How CFA Institute charts career trajectories

CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has released findings from its Graduate Outlook Survey of 2026, capturing the views of university students and recent graduates across India and global markets on career confidence, employability, AI, skills development and workplace expectations. The findings show that India’s aspiring professionals remain highly ambitious and career-driven, despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

In an evolving geopolitical and economic climate, Indian graduates (83 per cent) remain more confident in securing professional roles in their preferred sector, when compared to the global average. They are increasingly looking at global education and international exposure as important stepping stones towards building future-ready careers and expanding their professional horizons, with 70 per cent of respondents considering or planning to study abroad.

Yet, despite these global ambitions, India continues to remain central to their long-term plans, as most graduates intend to return to India for employment after overseas education, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s evolving job market, economic momentum and expanding career opportunities.

“This year’s findings reflect a generation that is optimistic about the future, while remaining pragmatic about the challenges ahead,” affirms Arati Porwal, senior country head, India, CFA Institute. “Indian graduates are increasingly prioritising practical, workplace-ready skills and opting for early professional exposure through internships over immediate postgraduate study. They are also placing greater emphasis on interpersonal skills and continuous learning, as technology reshapes the nature of work. This reinforces the need for employers to actively support young professionals by creating opportunities to build skills and experience. With finance continuing to rank among the top career choices globally, we at CFA Institute remain committed to equipping aspiring professionals to build resilient, purposeful and ethical careers.”

Significance of soft skills

Indian graduates increasingly recognise the growing value of human skills in an AI-enabled workplace, with an overwhelming 92 per cent agreeing that interpersonal and soft skills have become even more important, as AI becomes more prevalent at work, contends the survey. And, while 66 per cent say the occupational skills they acquire provide the biggest advantage in the job market, 68 per cent identify soft skills as the strongest differentiator ahead of quantitative and AI skills.

Competition from peers remains the biggest concern regarding career prospects for Indian graduates, followed by the growing use of AI screening in recruitment processes. While 74 per cent of the respondents expect AI and automation to make it harder to secure the job they want, confidence in using AI tools remains high, with 81 per cent saying they feel prepared to use AI in the workplace. Nearly half of the graduates acknowledge that AI tools help improve their productivity and skills, while 56 per cent believe AI capabilities will give them a competitive edge in the job market.

Practical exposure is also becoming increasingly important, with graduates highlighting internships, projects and real-world learning experiences as critical for career development. Compared with global peers, Indian graduates (57 per cent) are more likely to pursue jobs and internships, reflecting a growing focus on pathways that offer faster entry into the workforce, financial independence, and clearer career visibility.

Graduates are increasingly prioritising continuous learning and industry-relevant qualifications to strengthen employability, with 98 per cent of respondents viewing professional qualifications and upskilling as important in today’s job market. Nearly 70 per cent of the graduates state that professional certifications provide greater value for career progression than postgraduate degrees, while 82 per cent say certifications help improve earning potential and provide a competitive advantage.

Further, Indian graduates (92 per cent) are more likely than the global average to agree that it’s important for employers to offer upskilling opportunities. The survey highlights that they are not just seeking jobs, but workplaces that invest in their long-term development and career progression.

Finance continues to stand out as a preferred career choice among young professionals, with growing interest in the sector globally. “Across markets, we continue to see strong interest in careers that offer long-term growth, adaptability and meaningful impact,” says Chris Wiese, CFA, MD, education, CFA Institute. “The continued preference for finance reflects the important role the profession plays in driving economic progress and creating opportunities for long-term career development.”

While salary remains the top priority when choosing an employer, graduates are increasingly seeking a balance between financial growth, stability, flexibility and purpose. Alongside job security, many are also willing to take career risks in pursuit of the right opportunities.