CFA Opportunities
The Chartered Financial Anlayst (CFA) Institute is globally recognized as the highest distinction in investment management. Benefits from CFA Institute involvement include an enhanced professional profile, personalized learning, professional networking, career advancement opportunities, expert insight and global recognition.
Through the Johnson Investment Institute, there are several different ways undergraduate and graduate students can get involved with the CFA Institute.
Join the CFA Society of Cincinnati
Comprised of local investment professionals, the CFA Society of Cincinnati promotes ethical and professional standards; encourages professional development through the CFA Program and continuing education; facilitates the exchange of information and opinions among people within the local investment community and beyond; and works to further the public's understanding of the CFA designation and the investment industry.
Membership is $15 for students, who benefit from monthly educational luncheons, networking and mentorship opportunities, and special events.
CFA Stock Pitch Challenge
Winners and judges for the Regional Stock Pitch Challenge in Columbus, Ohio. Johnson Investment Institute Faculty Fellow Chauncey Joyce (bottom row, far right) served as a judge.
In 2025, the CFA Societies in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland and Louisville launched the inaugural Regional Stock Pitch Challenge that included students from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, Ohio State University and other schools across Ohio and Kentucky. The Challenge was held on Sept. 19, 2025 in Columbus.
To enter the competition, Cincinnati-area students were tasked with pitching any publicly traded equity security in no more than two minutes. Students recorded their pitches and submitted them — along with two to five pages of supplemental material/research — to the CFA Society of Cincinnati.
Five Cincinnati-area participants were selected to represent the area in the Regional Stock Pitch Challenge. Cash prizes of $1,000, $600 and $400 went to first, second and third place, respectively.
Global CFA Research Challenge
In the Global Research Challenge, students analyze companies, write a compressive research report, and present a pitch in various competitive rounds from local to regional to national to global.
Students are tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing, and presentation skills, and gain real-world experience as they assume the role of a research analyst.
CFA Level I Exam
Students within 23 months of undergraduate graduation can sit for the CFA Level I exam. During the spring 2026 semester, the Johnson Investment Institute will offer workshops to help prepare students to take this very rigorous exam.
Contact Us
If you are interested in or have questions about the Johnson Investment Institute's CFA-related activities, please sign up to receive more information and/or contact Faculty Fellow Chauncey Joyce.
