“I have no relevant experience, no industry contacts, I don’t know how to network, but I’ve passed CFA Level 1. Why can’t I break into finance?”
The above quote is a fictionalized, yet all too common plea from those who are on the outside trying to break into the world of finance.
There is a common misconception that passing a CFA exam is a golden ticket to the world of finance, as if Johnny Depp will welcome you with open arms and give you are finance job for life. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
The good news is that the CFA program can help you break into the industry in asset management, equity research, and hedge funds.
The bad news is that there is a lot more you need to do than just passing the exams.
In this post, I’ll discuss everything you need to know when using the CFA to break into finance, including:
- History of the exam,
- An overview of the CFA program,
- The benefits of the CFA program,
- How to find out if the CFA program is right for you, and
- How to effectively use the CFA program to break into finance.
The CFA program really can help you break into finance, but you need to know the proper path to take. So, let’s get started …
History of the CFA Program
Ben Graham (yes, the Ben Graham of value investing) began trumpeting the idea of a professional rating for financial analysts in the early 1940s to the New York Society of Security Analysts. While the NYSSA agreed in principle to a professional rating, it would take over 20 years to iron out all the details of the program, which included creating a code of ethics and a standard body of knowledge.
Finally, in 1963 the first CFA exam took place. You can see the first exam on the CFA website, which was much that easier than the exams we see today. An interesting fact about that first exam was that most of the test takers were older than 45. Obviously, things have changed over the years.
The number of candidates rose sixfold that first year, from 284 to 1,742, and has continued to grow ever since. Today, there are more than 90,000 CFA charterholders worldwide. With that many people holding CFA charters, you can see how the CFA program has become such an important part in the world of finance.
Overview of the CFA Program
The CFA program consists of three exams, cleverly named Levels 1, 2, and 3. Each exam needs to be passed to earn a CFA charter. In addition to passing the exams, though, certain work experience requirements must be met.
This last part is partly the reason why the CFA alone will not help you break into finance. That’s because you can’t even become a CFA charterholder without being in the business first. You fall victim to the age old chicken-and-egg problem since you need four years of relevant, full-time work experience before you can put “CFA” after your name.
Another unique aspect of the exam is that a bachelor’s degree is required to take the exam. However, undergrads can get around this in their senior year as the CFA allows you to be in your final year of your bachelor’s degree program at the time of registration. However, you cannot register for Level 2 until you have completed your degree, negating the chance to take the December Level 1 exam followed by the June Level 2 exam during your senior year.
While you are taking the exams, you can only list on your résumé “CFA Level [x] Candidate.” Once you’ve read the Ethics section of Level 1, you will have this burned into your memory, so don’t worry about it now.
Passing the exams is no walk in the park either. The exam material is written such that it takes about 300 hours of studying over six months per level to pass. Believe me, that’s a lot of time given the CFA is a self-study course taken while you are still working full-time or in business school.
Of course, you’ll hear stories of people who “studied for 2 weeks” and passed a CFA exam, but those stories are more myth than reality.
Further, it is a mathematical probability that you will most likely fail to pass one level. Pass rates for each exam average less than 50%. On average it takes four years to pass all three levels of the CFA program, which is likely as long as it took to earn your bachelor’s degree.
In short, the best part about the CFA program is when you finish. I don’t remember the day I actually received my charter, but I definitely remember the day I completed the Level 3 exam. I can firmly state that never have a glass of scotch and a cigar tasted so good in the history of the world as they did that day.
The CFA program is no walk in the park, so make sure you are convinced that a career in investing is your passion.
Benefits of the CFA
Now that you know how difficult and painful the CFA program is, why on earth would anyone want to go through it?
There are many benefits to the CFA, but the main reason anyone goes through the program is to get paid more. Various surveys indicate that CFA charterholders get paid more than non-charterholders. Given the relatively small investment required for the CFA program (at least compared to going to business school for an MBA), the ROI is quite high.
While there aren’t any surveys or studies that show why CFA charterholders get paid more, I believe the biggest reason is the signaling effect from successfully completing the exams. Given that the entire program is self-study outside of work and/or school, those that complete the program tell the world that they are capable of working hard on their own.
That’s not to say someone who hasn’t gone through the program can’t succeed and make more money, there are exceptions and outliers in everything. Look at the CFA program as a way to gain new knowledge and to advance your career.
Think about it this way: the CFA can’t guarantee you will get ahead, but not doing the program could hurt you. If you take two identical job candidates, but one has completed the CFA and one has never even taken Level 1, the one who has gone through the CFA program has the edge. In the world of Wall Street, you need any edge you can get.
Another big benefit to the CFA program is you get to join a robust, thriving “club” of finance professionals. I liken this to joining a golf club (yet another golf reference from me – this is not the first and won’t be the last). Golfers join golf clubs for two main reasons: they like to golf and they want to socialize with people who also like to golf.
The CFA program is much the same way: people join the “club” because they like finance and they can network, interact, and socialize with like-minded people. This means the continued education and networking opportunities are tremendous.
Candidates often fail to grasp this benefit, which is why they fail in their job search despite working through the CFA program. But more on that in a minute…
Is the CFA Program Right for Me?
The first thing you need to know about the CFA program is that it is not an ideal credential for every field of finance. The CFA is not necessary if you are looking to enter fields like investment banking, private equity, corporate finance, or venture capital.
The CFA is geared toward those individuals that invest in the public markets. As such, the CFA is a good program for you if you are looking to enter asset management, equity research, or hedge funds.
What about sales & trading?
Even though sales & trading positions are in the public markets, the benefits of the CFA are minimal.
That’s not to say the CFA can’t help you in those other fields, just don’t expect it help as much as if you are looking at asset management, equity research, or hedge funds.
How to Use the CFA Program to Break into Finance
As I said before, the CFA program is not your Golden Ticket to the Finance Factory. It can get you past the main gate, but you are going to need a lot more if you want to be invited in to see how the chocolate, er, money is made.
The way to use your CFA candidacy status is through networking. Join your local CFA society as a candidate member and start attending the networking events.
This is the most underused opportunity that can vault you past 99% of the other candidates looking to break into finance. Most candidates think passing the CFA exams is the only part that matters and that listing it on their résumé guarantees them a job. This is simply not the case.
The opportunity to network with other CFA charterholders, who are almost all in the investment management business, is a priceless opportunity to get your face in front of the people who matter: the people who make hiring decisions.
Showing up at these events also demonstrates your passion for investing, which I consistently emphasize as a prerequisite for breaking into finance.
Key Takeaways
Now that you know everything about the CFA program that you were afraid to ask, it’s time to boil the lesson down to just one sentence:
Take the exams AND attend CFA society networking events.
Most candidates get the first part right, but very few get the second part right. Do the second part and you will put yourself far above the competition.
1600 words, nice! You`re gonna make me feel so guilty when I land a job off these articles that I`ll have to cut you in on some comm!
Could you maybe explain where an equity/market strategist fits into the picture(b-s/s-s etc),how you get there and what ammo (Salary) you could expect please?
