This is an interview in a series of Interviews that EduPristine Careers will conduct. EduPristine sets up meetings with professionals/ students / other people, who have been successful in clearing FRM, and gets their views on how to succeed. EduPristine is hopeful that it will provide the readers some insight into how to crack FRM and other certification courses in finance.
Paramdeep Singh, a director with EduPristine speaks to Umesh Agarwal, an expert in Risk Management and Banking. He has experience in Market Risk and Portfolio Management and has worked with the leader in Risk Management S&P’s – CRISIL. He thinks that consistency and discipline in preparation is the most important aspect from an Exam perspective.
Param: Tell me a brief about your background
Umesh: I am a CFA ® with experience with CRISIL
Param: Why did you give the FRM exam
Umesh: To pursue career in risk/ treasury management, etc.
Param: Do you think that background plays an important role in clearing FRM?
Umesh: Certainly, my CFA® background helped me a lot especially in market risk and portfolio management part.
Param: What has been your Mantra for success?
Umesh: Consistency & Discipline in studies.
Param: When did you start preparing?
Umesh: I started preparing in June July 2008.
Param: How much did you study?
Umesh: My objective was to finish the course at least once by the end of September, which I adhered to. I plan my studies accordingly.
Param: What subjects did you concentrate on?
Umesh: As advised by you, I concentrated more on market & credit risk
Param: What do you think is the best way to crack:
a. Credit Risk
b. Market Risk
c. Operational Risk
d. Quantitative Analysis
e. Portfolio & Hedge Funds
Umesh: Practice, Practice & Practice!
Param: What books did you study for the subjects?
a. Credit Risk
b. Market Risk
c. Operational Risk
d. Quantitative Analysis
e. Portfolio & Hedge Funds
Umesh: I took Scheweser as base material. Market Risk: Read the bible: John c. Hull and if time permits, Wilmott. Operational Risk: Cannot comment. Quantitative Analysis: Gujarati and Levin Rubin and ‘All the Math You Need’ (Summary given in Wilmott)
Param: What other reference material did you use while studying?
Umesh: Apart from Scheweser notes, I referred to the material provided by EduPristine. Moreover I also referred to the Jorion & Core reading material for the clarification of concepts.
Param: How best can EduPristine be used for preparing for FRM?
Umesh: EduPristine helped me by clearing my doubts and also helped me gain a better understanding of concepts. Moreover with classes, one can expect continuity and regularity in studies. It gives you the material in a brief and easy form and manner, which enhances better understanding and reduces the amount of time invested in studying.
Param: What are your career plans after achieving the FRM certification?
Umesh: I plan to look for an opportunity in treasury/ portfolio/ risk management.
Param: Lastly, what did you do on the final day before the exam?
Umesh: I relaxed & tried to memorize various formulae.
Param: Your Advice to FRM/ Finance aspirants:
Umesh: Be consistent & regular in your studies. There is no shortcut to success.
Param: Thanks, Umesh, for taking out the time to share your views on certification. I hope that we will be able to interact closely in the future and resolve the doubts that FRM aspirants raise on our forums.
Umesh: Welcome. I would be happy to share my experience and knowledge!
These FRM Interviews are presented by EduPristineCareers (Leader in FRM/ CFA®/ PRM/ FinanceTraining.
Click here to know more about FRM Training.
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