Urmi Hossain, CFA, CAIA is currently an investment associate working in portfolio management for a financial company in Canada. She has been in the industry for past 8 years and has been working in portfolio management for the past 2 years. Her day-to-day tasks are: portfolio support, administration, compliance, documentation, trading, marketing, serving clients as well as analysis and reports of investment performance.
In this blog post, Urmi shares how she makes the most out of her CFA Society Boston membership. Read more to learn about her CFA Charterholder journey journey below.
How long have you been a member of CFA Society Boston (or other location if applicable)?
I joined CFA Society Boston in September 2024. I used to be a member of CFA Society Montreal for a year when I first earned my charter back in 2023.
The good thing about having the CFA designation is that we can join any society across the globe without being bound by our local chapter. I felt that joining CFA Society Boston gave me different and fresh perspectives from CFA Charterholders in Boston, as well as insights into the current job markets.
Are you a CFA Charterholder and for how long? What time frame did it take you to pass all three exams?
I earned the CFA Charterholder in April 2023. It took me roughly 4 years to complete it. I had to take my CFA Level 2 exam during the pandemic, and it was postponed twice within the same year.
I took my level 1 exam in 2019, level 2 in 2021, and level 3 in 2023. I studied for level 2 the longest for two reasons: The uncertainty of whether the exam was going to happen during the pandemic era and because level 2 is one of the hardest exams out of all the levels. Despite all, it was the level that I enjoyed most.
What are your top 3 favorite things about your CFA Society Boston membership?
I like the opportunities that CFA Society Boston provides to its members through volunteering. The great thing about CFA Society Boston is that members who are not based in Boston can still volunteer virtually and contribute to the success of its network. A lot of the volunteering activities have allowed me to network, grow my network, and enhance some of my skills, such as presentation and communication skills. Not only did I get connections through these experiences, but I have also exposed myself to a different market. Recently, I participated as a panel speaker at the Candidate Study Group where I had the opportunity to connect to CFA candidates and share my experience in passing the exams as well as some tricks and tips.
What has your experience been like in our Mentor Match Program?
My experience has been great so far. Currently, I have the role of both mentor and mentee.
In the past few months, I have connected with a few members, and it is fulfilling to give back to likeminded individuals with the same educational background.
Mentoring is a two-way street -- where both the mentor and mentee can benefit from each other’s experience. I recently connected with a mentor during what I call speed mentoring. The mentor was already in her retirement. The conversation with her has allowed me to learn how she has used the designation throughout her career.
In addition, the great thing about mentoring with CFA Boston Society is that it is not about the number of years you have been in the industry, but rather the valuable information you can provide to one another (as both a mentor or a mentee) as fellow CFA charterholders.
How are you looking to grow your career with your CFA Designation?
I am looking to become a portfolio manager. It has been my end goal since I was in university.
My journey to my current position has been a long one, balancing university studies, full-time work, and the CFA program. I recognize that there is still much for me to learn and room for professional growth. I learn everyday from my mentors, my co-workers and peer CFA charterholders about what it takes to advance in finance with the CFA designation.
My goal is to lead by example for other women wanting to pursue a career in finance and encourage them to pursue the CFA designation.
Which Certificate Programs with CFA Institute are you interested in and why?
6 months upon completing the CFA program, I went on to pursue the CAIA designation.
I was fortunate that obtaining the CFA designation allowed me to skip CAIA Level 1 and proceed directly to CAIA Level 2.The journey with the CAIA program was also very rewarding and fulfilling.
I feel that once you complete the CFA program, other designations such as CAIA, FRM, CFP give you a solid foundation when it comes to preparation. CAIA is heavily focused on alternative investment. Although few topics were overlapping, the program itself did require time and effort. It is similarly structured like the CFA program. CAIA is a supplement to anyone who has the CFA and it is definitely a competitive advantage to anyone wanting to add value to their lives.
What are your favorite hobbies to do outside of work?
I love reading books, especially thrillers and mysteries. I love working out by running, boxing, and doing HIIT workouts. I love volunteering for organizations that support women’s empowerment initiatives.
I am currently part of the Women in Leadership ( an organization based in Canada) and Femme Influence ( a nonprofit organization based in South Africa)
Where can CFA Society Boston members follow you for more information and professional networking opportunities?
Feel free to add me on my LinkedIn or subscribe to my YouTube channel!