Enjoyed reading this as always,keep em coming! Thanks
Equity/market strategists tend to be more common on the sell side. Portfolio managers on the buy side usually act as a de facto strategist simply by their role (most of us use sell side strategist work a lot). To break in, follow the path for sell side equity research, but target the strategy groups.
https://www.lifeonthebuyside.com/life-on-the-sell-side-equity-research/
https://www.lifeonthebuyside.com/life-on-the-sell-side-equity-research-part-2/
I’ve spent 2 years in Big 4 Transaction Advisory and need your advice. Long term goal was always to eventually be a PM at a Hedge Fund vehicle without getting an MBA. Now, I received an offer to be a research associate at a $10+ Billion investment manager, – it is a 4-5 star rated mutual fund platform, long-only. The catch is that it is about 1 hour 30 minutes minutes by car each way from my house- I would be receiving the same salary, and my wife isn’t really inclined to move now. I wanted to get your insight on the role from a relative standpoint, meaning is it an opportunity worth accepting and dealing with the commute for a few years? Will this open up my path in the buy-side from a long term perspective and allow me to move to hedge funds etc? . I want to make sure I’m not disillusioned with the word “buyside” and that going to a mutual fund as an equity research associate isn’t actually detrimental to my long-term path.
Doing equity research at a big fund manager is nearly the same job as being an analyst at a hedge fund. The job is an ideal career transition to the buy side.
The only question is the commute. 3 hours in a car every day is a lot. If you have similar options closer to you, then I’d explore those.
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the response. Assuming no other options now – is it fair to assume the way the market is there may be no other opportunities to switch from BIG 4 Valuation to research/investing within the next 2 years?
Since I’m 2 years out of school, I am afraid that if I don’t find anything within the next 2-3 years, it would be a stretch to make the transition from Big 4 to Finance banking or ER.
If it’s a good enough opportunity I would do the drive knowing there’s nothing else out there, and it would put me on the path…thoughts?
I wouldn’t go so far to say there will be no opportunities, but I don’t think we are going back to the Wall Street hiring boom days anytime soon. And you are corrct to say it’s harder to transition out of Big 4 the longer you go (without going back for your MBA, at least).
I think the Socratic method is pointing you in only one direction now …
I am an Engineer in Toronto, Canada. I am 31 pushing 32 next April….getting old. If I want to switch careers and move into Finance before 35, is that doable by passing all 3 levels of CFA? Finance above meaning Asset Management, Equity Research and Hedge Funds…. not the VC, PE and Banking Analysts… Will couple an MBA from a tier-2 University to the passing the 3 levels of CFA help???
Just want to get into the game/club. Please advise.
What are my chances on landing a career (job to start with) in Asset Mgmt, Equity Research, Hedge Fund jobs in Toronto, Canada or will my chances be better in the US??? My fiancee is a US Citizen but it only helps but still a long way to go if I want to go work in NYC and fiancee will be wife in future but spousal sponsorship won’t gurantee anything…
PLEASE ADVISE on what you meant by:
“The bad news is that there is a lot more you need to do than just passing the exams”. What’s the ‘lot more’ here besides passing exams and networking????
Thanks.
&
“The CFA program really can help you break into finance, but you need to know the proper path to take”. Again the proper path is pass the exams and network like crazy – joining those CFA Society events????
Thanks a lot.
Given your age and experience, the combo MBA/CFA route is probably best since you will have a harder time convincing people that you are serious about career switching otherwise.
What is your engineering background? If you’re in chemical/mineral engineering, that might give you an edge for sell-side ER. Switching careers is by no means easy, especially if you’re already in your 30’s and don’t have a CFA/MBA (or both) and it sounds like you haven’t been networking either.
Another thing to consider is that you’re in Toronto – the highest CFA charterholder per capita base in the world behind NYC (and you mention going to the US – hope that didn’t mean NYC).
Don’t mean to be a Gloomy Gus, but I have done the MBA/CFA thing and while it’s possible to career-switch, it was difficult. Networking events, keeping in touch, coffees, lunches, studying, etc. Graduated in the financial crash of 2008, spent a year and a half unemployed, interviewed several of times and finally landed a job (through someone I just met for coffee who passed my resume on to someone he knew that was looking for an Associate). After almost 2.5 years of grunt work and long days, just signed an offer for a buy-side PM role. And what was the defining factor amidst a sea of CFA charterholders and MBA graduates? My computer background – the ability to code and my Excel skills.
What did I learn? Often, it all comes down to luck – despite the hard work.
Thanks Smokinmike, sorry I haven’t read this blog for a while so didn’t know you replied to my posting. I am attempting the CFA Level 1 this Dec so it’s 4 weeks away. I am not very confident but I will try my best. Also, it’s not easy to network into CFA or finance jobs here in TO. Per your comments, it’s the most saturated CFA city in the world according to the numbers. I have tried to ask my friend who has recently switched to Finance from Engineering without a CFA BUT he was friends with the boss so things are different.
Any suggestions presumbly I will pass L1? Should I try again in June 2013? If I fail this time, will it have a negative impact on me right away?
Thanks
Thanks Mike.
Would you suggest pursuing the MBA and CFA at the same time or simultaneously and seek employment when I say pass CFA I or apply for MBA Co-op opportunities? My biggest challenge is I don’t know the possibilities of getting even an intern or part time work with any employer after I pass CFA I? I don’t want to get into a stage where I have CFA I or even II done but no opportunities. Please advise if you can. Thanks.
If you go to a top tier school, then you don’t need to do both at the same time. But if Harvard is out of your range, I would suggest one of the CFA partner schools where you complete both at the same time. http://www.cfainstitute.org/partners/university/Pages/cfa_program_university_partners.aspx
Thanks Mike. Unfortunately, the school I have targetted to go is Wilfrid Laurier where they have an MBA/CFA program but they are not listed on the CFA partner schools list. Is that going to work? This is the only school in the Toronto Area (Canada) that I can afford to go and I think I can get in with my GPA and GMAT (other application factors) so this is almost the only option. Is there anywhere else or any other ways I can get work experience?????? THANKS
Hi,
First of all thanks for all the buy side advice you have been passing to us.
I was wondering if you could give me a reality check on my plan below.
My situation:
Age: 33
Job history: 1. four years in finance (Japanese IB at Tokyo)
( Debt Capital markets execution, one year and
Before that a Fixed income quant three years at
same firm)
2. Telecommunication Engineer for 1.5 years ( well
known Japanese firm)
My goal is to break into investment management industry preferably at a fundamental focused (value oriented ) firm.
So, I am planning to apply to B school in US ( Chicago/NYU/Wharton) and maybe LBS, hoping that I it will help me to switch my career.
What are my chances of getting to business school at this age and to switch careers?
Thanks
I wouldn’t wait too much longer as you are starting to get close to the “too much experience” stage where switching careers is more difficult. Keep your options open to include sell side equity research jobs as well, since they offer good exit opportunities to the buy side.
Thank you for the response.
Just so that I understand you clearly, my paths/chances of getting to investment management are;
1) Sell side Equity analyst -> Buy side analyst -> portfolio manager
2) MBA ( and maybe CFA) -> Buy side analyst -> portfolio manager
In that order, with path one being most likely?
Is my understanding correct?
