Author Archives: Jason Vetter

Not Your Typical Charterholder: Jeff Branstad, CFA

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jbranstad_NYTCHInterview #2: Jeff Branstad, CFA

Jeff Branstad is a Senior Investment Product Specialist at Thrivent Financial, where he serves as an expert on investment products, portfolio construction and asset allocation strategies as well as serving as a resource for economic, financial market and specific asset class commentary. He also supports other areas including product management, product development and product marketing. He received his undergraduate degree from Luther College in 2004 and later earned his MBA from Augsburg College in 2007. He received the CFA Charter in 2010.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, where did you go to school?
I received my undergraduate degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where I majored in Economics and Accounting. The business department did not have a specific “finance” degree, but I was able to take a handful of finance courses. I was always interested in the investment industry and my dad is a Financial Advisor, so I had been exposed to the industry to some degree. However, I wasn’t certain what I wanted to do when I left school except that I knew I didn’t want to be an accountant. Continue reading →

Not Your Typical Charterholder Interview Series

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Jason Vetter

The CFA Society of Minnesota is pleased to present a new interview series: “Not Your Typical Charterholder.” The CFA® Charter has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world. Members of the CFA Institute are part of a global community and have access to a network of investment professionals with unique backgrounds and diverse perspectives. After chatting with a local CFA® Charterholders, you’ll likely find that this holds true right here in Minnesota. Therefore we introduce this new interview series showcasing local CFA® Charterholders, giving them the opportunity to share with you their background and why they chose to earn this designation.These interviews are here to help up-and-coming financial professionals gain insight into the industry from those who have already begun advancing their careers.

Interview #1: Jayson Alexander, CFA

headshot_JaysonAlexander

Jayson Alexander is an investment professional and recently received his CFA Charter in November 2012 and currently works as an Investment Research Specialist at JRA Advisors.  He previously held positions as an Equity Research Analyst at Disclosure Insight, Inc. and as a Customer Service Representative at R.R. Donnelley. Continue reading →