Mentor Program
"The CFA Society of Minnesota mentor program has presented a truly invaluable experience as a newcomer to the financial industry. The program has afforded me the opportunity to meet with high level executives that are willing to listen to ideas and provide firsthand knowledge regarding industry trends and career advice. I believe, having someone to turn to with extensive experience and an established reputation in the local financial community that cares about your development in the industry and is willing to have a positive influence has provided a major advantage in my career development." - Charles Miller
Every year the CFA Society of Minnesota welcomes 40 - 60 new members, and every year approximately 700 - 800 Minnesota residents sign up to take the CFA exams. Many of these people are new to the industry and/or recent college grads, who have few if any connections within the finance community.
The CFA Society of Minnesota recently began a mentoring program to help acquaint new/potential members with the Society's mission, programs and current members. Mentees must be a member of the society or have passed level 2 of the CFA exams before a pairing will be made. The role of the mentor is to meet 3-4 times with a mentee over the course of six months, both during and outside of CFA sponsored events. Mentors are encouraged to introduce their mentee to members of the society, provide background on the mentor's work experience, help with career decisions and provide general insight into the industry.
"The CFA Society of Minnesota's mentorship program helped provide guidance in my career. Through the program, I was introduced to a professional working in my target position. He provided me valuable insight on the challenges and rewards of the job. He also introduced me to a manager in the field who provided guidance on getting into the field. The mentor program gave me a clear picture of the path to reach my career goals. As a result, I am now enrolled in the Carlson Full-Time MBA program, class of 2013. Because of the mentor program, I have expanded my professional network and feel confident that I am taking the right steps in my career." - Kerry Nelson
We supply every mentor with a coffee shop gift card to have coffee with a new member. We ask mentors to attend at least one CFA luncheon with the mentee (the mentee's lunch fee will be waived.) We also encourage attendance at the monthly happy hours, which are free.
If you are willing to commit just a few hours of your time to Mentor the next generation of finance professionals, please contact the Membership Committee.
Sponsor Program
The CFA Society of Minnesota knows it can be difficult to find the requisite sponsors for the membership application process when one is new to the industry or area. New members can receive assistance finding one of the two required sponsors through this program. New member applicants are expected to take the initiative to find their second sponsor. The CFA Society of Minnesota highly recommends attending some of our events – educational or social – as a means of meeting current members and Board Members who could become application Sponsors.
If you wish to inquire about the Sponsor Program, send an email the Membership Committee.
If you are Sponsoring an Applicant, CFA Candidate, or New Member to the CFA Institute, follow this link for more information.
If you are Sponsoring an Applicant, CFA Candidate, or New Member to the CFA Society of Minnesota only, please fill out your sponsor form and return it to the applicant to submit with the full application. If you have any questions about the requirements to be a sponsor or the responsibilities of a sponsor during and/or after the application process, please contact the Membership Committee.