Career conversations: Bridging the gap between architecture and finance

I started my career in an architectural design firm. What I really want to see is the investment related to building and how they funded their money for construction and how do they lease their space to tenants. So I decided to change my career from architect to somewhere in finance. My name is Hyuk Yul Choi. I'm working as a Senior Manager in Koramco REITS & Trust.  

When I moved to finance, I thought that my finance background is really lacking. So I started to study about finance by myself but I realized that it is not enough. So I tried to find some curriculum about finance then I spotted the CFA Program. I have a family. I’m a father of two daughters. I cannot stop my work, so I decided CFA® (Program) because CFA Program is good for people who are working.  

I have a unique combination of designation. I am a registered architect and CFA® Charterholder. If you are planning (to construct) a lobby, if there are red brick or white marble, then finance just see the cost, then that's it. But for me, it is totally different. If it is a really luxury, building or spaces, we can use (even) red brick for a special mood or a special atmosphere. And that kind of design decision is really hard to people only from the financial field, but I'm from architecture and I'm studying a lot about finance with the CFA (Program), so I can make a special decision in this kind of situation. I could bridge between two different parts.  

Studying while working is really challenging. I commuted for a long time, more than one hour, so I used that time in the morning and in the evening. It could be really challenging because you have to study and you have to manage some time. But after you finish your Level III exam, you can have an achievement that you can't imagine because it is really hard to overcome. And after that, many people knows about your effort, so, never give up.