Cream of the Crop This is a monthly column introducing professionals who represent the best in their respective industries Education proves the best investment by Alex Chan A diverse range of skills is the key to capitalising on new opportunities Many young professionals still start off thinking a career path is long and relatively straightforward. They join a profession or industry, identify steps to take in the years ahead, and set about acquiring specific skills and experience. However, in the modern world of work, that's not necessarily the best way of making it to the top. "If you are completely locked into a career path, you won't be ready to take advantage of other opportunities that come your way," says Jan Squires, Asia-Pacific managing director for CFA Institute. "Sometimes what comes up unexpectedly is much more interesting than what is planned." Dr Squires is living proof of that. His own career has changed course several times and he admits it has been largely unplanned. In college, he initially chose psychology, but switched major twice before deciding he should concentrate on finance. "Members of my family were in banking and enjoyed what they were doing, so it seemed a good direction to take," he says. Obtaining the CFAR designation has helped Dr Squires diversify his career On completing that first degree, he went on to take an MBA at Central Missouri State University, where he also got a first taste of teaching. "I had never taught a class before, and a light came on telling me I wanted to teach," Dr Squires says. Subsequently, he obtained a DBA from the University of Virginia and then began lecturing in business and finance at Southwest Missouri State University. However, even during roughly 20 years in academia, he always remained curious about what else there might be. Therefore, along the way, he obtained the Chartered Financial AnalystR(CFAR) designation, a graduate-level qualification for investment professionals, and volunteered to write exam questions and grade papers for CFA Institute. Cultural differences have always been a challenge and great fun Seizing opportunity "I never planned to work for CFA Institute full-time, but when the opportunity presented itself I was ready," Dr Squires says. He became vice president of examination development in 1999 and, six years later, was invited to manage the institute's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. It took him no time at all to accept the offer. What made things easier was that, over the years, Dr Squires had continued to learn about subjects which went beyond his immediate job responsibilities. The DBA was obviously an important achievement for his academic career, but becoming a chartered member of CFA Institute confirmed he also had the practical skills needed in the business world. "I think of my skill sets in the same way as an investment portfolio," he says. "I needed to diversify, and I remember thinking that the CFAR would fill an obvious gap." By obtaining the basic designation and keeping up to date through the ongoing education programme, he was able to make an almost seamless transition from an academic career to one in business. According to Dr Squires, many young people think their education stops once they have an MBA. However, to succeed in the field of investment or any other area, it is essential to keep learning, improve constantly, and be ready for change. "My mother was a teacher, so from an early age I knew the importance of education," he says. "Without the drive that gave me to continually improve, I would have missed out on many opportunities." Family support Despite his numerous professional accomplishments, Dr Squires is most proud of what he has done away from the workplace. "My greatest achievement is my family, being in a long marriage and having two great kids," he notes. "I think that says as much about me as anything I could point to professionally." The move to Hong Kong has been difficult mainly because of the distance it has created from members of the family. However, being able to share the experience of living in a different culture with his wife has made the transition much easier. Dr Squires admits that he thinks about work too often, but has learned the key to striking a balance is taking sufficient breaks. "I am more aware of my body now and know when it is time to switch off," he says. "Fortunately, by taking a two-hour walk around the Peak or doing 45 minutes of yoga, I can recharge and be ready to go again." Milestones 2005 - Appointed managing director, Asia-Pacific, for the CFA Institute, based in Hong Kong 1999 - Vice president, examination development, CFA Institute 1987 - Awarded the CFA charter 1984 - Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Virginia 1974 - Completed MBA at Central Missouri State University Taken from Career Times 31 March 2006 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]