I was actually suggesting MBA/CFA -> Sell Side Associate -> Buy Side Analyst -> PM. The side side part is just an option if you find there aren’t many buy side jobs available when you get done with your MBA.
Hi Mike thanks a lot for your advice above. Since receiving them, I have actually entered a Masters in Finance programme in London.
Now my next goal is to land an internship in equity research, ideally in a value investing firm (but these are testing times so not too hung up on this as a start) , while I am at business school. Now I was wondering if I should also spend money and time on CFA or instead start playing golf and networking as you have mentioned in another thread !
Seriously, I am not joking. Just trying to figure out the most efficient and sensible way to reach the goal of buy side analyst.
Any thoughts on this is much appreciated.
Also, in your opinion how relevant is CFA knowledge and charter for value investors and people who are interested in landing a job in value investing?
Network and use your alumni network. Also, Ben Graham is the father of value investing and helped start the CFA program, so the two are definitely relevant together.
Thanks for the great website and the advice you’ve been giving us Mike.
I was wondering what advise you would give me to get into equity research/asset management. I am 28 and have a Physics BSc from an Ivy League in the US and a MSc in Engineering. I also have several months experience as a management consultant at a mid-tier firm, and many years as a scientist in very advanced electronics/semiconductors. I live in Singapore.
What route would you advise for me to get into equity research or asset management?
I don’t mind doing an internship or starting as a management associate but want to be sure I’m not missing any roles that would be more suitable as an entry point. I’m also not keen on spending 150K on a MBA at the moment.
Thanks.
You have a solid background, but the hard part will be convincing employers that you are truly passionate about investing. This is where either the CFA and/or an MBA comes into play since you are making a career switch.
Regadring the cost of the MBA, nobody can ever really afford an MBA. That’s where loans, grants, scholarships, etc. all come into play. The payback comes in the form of a much higher salary when you graduate.
Hi ,
I am 28 years old, i am an software engineer by profession working for financial services, though my current role has nothing to do with IB industry will my experience be considered for a CFA charter in case i manage to clear all 3 levels.
In case i take up an IT (Information Technology) role in an investment bank and complete 4 years from now,will that be considered as relavant experience?
An IT role is not likely not to qualify as CFA work experience. It’s not where you work, but rather what you do that matters for the CFA work requirements.
Here is the link to the reqs:
http://www.cfainstitute.org/about/membership/process/Pages/work_experience.aspx
Thank you very much for your advice…
hey..I have done b.com and i wanna start my cfa!!!I have no information about it…can anyone tellme where this degree belongs to and what is the fee structure????
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=cfa+program
Hi,
I am software engineer, trying to break into finance meaning into trading, asset management stuff. I have been trading for about 3 yrs and have lot of interest in capital markets.
I am based in india, where there aren’t really too many opportunies, Considering this is it a good thing to move to US considering i the job i am looking for.
If i land up in US, a engineering degree with CFA ( have cleared L1 ).. will that be sufficient to get such a job.. or is MBA too a must?
Raj,
I’m in the some boat as you minus L1. can you tell me how are you progressing? Where you able to break in to finance with IT background?
Are courses facilitated by ‘Breaking into wall street’ and ‘Investment banking institute’ actually useful??? Sounds too good to be true! I mean even people with finance background, CFAs and years of experience may not a get a job and just taking the above courses I can get in???? I just want to know more if this is a way to get into investment banking, IPOs, PEs, equity reserach, capital markets and etc quicker as age is working against me and I am 32 already. I am doing an MBA later this year but Oy…. it will be years….
Copy this article into Word and replace “CFA” with “financial modeling courses.” There is no golden ticket, just a lot of things that can help.
I am an affiliate of BIWS and highly recommend their courses. You can check them out here:
https://www.lifeonthebuyside.com/breaking-into-wall-street
I don’t know anything about “Investment Banking Institute,” so I can’t comment on their quality.
Great website Mike. I’ve read almost all the articles and I can’t thank you enough for all the advice.
Yes, I was one of the many who expected to break into finance right after passing CFA L1. I’ve got a consulting background though, and I do know how to network, but it still isn’t enough. I’ve decided to do a Masters in Finance course at a top university in Europe and have received offers from the top four on the 2011 FT list for pre-experience masters (http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/masters-in-finance-pre-experience-2011).
My aim is to break into HF/AM/ER after the program and I was hoping you could answer a few related questions.
1) Of the four, which program do you think is best suited for my goals.
2) Is aiming for HF right out of the program feasible?
3) Do US firms higher out of these programs?
I would appreciate your advice.
Thanks
Hello, I am 24 years old and I finished my undergraduate education in Business Administration specializing in finance. I am thinking about my future plans and the CFA came to mind. I work in a big bank as a mortgage underwriter but I wonder if it will count towards my 4 year relevant experience in the financial industry that is required to get the charter. I am also contemplating MBA but since my grades were not that great in college (above 3 but below 3.5) and I attended a tech school, I would think my options for getting into a top 10 business school is limited. My school offers a MSF program which is ranked top 5 in the nation by FT but I am not sure if this is the right path to take. Future goal – Call me greedy but I would love to earn a lot of money in the future and I want to make sure that I take the right steps now as I goofed up in my undergrad. I would love to hear what you have to say.
Mortgage Underwriter experience does not count for CFA experience.
Your grades and underwriting experience will not be good enough to get into a top-tier school in Canada or the US. If you score in the 99th percentile on the GMAT and have stellar life/volunteering experiences, they may take a look at your application, but don’t get your hopes up.
Unfortunately, making good money will be that much harder for you. You’ll have to bust your a** more than your peers to get in front of the people you need to. That means a lot of networking and a lot of reading – current events, news, stocks, financial statements, macroeconomic issues, geopolitical issues. Coding and Excel knowledge would be a great asset too.
Hi,
I have been working in Business Operations consulting (telecom) for last 7 years post MBA. Been part of IBM, Two Big 4s and would like to switch career from telecom operations consulting to finance consulting. Do you think doing CFA will help. Else would be obliged if u can guide as to which course iwll work best for me considering my age and experience. I am at manager level.
Thanks in advance
Himanshu
India
I have just given my CFA Level 3 exam, i am working in a commercial bank in Dubai, in the corporate sales team on the FX desk. And i am interested to get into a asset management/fund house type of firm where i can actually use the knowledge i have gained while doing this great program. Unfortunately, there’s not much fund management in Dubai and after using all my networking skills and being unsuccessful, i have started contemplating the idea of moving to another city (Maybe Singapore/Hong Kong), basically anywhere i can do what i am really really interested in. Appreciate if you guys have some good advice for me
Hello Mike,
Thanks for the article and great insights into the finance world. I’m a little confused and was wondering if you could help. I graduate with a BSc in Business Administration with a major in finance and minor in management. I worked in a big bank as a credit analyst for two and a half years and moved to Boston to pursue an MBA with a concentration in finance. I opted for part-time so I can get more experience. Luckily, I landed a job with another big bank as a portfolio monitoring analyst in their commercial bank and my job is, primarily, to help manage a portfolio of business banking clients.
