We interviewed Canadian Edward Jiménez, student in the International Master in Accounting & Financial Management, who was recently selected to participate in the CFA Research Challenge 2019. Two teams of 5 students were chosen to represent EADA in the competition with top business schools and universities around the world. Edward had the CFA Level I when he started the programme at EADA. He speaks English, Spanish and French, and holds a Joint Honours Bachelor in Economics and Political Science Social Science from the University Of Ottawa.
What made you decide to join the EADA CFA Research Challenge teams?
The opportunity to participate in the Challenge was one of the main reasons that led to my decision to study at EADA Business School in Barcelona. I’m very much aware of how great an opportunity the Challenge can be for me. It makes a significant contribution in terms of my C.V., personal development and future professional opportunities. I believe the Challenge will help me in the pursuit of my ambitious goals: to earn the Chartered Financial Analyst credential and to pursue an international career in finance at a leading financial institution.
What are you most excited about?
I absolutely relish the opportunity to challenge myself and to learn new things, which is why I’m very excited to get hands-on experience in something like company valuation that I’ve never done before. I am also looking forward to improving my soft skills and working together with a diverse group of people who are as ambitious as me. I am very excited about the possibility of reaching the local final at the Madrid Stock Market at the end of February.
What do you think is the most challenging part of the CFA Research Challenge?
It’s called a “challenge” for good reason – the CFA Research Challenge seriously tests your skills, abilities and perseverance. The most challenging part is actually making enough time to work on it and managing the workload alongside the classes, extra-curricular activities and social life.
The International Master in Accounting & Financial Management at EADA is very demanding and juggling the coursework with the CFA Research Challenge is no easy task. But, from my point of view, that’s exactly what I’m here for: to challenge myself. I could have stayed in my comfy government job back in Canada, but I wanted to push myself to the limit.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned so far?
The most valuable thing I have learned so far in preparing for the Challenge is company analysis. Although I’m more interested in learning company valuation, company analysis is absolutely key to carrying out valuation. It is not as easy as it seems, but I am finding it intriguing to apply my knowledge of accounting, economics and finance to analysing the company, its financial statements, and the industry and country environment.
Would you recommend participating to future students?
Absolutely. If you’re a highly determined and motivated individual who is not afraid of making sacrifices and working under pressure, then the CFA Institute Research Challenge is for you. In fact, in one very important way, it is emblematic of EADA’s “learning by doing” methodology: it won’t be easy, but you won’t regret it.