, investment management, and financial services. These certifications are especially valuable for those looking to work in investment banks, brokerage firms, or financial institutions.
NISM and NCFM certifications are recognized by regulatory authorities like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and are designed to provide professionals with the technical knowledge required to navigate the financial markets. With the growing interest in Indian financial markets, obtaining these certifications opens up numerous career opportunities in asset management, risk management, and trading roles.
6. Quantitative Finance Courses
You will learn about financial markets and how derivative securities work from the Quantitative Finance Courses. People will refer to you as a ‘Quant’ after you finish this course and start a career in finance.Â
A few features of the courses are:
- The course duration is 4 months (maximum).
- You can get job roles in fields like Quant IT and Quant Trading.
- Pursuing the course will cost you around INR 3,500 to INR 8,000.
- Leading companies like JP Morgan and CRISIL hire people with a Quant degree.
7. Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst
Among the short-duration finance courses, we have the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. Only a very diligent candidate can clear the test since it is one of the most sought-after jobs in the world. The high fee of the course is worth every penny as you will get a thorough knowledge of how the alternative investment industry works.Â
Top highlights of the course include:
- You need to devote around 200 hours to the course.
- VP Finance and Senior Financial Analyst are the highest paying jobs for a CAIA-certified candidate.
- You will earn a salary between INR 5 LPA and INR 25 LPA in top companies.
Benefits of CAIA for Alternative Investment Professionals
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) certification is ideal for those looking to specialize in alternative investments such as hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and commodities. This certification provides in-depth knowledge of alternative investment vehicles and strategies, making it highly valuable for professionals seeking roles in these niche areas.
CAIA certification is recognized globally and provides professionals with the expertise to advise clients on alternative investment strategies, perform due diligence, and manage investment portfolios. This certification is especially beneficial for roles like portfolio managers, investment analysts, and risk managers within the alternative investment industry.
8. Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
The Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification is crucial for professionals who wish to specialize in risk management. FRM is globally recognized and focuses on developing expertise in managing financial risks in a corporate setting, such as credit risk, market risk, and operational risk.
Importance of FRM in Risk Management
The importance of the FRM certification lies in its ability to equip professionals with the skills required to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks within financial institutions and corporations. As the global financial landscape becomes increasingly complex, companies need professionals who can assess risk accurately and devise strategies to manage it effectively.
FRM certification holders are highly sought after by banks, insurance companies, and investment firms for roles such as risk analysts, compliance managers, and risk officers.
9. Financial Modeling and Valuation
Financial modeling and valuation courses provide professionals with the tools to create financial models for businesses and evaluate their financial health. This skill is particularly important for analysts who work with mergers, acquisitions, corporate finance, or investment banking.
Applications of Financial Modeling in Finance Careers
Financial modeling and valuation are critical in areas such as investment banking, equity research, corporate finance, and private equity. These skills allow professionals to analyze historical data, forecast future performance, and value businesses accurately. Financial modeling is essential for making strategic decisions, such as business valuations, budgeting, and financial projections.
Professionals with financial modeling expertise are highly valued in the financial industry, especially for roles in financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and financial planning.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Short-Term Course
Selecting the right short-term course after your MBA in finance is a key decision in advancing your career. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a course:
Aligning Courses with Career Goals
One of the most important factors when choosing a short-term course is ensuring that the course aligns with your long-term career goals. If you wish to specialize in portfolio management, then courses like CFA or CAIA would be ideal. If you’re interested in risk management, then pursuing FRM or CMA might be a better fit. Identifying your professional aspirations will help you select a course that enhances your expertise in your chosen field.
Course Duration and Flexibility
When selecting a course, consider its duration and the level of flexibility it offers. Some certifications, like CMA and CFP, can be completed in 6 to 9 months, while others, like CFA, take up to 3 years to finish. If you’re working while studying, look for courses that offer flexible learning options such as online modules, weekend classes, or self-paced learning.
Evaluating Certification Recognition and Value
Finally, it’s important to assess the recognition and value of the certification you’re pursuing. Certifications like CFA, CMA, and FRM are globally recognized and highly valued by employers. On the other hand, courses specific to certain markets or regions, such as NISM and NCFM, have greater value in the Indian market. Ensure that the certification is well-recognized in the finance industry and will provide a return on your investment in terms of career opportunities.
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Conclusion
Now that you have a grasp of the best short-term courses after MBA finance, it’s time to select the course that suits your needs. With the rising interest of people in the stock market, it is crucial to gain certifications to establish your place in the industry. The US CMA Course at Zell Education is one of the best courses you can sign up for after an MBA in finance. You can even opt for our CFA Course if you wish to gain a globally-recognised certification and pursue a thriving career in finance.Â
FAQs on Short-Term Course for MBA in Finance Students
Which course is best along with MBA in finance?
There are plenty of certification courses to choose from after you finish your degree in MBA in finance. Some short-term courses you can opt for include the US CMA, CFA, FRM, CFP, Company Secretary and more.
Which are short-term courses in finance?
The CFA and CMA are some of the most sought-after short-duration finance courses. These courses will improve your CV and land lucrative job opportunities in finance.
Which course is best for finance students?
Choosing one course among the plenty available for MBA in finance graduates can be overwhelming. We suggest the CFP course as it is one of the most sought-after jobs in the finance industry.
What should I do after MBA in finance?
After completing your MBA in finance, you can select any certification course listed in this blog. These short-term courses will make you job-ready in the finance industry.