I really want to break into either Investment Banking, Asset Management (eg. fixed income, equity, etc). I started my MBA in fall 2010 and will be done May 2013. How can I get into this finance or investment arena considering my background? I’m considering taking the CFA in December 2012 and will work extremely hard to pass because I want firms to give me a chance based on my education and passing the CFA Level I assuming I’m fortunate enough to pass. The CFA has become the gold standard and may be the best chance for me. I also have a lot of student loans to pay back which I must start paying one month after graduation. Under my current salary, there’s no way I can afford to make payments on those student loans and don’t want to ruin my credit history. I want to take it in December 2012 so that perhaps, I can leverage that to get me into my next job and keep working on it. Or would you recommend that I pursue the CFA after graduation?
I’m just confused. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Hello Mike
I am ACCA qualified accountant with 9 years of experience in accountancy but I would like to pursue a career in investment management, the reason I embark on the CFA Program. I plan to immigrate to Montreal, Canada next year. I would like to know what are the other things I need to undertake to have a sound career in asset management or finance there besides obtaining my CFA Charter designation.
Will the Canadian Securities Course upgrade my chance of landing a job? Do you know any other qualifications or courses that I need to do to boost my job prospects?
Thanks very much in advance for considering my concern.
Hello Mike,
First of all….Great Article. I am a software engineer having 3 years experience in I.T. Now I am planning for CFA (Level 1) in 2012 and MBA (Finance) in 2013 from U.S.
After that I want to go for Equity Research. Can you please tell me, how much the above package (CFA + MBA) be helpful to me in applying for Equity Research?
Apart from this what other fields can I apply after completing CFA + MBA (finance)
Thanks in advance….
Hi Mike,
Great insight into this course. I am a Chartered Accountant with 4 years exp at Big4 and have appeared for the L3 exams of CFA. I currently reside in India but plan to pursue a career in the financial services field in SIngapore, USA or Hongkong in order of preference. Could you advise on my chances in getting a good job at a reputed I banking company in either of these locations.
Thanks in advance
I am an acca affiliate and probably would be acca member by next year. I am cfa level 2 candidate and have completed my level 1.I work in a bank as a customer service represantive right now but am not satisfied with my job. What should i do to move my career to finance or get a more attractive job. I dont want to get highly paid job directly but would like to enter financial market as early as possible may be as an intern. Where should i apply and will my current work experience helpful for the better financial job in the future.
Thank you.
Hey
since the post is quite old and i am new to this forum..i dont know if i will get a reply or not..but its kind of urgent.
I have complete eco (hons )..and the word finance attracts me..I dont know if its my passio or not..cfa is too expensive to check if my interest lies here…Advice >
oNE more thing..how good/bad is it to do cfa after masters ?
If you don’t know if it is a passion or not, I would say it probably isn’t.
Hi,
I was wondering what I can expect to make with an engineering undergraduate degree, a Masters in Statistics, and two levels of the CFA (I haven’t passed any level yet). Your responses are very much appreciated. Thank you.
Dear Mike,
I am currently 23 year old chemical engineer working for a gold mining company in South Africa. This year is my first year working full time after completeing my engineering degree. It hasnt taken me long to realize that plant life or any other hardcore industrial hands on job is not what i want to do for the rest of my life. The engineering degree was a great intellectual challange and now I find myself faced with daily production work which is down right boring. To make matters worse i would probably have to wait for someone to pass away before the oppertunity for promotion will arise.
So something needs to be done. I have always been interested in economics and accounting, having taken both of these courses for my high school diploma (matric) scoring well above 80% for both.I have done extensive reaserch into the body of knowlegde required for the CFA and find it very interesting and challenging. I am considering doing the CFA part time while i work for the mining company. I do however have some concerns and was hoping that you could advise me in these regards.
1) I have sold my soul to the devil. By this i mean that i am currently working back a bursary obligation. This means that i am tied into my current empolyer for the next three and a half years. In this time i will be gaining invaluable experiance, however in the world of engineering- not in finance. I intend to use this time to complete the CFA but i am very scared that i wont be able to make the career shift into the finance world seeing as i will have very little finace experiance. Will the CFA help me to not have to “start at the bottom” once i make the transition into the finance world?
2) my second question would be what would be an accurate expectation of my day to day challenegs once qualified with both an engineering degree and a CFA (I know that this will be highly dependent on the nature of employment but seeing as my exposure in the finance world is very limited, i was hoping that you could maybe just map out two or three possibilities)
your assistence will be greatly appreciated
Thank you
If you have another 3.5 years to go, I would consider an MBA for a career switch. Business schools like engineers.
Hi Mike,
I am a civil engineering graduate of a reputable university in Nigeria with some experience in construction and I will soon become 25yrs old. I found out that I am not really interested in Civil engineering anymore even though I graduated with a good result. I want to pursue a career in finance (I hope its not late) specifically asset management and investment banking, I have registered to take the foundation exam for ICAN (institute of Chatered Accountants of Nigeria) this November. I also have plans for ACCA and eventually become a CFA….Please Mike I want to know if this dream is possible and I need you to advise me on how you think I can go about it.
Thanks
Hi Mike,
Interesting read this blog, thanks.
I am a 25 year old commerce graduate, Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary & CFA (Level 3 cleared) individual working as an IB Analyst at a Swiss bank. I am confused regarding my career since I do not feel very keen on investment banking as long term career choice.
Please share your thoughts.
Thanks
I don’t think this article could be any better for me. I recently applied for a CFA in hopes of moving into the financial sector. I trust that it’s going to be difficult, but articles like these really give me some confidence that I can achieve.
Is there any other advice you would be able to offer me? I really want to get into banking, that would without a doubt be my end goal.
hey mike
i’m 22 and a final year student of ece engineering in india . i have got a job (through campus placement) as a business operations associate in a US based consultancy . i would be joining it in july 2013 . originally i had plans for mba after 2 years but now being acquainted wid cfa , i’m thinking about going for level 1 exam in 2013 . should i go for it ??please advice
Hello Mike,
I just got my Canadian permanent residence visa and I am wondering about getting an investment banking related job when I land in Canada. I am relocating from Africa with an MBA from a top school in UK. I have 10 years experience in FX, Fixed Income and Money Market trading across Africa and current 33 years old. Also, I am writing the CFAL1 exam this December.
As you advised, I have been networking with contacts in Canada already and I plan to write the CSC exam in March when I land.
Please advise.
hey, i registered for the the cfa exams again sometime to be honest i just need that push , kind of feeling down on how best to pass this time around
Tayo—
I sat for Level I, three times, passing on the third try. I did no outside coursework other than the CFA curriculum. I passed II and III on my first attempts, using an outside study course. a lot of money, but well spent (I think..no job currently). if you dont want to spend money for level I; investopedia has a huge question bank….spend two hours a day, everyday taking questions, over and over and over and over….and it will work.
good luck!
Adam
thanks man facing the curiculum squarely its been a dream i have had since 16 , iwould dedicate two hours to taking the exams , dont know if you have any of your practice questions on soft copy
….investopedia.com….thousands of questions with explainations….old tests are out there, but only give you a few q’s per topic….you need to take 2000 practice questions and read the explanations and it becomes likely to pass.
