Aligning Academic Excellence with Industry Standards: A Strategic Partnership with GARP
In an era where the financial industry is continuously evolving, the demand for skilled risk management professionals has never been higher. Recognizing this critical need, the Institute for Financial Management (IFM) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the professional prospects of our students by pursuing a strategic partnership with the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), the world's premier professional association for risk managers.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
GARP is renowned for its dedication to advancing the risk management profession through comprehensive education, cutting-edge research, and the promotion of best practices within the industry. As a not-for-profit organization, it has established itself as a beacon of excellence, boasting over 84,000 Financial Risk Management (FRM) Certification holders worldwide. The FRM Certification, particularly recognized for its rigor and relevance, is a testament to an individual’s expertise in risk management.
Understanding the importance of aligning academic curriculum with industry demands, the IFM faculty member Prof. Dr. Kornelia Fabisik (who teaches a course “Risk Management” at the M.Sc. level) meticulously analysed the curriculum and upon recognizing that it overlaps by more than 70% with GARP's Level II FRM exam, filed an official application to become an academic partner with GARP. This partnership is not merely a formal recognition of the alignment of our curriculum with professional standards but a gateway to numerous benefits for our students and faculty.
Unlocking New Opportunities for Students and Faculty
As academic partners, our students gain access to scholarships covering the registration fee and FRM Part I Exam fee. This opportunity is available for a handfull of students of our university. This initiative significantly reduces the financial barriers to obtaining a globally recognized certification, thereby enhancing the employability and professional growth of our students.
Moreover, the partnership allows us to incorporate FRM topics into our classroom discussions. This integration of practical, real-world scenarios into our curriculum not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares our students for the challenges they will face in their professional careers.
Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders Today
Through this partnership, we are setting a new standard for academic excellence in risk management education. As we look forward to the benefits this partnership will bring, we remain committed to nurturing the intellectual and professional growth of our students, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the financial world.
In conclusion, our strategic partnership with GARP is more than an alignment of curriculum; it is a bridge connecting the theoretical foundations of risk management with the practical realities of the industry. By opening doors to new learning resources, scholarship opportunities, and industry recognition, we are empowering our students to achieve their professional goals while contributing to the advancement of the risk management profession.
Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders Today
New this academic year, we are excited to offer a scholarship that will cover not only the exam registration fee but also the enrollment fee. We offer a stipend for up to six students.
Prospective scholarship recipients are required to submit their applications to us directly (mail: karin.dolder@unibe.ch) with the subject “Application FRM”. The application must include the student's CV, grade transcript, and a motivation letter. The motivation letter (formatted to A4 size with 11pt font and double-spaced, 1 page) should articulate the student's reasons for pursuing the FRM certification. This process is designed to ensure that scholarships are awarded to students who are not only academically capable but also genuinely interested in advancing their careers in risk management.
The deadline is May 15, 2024!
If you have any questions, please contact kornelia.fabisik@unibe.ch.
