2015-2016 CFA Institute Research Challenge was Officially Kicked-Off!

The Kick-Off Meeting was officially opened by inspiring speech from honorable mentor and grader of the Research Challenges in Ukraine – Oleksii Sobolev, CFA, Board Member of CFA Society Ukraine. Oleksii motivated students to work hard during the competition and wished the best of luck for all participants.

Within Kick-Off Meeting was hosted 2015 Student Career Event where employers had a chance to present theirselves to graduate students. Participants of this year Research Challenge realize this opportunity to have a short talk with HR’s and ask important questions on their future employment. Student Career Event was opened by experienced recruiter – Elena Matviychuk, Board Member of CFA Society Ukraine. Elena told students on their career opportunity Elena all questions about hiring and recruitment process.

After the lunch Kick-Off Meeting was continued by training from Information Sponsor – Thomson Reuters where student had a session with client trainer – Olga Ozerova. Afterwards, Valentyn Ilchuk, Country Manager and Christina Geiko, Sales Manager granted all teams with free access to Thomson Reuters terminal for one month.

The Official Opening continued by Subject Company Presentation. This year the role of Subject Company plays Bayer Group. Aliona Galkina, Head of Legal, Member of Country Council of Bayer Ltd presented the company followed by hour-long Q&A session from students. The company presentation started with short quiz where students had an opportunity to win a memorable prizes from Bayer for answering questions about company key dates, essential business activities etc. The Kick-Off Meeting continued by success story from previous participant of the Research Challenge, the winner of the EMEA Regional Final in 2014 – Bohdan Baras, Yevhen Zayarnyi, Zakhar Deriuga, who tell students on how useful were knowledge gained in the competition for the future career. Special attention was paid to their personal experience in the Research Challenge last year.

This year 26 experienced investment professional kindly agreed to play role of the mentors and fill give practical advices to participants during the competition. At the Kick-Off Meeting, teams had an opportunity to meet their mentors and discuss future cooperation.