Nice article, very accurate in that not pursuing and advanced education can hinder you, but achieving MBA/CFA is no guarantee. I have earned my MBA, passed level 3, and am about 9 months short on experience to receive the Charter. I left a large broker dealer 2 years ago (after 3 years in retail sales), tried trading for a short time and now have been looking very seriously for several months and have come up empty. 50 online apps, for jobs that ‘prefer MBA’ or would like someone pursuing the CFA….only 1 callback. networking has been slightly better, with 2 interviews. The issue seems to be I lack the ’10+ years experience’ these PWM and trust companies are looking for. There doesnt seem to be any middle, or ‘jr’ positions.
I am considering going independent with an RIA, but will make no money for years (selling is not my forte) but I think I can accrue experience to recive the charter and appoint myself as PM…..what are your thoughts?
thanks
Adam
Hello Mike,
Very interesting and beneficial article.
I am currently a level 2 candidate (27 years old) and have an MBA in finance.
However, I have no experience in the financial sector. I am currently the financial director of a jewellery factory in Beirut, Lebanon.
I eagerly want to enter into the financial sector (financial & capital markets, research, investment banking) but there are little opportunities here. I am a European citizen at the same time.
What advice can you give me?
Thank you in advance and I appreciate your advice.
Hey Mike
I know you get quite a few posts, so i’ll make it quick. I’m a 22 year old South African hoping to work in commercial real estate finance at one of the large banks. Is the CFA going to be beneficial if i’m looking to get into the IB sector of one of the specialized private banks in SA?
Regards
PropGrad
Hi Mike,
I am an Indian working in London in IT field for 4 years. I am looking for a career change into Finance(Investment banking) and have registered for CFA level 1 exam in 2013. But I am worried whether this will help me land a job in Finance considering the lack of experience in Finance domain. So I was thinking I should go for an MBA/Masters in Finance from a good UK university. Please advice if this will help and if so, what course will be better(MBA/MiF)?
Thanks
Anu
Hi Mike,
I’d be interested in your opinion. I am a 30 year old working in Group Treasury for a large Australian mining/engineering group (ASX 100 company). My role involves analysis on derivative and debt intruments but is primarily centered around debt market deal execution. I worked for three years in New York in commercial real estate brokerage and three years in Dubai/Abu Dhabi in a mix of real estate and treasury roles. I have just passed the level one exam and will likely move back to New York following the level two exam.
I really want to move into the fixed-income or equity buy-side space but realise I have very little directly relevant experience. Does my background, interesting but not directly relevant, help me sell my story? I really don’t want to have to get an MBA!
Hi Mike,
Thanks for such a interesting and valuable article for all of us I have one question or confusion would like you to help me I am 27 years old with 4 years post MBA experience in Corporate/Investment banking at Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, now I am cosidering to accelerate my qualification in finance and keeping in view my previous experience and my interest is it good for me to take CFA?? Or please advice me any qualification that will add edge in my banking career.
Thanks Shobi
Hello Mike!
Thanks a bunch for this valuable article and comments. I’m confident that you are the right person to advise me. My goal is to get some experience in the hedge fund industry prior to opening my own hedge fund. Here’s my story. I’m 32 with a BS in Computer Engineering and Math, an MS in Statistics (took all PhD level course but 1 – which I took when I started working) and have been working in medical research for almost 5 years with focus on Time Series Analysis. I’m in the process of applying to a top 50 MBA program because it will be free of charge since the school is affiliated with my workplace and there is a well-known professor there who specializes on portfolio management. Beside, I’ve never payed for school and do not intend to break that rule. I have 7.5 years of experience in the field of network marketing (5.5 with a product oriented company and over 2 yrs with a service-oriented one) where I project to draw some of my clients from (I’ve already made lots of connections in the field). My current residual income is not far from the $20k/month mark and I have made some serious investment in the gold industry in the part of Africa I’m from. My goal has always been to study finance and run my own firm and that goal hasn’t change even tough I took different routes. I’m sitting for the level 1 CFA this December, level 2 next year, and level 3 the following year. I will actually be taking a course in Financial Management and another in Financial Accounting this summer, both of which will count towards my MBA. I would love to send you the curriculum of my program so you guide me as to which courses to take first. I married with 1 kid and another due in early summer. Your advise will be greatly appreciated.
Hey Mikey!!
I am a permanent resident of US residing in Dubai, UAE. Have got 11 years of experience in corporate/ investment banking. Most of my prior work experience is related to credit risk analyst and relationship management outside US.
Now I am interested to relocate to US and want to persue my career there in banking or portfolio management. I am CFA Level 2 candidate for June ’13 as well. What would you suggest with regard to my move to US. How can I brighten my chance to get a good job there.
Regards.
You guys keep asking your individual situations to the guy, who is obviously very busy, while many of the questions have the same or similar answers above. If you network, you will get a sense for how everyone found their path, and ultimately you will find your own path as well. Study hard and go after the CFA or any credentials you want/can get, if that’s what you want to do of course. The rest will come as long as you network and explore for opportunities to advance.
Hello my name is Dani and i am from spain. This year i finish my degree in business administration. I am thinking to do a master in maths of financial instruments and prepare cfa level 1 in december and cfa level 2 in june.
Do you think that is a good idea? how can i get into a investment bank in the city of london for example?
thanks for your advices.
Hi.I am working in a financial service company from a week. Do you think CFA will be helpful for my job profile ? What does the subjects in CFA deals with basically? Is it any help in learning stock trading and stock analyzing ? I’m an average student so do you think CFA certification is still achievable for avg peoples ? I mean all the levels …? Is it tough or they just need serious 3-4 hrs study and thats all ? I’ll be waiting for your reply Impatiently! And thanks for the blog! Its a great help.
Hi, I’m currenty working for a London based Private Equity firm as a fund accountant doing largely a back office role. I’ve been qualified for almost two years and salary is close to GBP 60k after bonus.
Am I likely to have to take a drop in salary if i choose to deviate from my current career path, and embark on the CFA? Will the CFA simply be a complimentary qualification along with my accountancy one? Something to bare in mind, I will be 30 this year.
What sort of role can I get into without taking a big hit to my current salary. I am happy to take a small hit, so long as I am more than likely to recoup this later on. I appreciate no one can tell the future. I just need to know whether I should do the CFA or not given my current position.
Your comments and wisdom are much appreciated.
K
Mike:
I am in my mid 30’s with over 10 yrs experience of selling capital equipment in the medical industry. I have an MBA and undergraduate degree that focused on finance.
I wanted to hear your opinion if I could get back into the finance industry in a sales capacity at this point? Should I get my CFA?
Thanks for your opinion.
Matt
You don’t need the CFA for sales. In fact, you wouldn’t even be able to get the designation because of the work requirement. You should be able to transitions to sales in finance as those guys (and gals) have very varied backgrounds. It’s just a matter of networking with the right people, so start talking to some recruiters.
Hi Mike,
I recently graduated with an economics degree, with BB IBD internship experience. For personal reasons I turned the offer down. I’m now considering a career as a research analyst, but I have no experience in personal investing. Would signing up for the CFA Level 1 (and passing it, of course) be a good thing to do to get a foot in the door (at small investment firms say), i.e. is the CFA a good substitute for no investment experience? I’m based in Asia.
