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Excellence is a tradition at WIUT, not merely a goal. Javokhir Orzukulov’s success story is one of the numerous notable success stories that have come out of WIUT. Javokhir, the class of 2022 valedictorian, is the youngest member of the Orzukulov family at WIUT and has distinguished himself both academically and professionally, carrying on a strong tradition. His path from financial success to becoming one of the youngest investment professionals at the World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation (IFC) is an illustration of how hard work and a strong educational foundation can lead to incredible opportunities.

Javokhir’s time at WIUT was instrumental in shaping his career. While at WIUT he led a team in two competitions: the Bloomberg International Trading Challenge, achieving 4th place in Asia (14th globally), and the Uzbetkombinat Valuation Challenge, where they won first place. ‘This experience in trading, valuation, risk assessment, and project management were crucial in securing a role in private equity despite my lack of prior experience. My dedication to improving soft and hard skills and knowledge from finance modules like financial econometrics, advanced corporate finance, and investment risk management helped distinguish me during the hiring process.’ These experiences played a crucial role in securing his first professional role at Uzbek-Oman Investment Fund (UzOman), the largest private equity firm in Uzbekistan. After a year at UzOman, Javokhir transitioned to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group (WBG), where he currently works as an investment professional.

Entering the professional world
‘Transitioning from academic to professional life was not without obstacles, but I was also well-prepared for real-life problems. While the university provided theoretical knowledge in finance, the opportunities it created through various real-world projects equipped me for the corporate environment. Additionally, I was fortunate to be supported by a highly experienced team at UzOman, who assisted me professionally, personally, and emotionally, for which I am deeply grateful. At the entry-level, having strong hard skills is essential for securing a good job, so I encourage students to focus on building a solid foundation. Additionally, while it may sound banal, it is crucial to research the company before applying, understand its operations, and find connections to guide preparing for the interviews. A key lesson I learned in my professional life is never being satisfied only with the job. One must allocate time for personal development to enhance their profile and improve their physical and mental health.’

Achievements and Future Aspirations
At just 23 years old, passing all three levels of the CFA exam stands as one of Javokhir’s most significant academic accomplishments. Professionally, he takes pride in being the youngest member of the World Bank Group in Central Asia, Turkey, and the Middle East. Despite these achievements, he remains ambitious, with plans to pursue an MBA to further refine his leadership and soft skills.

How hard is the CFA exam and how did you prepare for it?
CFA is a prestigious credential in the investment industry. The programme consists of three levels, each demanding over 300 study hours. It encompasses a wide range of subjects, including alternative investments and derivatives. Levels 1 and 2 are solely test-based, while Level 3 incorporates test and open-ended questions. Currently, there are 21 CFA Charterholders in Uzbekistan. The CFA exam is one of the most challenging in the corporate world due to its extensive material. Each level covers 10 subjects, with increasing difficulty, and requires substantial preparation. The average pass rate per level is about 40%, and fewer than 10% of candidates become CFA charterholders. Preparation typically takes around six months per level, depending on one's background. While third-party materials are available, I strongly recommend using the comprehensive official curriculum books despite their size. The finance modules of the WIUT curriculum offer a solid foundation for the CFA exam. The CFA exam is more comprehensive and covers a broader range of topics, necessitating additional effort from CFA candidates.

Became Chartered Financial Analyst: Do Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan come to you with offers?
‘Although the CFA designation does not guarantee offers from reputable financial institutions, it is an excellent way to distinguish yourself from thousands of other job applicants. It is a globally recognised credential designed to advance investment careers and provides extensive knowledge in investment analysis, portfolio management, and professional ethics. While the CFA programme has enhanced my investment knowledge, I plan to pursue an MBA to develop my leadership and soft skills further.

As I previously mentioned, it is challenging to remain competitive in the international market with a constant influx of new candidates possessing sharp hard and soft skills. Without a commitment to continuous growth, it is easy to become obsolete quickly. I am dedicated to improving my skills by attending training offered by the company, engaging in self-study to expand my skill set, and setting annual goals. I continually strive to learn new financial products, deepen my knowledge, and test my theoretical knowledge in real-life cases. My greatest fear is falling into a comfort zone and experiencing stagnation.’

What message would you like to share with the WIUT community about the lasting value of your education?
WIUT has significantly influenced my professional journey and personal growth. The university not only provided me with robust academic knowledge but also forged lasting connections with future leaders. These connections have been invaluable in my career and personal life. In nearly every sector, you can find an outstanding WIUT alumnus, which offers immense advantages for students transitioning into new fields, seeking advice, or efficiently resolving challenges.

While hard skills are essential for career progression, soft skills, and networking often play a more critical role when aiming for higher positions or prestigious organisations. I strongly encourage students to engage actively in both academic and extracurricular activities. These experiences are complementary and will significantly benefit them in their future endeavours.