Adam Hieber, CFA, B’03
Managing Director of Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company Europe

The gold standard of investment credentials
Adam earned a BSBA in finance and investment management from Duquesne and subsequently earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation awarded by the CFA Institute.  Currently, Adam is the Managing Director of Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company Europe.  In addition, he serves as a senior advisor to the boards of multiple portfolio companies.  Prior to joining Cerberus, he was the head of international finance for Valco Melton, a privately held global manufacturing company.

The CFA is widely respected as the highest credential anyone can earn in finance.  It signifies someone has met global standards for integrity, dedication and has the advanced skills needed to build a stronger, more accountable financial industry.

Earning the CFA designation: A tough and expensive process
On average, it takes four years to obtain a CFA as candidates must pass three separate six-hour exams and accumulate four years of work experience in the financial sector.  The rigorous program follows a self-study curriculum administered by the CFA Institute.  Students in our finance major can enroll in the CFA process during the spring semester of their senior year.  But while our students are eligible, the exam entry fees and materials are quite expensive and many simply often cannot afford the cost.

Seeing the value of the CFA, Adam stepped in on behalf of students
While a student at Duquesne, Adam seized the opportunity and began the difficult process of earning a CFA.  But Adam felt he was well-prepared, noting, “The faculty, curriculum and technology at Duquesne were foundational factors in the start of my professional career.  Professor Bhaskar and others pushed me to think bigger, to take risks, to explore professional opportunities beyond the traditional route, and to further my education.”

Once Adam earned his CFA, he realized how useful the designation was for enhancing his career.  He also realized that cost was precluding some students from seizing the opportunity to earn the CFA.  So Adam decided to help Duquesne finance students jump-start their careers by establishing a CFA grant.  “My goal in establishing this grant was to support those students who want to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and further their education.   I also wanted to showcase the amazing talent that is developed in the Duquesne School of Business,” says Adam.

“We could not have done it without you!”

• Thomas Cochenour (B’16) is an analyst for Wilshire Associates. Thomas credits Adam with helping him procure a financial position.  “Anybody that has gone through the CFA process knows the challenge involved and people respect you for putting in the work.  Adam really helped to make that possible from the start.”  Thomas hopes he will be able to contribute to the CFA grant that Adam started. “I see Adam’s success and I want to be part of it.  Adam is in Europe, but he has not forgotten about Duquesne.  He wants to see the students at Duquesne be successful.  That is a motivation factor!  I want to do something for Duquesne, just like Adam did.”

• Jeff Rogers (B’16) is a Finance and Accounting Development Program Analyst for PNC. Jeff received the CFA grant his senior year.  He successfully completed the program’s level one exam and plans to take the level two exam this summer.  According to Jeff, “Being a young professional, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.  But being able to have the CFA designation after your name gives you instant credibility, and people take you seriously!  Without the grant, I could not have afforded the test.  It is able to turn many heads.  When I go into a new rotation, my managers already know what to expect from me because of the CFA designation.”

CFA Grantees include:

• Tyler Petit, B’13
• Will Wighton, B’13
• Jordan Oeler, B’14, MBA’16
• Richard Robbie, B’15
• Ryan Skirtich, B’15
• Thomas Cochenour, B’16
• Jeff Rogers, B’16
• David Nist, B’16
• Vincent Tumminello, B17
• Xania Li, B’17