Thanks.
Hi Mike,
I have completed CFA L1 in December 2012 but marginally fail in recent L2 (brand 10). I am doing as a retail broker for 5 years. Following USA, it becomes a sunset career in Hong Kong due to fierce competition from online banking, discount brokerages and even private banking. However, I am still passionate in investment industry and want to start from a junior post in Buy Side or Sell Side Equity Research.
Just taking your advice, I sharpened my financial modeling skill set during waiting for the result. I am confident in my accounting foundation and believe to decode footnotes well. I know nobody takes it serious for L1 only but it is frustrated being rejected for an interview chance for all research associate post that required minimum 1 year research experience many times. No one count my trading experience as formal investment experience either.
I don’t mind retaking L2 next year and confident to pass next time. What I am worrying is that I will face the same situation next year being rejected in the door. The entry level posts here seem only open to graduate program.
What would you like to suggest me? So down on that…………
Great article! Just curious to know as you mentioned that CFA is NOT the token to Finance Factory, it’s just to get us past the main gate and it probably shows that the person has the drive and willingness to get in, so the real token is ‘networking’? but I mean nothing is certain from networking and it can be a shoot in the dark quite often. I haven’t never attended a CFA event, but I would imagine it will be packed with people having the same thing in mind: “Oh, is the Hiring Manager of such and such investment firm here?” and “Hi my name is Joe Blow and I want to know what do you expect when hiring an Analyst?”
I am just thinking the chances are slim if not worse. With a pass of the CFA, will it at least show that you have the ability to do something or am I completely wrong? Is there anything else that you would suggest one should do to increase the chances of getting our feet in the door? To the finance factory?
Thanks
P
hey mike,
first of all nice article…
I am Mandarr, 20 yrs-age
i have completed my BMS this year nd i am planning to do CFA level 1 on june 2014..
as u said 4 years work experience is required
what job profile should i look for which will match match with CFA studies and help me even in future?
can i work as a mutual fund broker on free lancing basis nd will this be relevant and count as work ex?
and pls if u can suggest me anything extra …
It is not “more a myth than reality” that people pass on 2 weeks of study. I’m a charterholder and never studied more than that for any exam, including level 2 where I began 9 days out. I know a couple other people who studied even less than myself, so definitely not a myth. If you’re a typical finance/IB type maybe it’s hard, but if you’re actually good at math and have worked in finance it’s really child’s play compared to things like the Putnam Exam or graduate-school coursework.
Hi Mike,
I am 22 years old and I just completed my undergraduate degree and currently interning at an agency for stocks in Kenya. Not to brag or anything but I am good with figures. Heard so many comments from people to do and MBA other to do a CFA. After looking at what the programs entail, I feel like i should do a CFA but at the same time I fear backing out from the way many people have discouraged me not to do it as its a waste of time.
And if i have to do the CFA does research analyst or equity sales and trading at a stock brokerage qualify for the 4 year experience? If not what job should I look for??
Please advice.
Thanks
hi all. I am seeking some general career advice. I am 22 years old with a BS in biomedical engineering from a top 25 university. I interned as a financial analyst at GE real estate and was offered a position at a REIT (10B+)upon graduation from university. I worked there as an acquisitions analyst on the buy side deal team for 6 months and am now in the portfolio management team as an analyst. I will be taking the cfa level one on June and will be seeking to move to a more finance heavy firm as opposed to real estate finance. I am hoping for equity research for REITs or biotech. I eventually would love to work for a hedge fund or asset manager. will a cfa help me reach these goals ? would I be competitive in the next step of my career after level one cfa or level two? please advice
Hey Mike,
Recent grad in Economics currently working 7 months in as a Management Analyst for City Government, LA. Currently switching to a government position as an economist soon.
I’m trying to break into Equity Research, Buy Side (would take anything to be honest) as that’s my passion.
My GPA was not stellar (3.2), and I don’t come from a top-tier undergrad school.
I’ve been considering taking the CFA exam, but I’m wondering if the effort is worth it at this point or if I should try to do other things that might help me break into a top MBA program in 3 years (Like starting a small business, writing a book, getting involved in politics, etc).
What are your thoughts? If I get into a top MBA school I’d also be networking to get into IB, so i could have good exit opportunities.
Also wondering if my free time, currently, wouldn’t be better off by taking courses in Excel and/or coding.
SSAFS
Hi Mike,
I am 22 years old and I just completed my undergraduate degree and currently interning at an agency for stocks in Kenya. Not to brag or anything but I am good with figures. Heard so many comments from people to do and MBA other to do a CFA. After looking at what the programs entail, I feel like i should do a CFA but at the same time I fear backing out from the way many people have discouraged me not to do it as its a waste of time.
And if i have to do the CFA does research analyst or equity sales and trading at a stock brokerage qualify for the 4 year experience? If not what job should I look for??
Please advice.
Thanks
Hi Mike,
Am an engineer and work for a multinational conglomerate for 6 years now.
Got my MBA in dec’12 from one of the top 10 business schools by FT.
Can’t seem to land a new job in finance as I’m looking to make a career change, targeting asset/portfolio management…which roles should I target first to ultimately transition to portfolio mgmt in the next 3-5 years.
Thanks,
Tony
Hello all,
I’ve just stumbled on this article, and I have some things which I hope could be clarified.
I am a 26 years old mechanical engineer. Recently, I’ve become seriously interested in changing careers to investment research and portfolio management. I am looking to find a job in firms with value investing mindset and 5+ investing horizon. Eventually, I want to start my own firm.
Do you think that I will be able to pursue this career path if I obtained the CFA within the next 2 years?
Hello,
I am thirty nine years old with a bachelor’s degree in political science and no finance background. If I pass all three levels, do you think I would have a chance?
Any thoughts or comments are welcome.
Excellent, what a weblog it is! This weblog provides valuable data to
us, keep it up.
Јe peux vous dire que ce n’еst guèrе faux !!
First, thanks for setting up a site like this.
I am an engineering senior and just got into hbs + stanford gsb and will defer for 4 years. I may work at Mckinsey / BCG international office in my home country in the next 2 years. I am studying for CFA level 1 right now. Which steps should I take to make it into the buyside (location does not matter) post MBA?
Thanks
It seems to me that a big part of a CFA charter holder making more than an MBA would have a lot to do with the work experience requirement. I’m not sure what data they are using for those stats, but if they are only looking at CFA charter holders (as opposed to those who just passed level 3) then the CFA should have a pretty substantial bump due to experience.
hello
this is a really nice article and has increased my interest in CFA further. my background? well, im a student of ACCA and inshaAllah be completing it this feb my mjaors are advance audit and advance financial management and the reson my life changed was afm. i like the creative side of fm and thats the only reason i dont want to be an auditor because all they do is review and i like decision making. the other prospective for me is the dollered side of cfa as we all have heard of the payscale it possess. am i making the correct choice?
firstly, thank you for creating such a dynamic site.
My name is SURBHI AGGARWAL i’ve done my graduation in commerce in 2014 and now preparing for CFA level 1 in june’15.
I wanted to do MBA from a top tier b-school but could’nt do it due to some personal problems so can i go for MBA after completing the CFA (L 1 2 3).
I’ve even got into financial modelling and masters in economics, is it gonna be helpful?
and talking about my future plans, if i wanted to do MBA from Canada or U.S
will it be worth as i would appreciate if i could settle-in there.
Apart from schweser’s and the institute’s notes is there a need for any other notes to be reffered ?
Any other books to be consider for preparing level 1.
Any important or significant area or topic to be covered from syllabus which has a compulsory weightage ?
Hi,
I am a Software Engineer in an Investment Bank. I passed CFA Level 1 exam recently. I wanted to go for CFA Level 2 as well. I just wanted to know before going for L2 what other options I can go for? About me, I am 24 and into my 2nd year at job from India.
I am Master in Finance from a university in Middle East. I want to find a job in investment industry in Europe but I don’t know what should I do.
Pass CFA or get a academic degree in Europe universities? Which one is a priority?
greetings Mike
shortly, will my work experience in Central Bank count for working in related occupation to get qualified at the end ?
Thank you for your attention .
How’s it going Mike,
I found your article very motivating, especially because I’ve been recently questioning if all of this CFA studying is worth the sacrifice of fun during my final weeks of college. I just have one question that I was hoping you could answer when you get the chance:
I will be starting my first day of work at a BB bank in July, and I’ve been interested in Prime Brokerage for quite some time. In your article, you mentioned that the CFA could be tailored for those interested in working at a hedge fund. Considering how PB deals with hedge fund clients, do you see the CFA charter helping me break into that area of the bank?
Dear Mike,
I have done Masters in Economics, and started my career in Media Sales and Marketing. Total work exp: 7 years.
I am planning to go for further studies either a MBA in Finance degree thru clearing GMAT or should i pursue CFA before entering into MBA finance.
Please suggest.
Regards
Dear Mike,
I am having an engineering degree in Mechanical and having four years of experience in project management and planning which is not at all near to finance.
I want to enter in finance field. Please suggest whether my degree and experience will help me anyway in the process to appear and complete CFA level 1, 2 and 3.
Dear Mike,
Currently, I have a bachelors in biomedical sciences and i have been working as a financial planner in a financial advisory for approx. 6 months. I am keen to push further into the finance industry. My interest lies in asset management or in financial analysis.
I am planning to acquire the CFA levels. Should I acquire a finance related degree as well?
Pls advice on my chances in reaching my financial career goals and any additional pathways i should follow.
Mike –
I’ve been a member of the NFA, series 3 broker, for 3 years. I then moved to the futures education side of the business for 2 years. My wife and I have a son, i took time off so she could finish medical residency. I have a few publications out as well during the gold “boom” of 09.
I’m 28 and have my first year of college completed. I was planning on getting my major in mathamatics.
I loved being in the finance world at the board of trade in Chicago, however we are currently living in los angeles. I’ve been considering getting back into the industry and have just recently discovered the CFA program. I enjoyed managing clients accounts and trading very much.
Is the CFA right for me?
I have completed my btech in electrical engg. n started working as an analyst I am thinking of taking cfa exams to get better exposures and break into investment sector am I thinking alright ?
Hi.
I registered for the CFA LEVEL I examination. However, I have no experience in finance and I am 28 years old, currently unemployed.
I have a job offering in the field of marketing but I am thinking of turning it down in order to focus on studying for the CFA.
My question is should I take the CFA exam or am I too old and have no experience and just accept the marketing job?
Tha ks for tour time!
Great Article.
I am 32 considering spending 5k per year through Kaplan and other routes to get the CFA. Been Qualified Financial Advisor (Irish Qualification) for 7 years as an employee. I got my QFA after a BA Hons in Financial Services. I have about 380 clients. Mostly do life, pension, savings and structured investments. I am launching a new financial advice company with about 14 branches internationally. Now my question is do I need a CFA? I doing it gain more knowledge, create more opportunities for my company, get more high earning clients and sure join the CFA elites. But from your article this does not give me that knowledge a investment banker has. You know the knowledge to give a client advice and expertise like for aquisitions and buying out complete company. So do I need a CFA and if not what do I need. Hope you still responding
You will gain more knowledge with the CFA program, but I’m not sure it will have as big of an impact for you given it is so specialized toward investing.
Thank you for great article.
I am currently 22, been working for 1.5 years, level 2 candidate of the cfa program. I am currently working for middle office at a small asset management company (AUM 1 million usd) and would like to one day go and get a front office job with the aspiration of becoming a PM. I have been given an offer for a knowledge research analyst role at one of the big 3 consulting firms’s financial institutions team. Will such a research experience allow me to know more about the markets, to equip me well for switching back into buy side? My current situation is it is hard for me to switch internally to a front office role. The only realistic internal switch would be to risk or compliance for now.
I hope you can give me some advice on whether I should try out the research analyst role or stay internally. Thanks!
Hey ,
I m new to this forum. I just had my graduation over. I think the analytical approaches ,risk involving decisions attracts me. But my resume has made me to worry about it, as i m a fresher having no work experience.
I want to get placed outside India.
Do my resume affect my career in investment industry even if don’t own any work experiences??
Awaiting for your reply eagerly !!!
Hi,
i am an engineering graduate in IT and have a 3 years work experience in State Bank. My age is 25, i think CFA will boost me up in my career path. But in which way, by what means, i don’t know yet. guide me please.
Thanks,
Hi.
I’ve completed B.Tech(information Technology) in 2012, since then I’m working In BPO. Then I waned to break in to finance sector now I’m pursuing PG Diploma in Investment Banking and Equity Research. I would like to know can I get in to finance sector?.
My experience tells NO. I have 2 master degrees in finance and 1 bachelor in law and CFA lv3 attended. I found a lot candidates are outsiders and attend the CFA only to get into the industry. Sadly, study doesn’t help without networking which dominates the chance of getting into the industry.
Hi, I have attempted the Lv 3 exam and aim to be chartered by this exam, if I pass. However, I found it very difficult to break into asset management industry in Australia with CFA Charter. It seems to be useless here and even the president of CFA of Sydney Society is not very passionate about it? Is it because the CFA is too prestige for asset management industry?
What can I do to open up more opportunities?
Hi,
I have 9 years securities services (custody)experience. Its the most working experience I have and I want to register for CFA. Does this experience qualify under the 48 months required experience? i have handled due diligences, administration of equities and fixed income trades, combing through press and collecting information and advising fund managers on a daily basis in order for them to decide course of action etc.
I have over 5 years industry experience as sales and I have been advising clients for equities, fx, cfd tradings and managed accounts for a while. I am a lv III candidate and still found it hard to break into the asset management industry.
I guess the CFA is just a…a real waste of time compared to MBA, especially if you are outsiders. It is useful only if you are in the industry AND if you are on the senior level where you need something to help yourself for a promotion.
Hi,
I have been working as a Management Accountant since past 2 years. Also, on the other side, I purchase stocks and read and research about markets every day. My goal is to live a debt free live by the age of 40 (or at least pay my home debts by 40). I am 25 year old, turning 26 in November. I want to pursue either CPA or CFA. As I continuously invest in stock market, I need continuous cash flow to trade/invest. My fear is if I plan to pursue CFA, I don’t know whether I would be able to land a job or not as I don’t want to block current bi-weekly paychecks. However, If I pursue CPA, I can lend a better job than annual $53K and can reach at 80K job during CPA studies as now I have almost 2 years of experience. Also, I sometimes find Accounting highly boring, and I am a type of person who likes change and different roles. I don’t know what my goal is for next 5 to 10 years. All I know is I want a debt free life so that I can enjoy my life with no debt stress.
I Mike, thanks for the info. I am internal auditor at Tanzania. I have a CPA. do u think having a CFA will give me better chances at carrier development. I feel like CFA is not very appreciated in our country
Hi Mike, great article and website. Really gives some good insight.
So, I’m looking at an eventual career in a hedge fund.
My story so far:
Age:24
undergrad: BSc Math. (2015)
Experience: 1 year completed with a big 4 in Fin. services, Risk Advisory, working with MNC banks on treasury audits.
I had started out with actuaries, expecting to specialize in investments (to break in to hedge funds). I didn’t clear the first exam, and I realise that actuaries is a profession requiring extreme time commitment and dedication.
I am debating between a CFA and continuing with actuaries through the UK institute.
Please help!
Now I’m debating between
Hello everyone.
I’ve read the most comments. So many people with same problems.
I’ve graduated bachelor degree Business Administration. But still don’t have any experience. I’m so motivated to find a job, connected to finance sector. May be CFA will help me to find it? Also I heard about ACCA exam. Don’t know what I should chose.
I am Engineer +CFA level 2 pass out and connected with CFA society tryng hard to get job but not success ed yet.
What should I do now?
I have BSC in statistics and MBA Management, and I have been working as a business manager for over 10 years. I am 36 years old and I am really considering career switch in Finance by going for my MSF program in the united state. What is your take on my chances considering my age and qualification in the finance world?
Thanks in anticipation.
Hi,
I have a bachelors degree in Electronics Engg. and Master in Computer Vision and Robotics. I have my PhD in Remote sensing where I worked on applying statistical and machine learning methods to process time series data, to estimate missing values, make predictions, etc. My postdoc was also centered on the same topic. Previously, I have had experience working as a software engineer for 3 years which includes leadership opportunity. Now I’m thinking of getting into Finance for the following reasons:
1. I’d would like to apply my mathematical and computational skills to predict financial markets, both for technical/scientific challenge and for earning a few more bucks.
2. Academic job market is too saturated that finding an opportunity takes a multiple postdocs and constant moving. However, for supporting my young family, I look to settle somewhere.
3. In my research, technologies/Methods are just tools. So, we use a lot of methods/technologies but hardly get to master any of them.
I’m considering an MBA as well as CFA. One other interest for me on CFA/CFC is that I could start making own financial analytical softwares. What would you advice for me? and How could I go further?
Thanks in Advance,
Bharat
Hi Mr. Mike
I recently graduated with an economics degree. I have registered to take the CFA exam this coming June. Currently, I am looking for employment in the financial field. I am more interested in market research and analysis. I hate to prospect for clients. I want to work for a firm that lets me do research, analysis, and advise clients on the types of investment they should make.
I have no financial experience. I realize I have to start somewhere, do some grunt work first. Unfortunately, I do not know where to start. Given my limited experience, I feel hopeless. This thread has provided me with very useful information. (thanks everyone)
Any help is welcomed!
I am a fresher (age 22) in cyber security field. Will my job profile help me, if i want to get into finance (CFA). Also what could be the possible designation after CFA with cybersec experience.
Hello Mike,
Greetings! Thanks for the wealth of information posted. Here is my scenario: I have bachelors in Computer science, MBA from NYIT, NY and after that working in tech field as a software developer for 3.5 years. I am planning to do the CFA to get into the finance industry. Do you think it will be a good move to get into finance? Of course, with networking.
Hello Mike,
I have bachelors in Banking and 2 Masters in Credit and Intern-l Finance, but have worked in accounts mostly (except for early work in consulting as an accounting expert). I am 36. Do you think it is worth starting CFA now in order to switch into Finance. Thanks in advance
Good morning to you all,
I currently hold an Honours in a Bachelor of Science (non-finance) and I am currently pursuing the CIMA certificate to try and loosen the tightly wound world of finance, as I understand it is difficult to enter. As I have bee dongthe CIMA I have begun to realize my drive is more towards pure finance not accounting and I would like to get into investment banking, analyst roles and hopefully one day hedge funds. Now I am not sure if I should just finish my certificate level and then begin a CFA? My only main concern is, what would the chances be if me getting into the investment fields to start off with? I don’t want to end up studying a CFA but not abale to land a job due to no finance degree and thus not obtain the practical experience. Or should I try and finish my CIMA and try then again?
Any help
I have 3 years banking experience and 1 year of experience in insurance sector am i eligible for chartered in CFA or i need 48 months of experience only in finance
Hey man,
Thank you for the very interesting and well-written post. I would like to ask a quick question and get an advice from someone who is more experienced than myself.
I am an ex-big 4 employee who left the Assurance service line because I did not see myself growing into external Audit. I have 3+ years of experience in Assurance and I wanted to make the shift to the Finance side and with that I am thinking to pursue the CFA. I did not pursue the CPA as I already had my eyes on the CFA. And I’m 25 going to be 26 by the end of 2017.
Looking to hear from you, and Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Mike,
Thank you for the great article and for giving us insights about CFA.
I am a Chartered Accountant based out of India having 2 years of experience in the taxation department of a Big 4. I now desire to make a career in finance (preferably Australia) and I am keen on joining an equity research or a portfolio management team. Does the Australian market/any other country provide any job opportunity to a CFA level 2 pass candidate ?
If anyone has any information/insights, request you to share. Eagerly waiting for a reply.
Thanks in anticipation.
Hi Mike,
I am 43 years old from India and run my small advertising and branding agency since last 15 years. I have completed my Masters in Communications and PhD in Marketing. I am looking for a shift in my career and would like to switch to Finance I intend to appear for the CFA but would like to know if this is the right choice for me. I am also planning to move to Canada next year and hence want to know if this could be the right move. Also please let me know if there is anything else I can pursue if not CFA. Please advise.
Regards,
Sorry to bust your dream. Not likely to work. I am a CFA and an FRM Charterholder , started in late 30s and completed in early 40s. No relevant experience will not fetch anything worthwhile. CFA and FRM are only valuable if you are starting early or are already in the job that requires you to be one
Hello,
I am 35 years old.
I have been working within asset management operations and fund accounting roles for over 5 years now.
I am currently doing cfa level 3 and i also hold a local accountancy degree (ACCA).
What are my chances of getting into inbestment analyst type profiles.
Is it even worth putting an effort to clear level 3?
I get mixed reviews from recruitment agents.
I live in london
Regards,
Bhavik
Am a graduate of Banking/finance. And just had admission to study same for Masters. Do I need CFA?
I wanted to know whether holding a CFA charter and being in contact with the society after completing my bachelor’s degree with average marks land me into a job.
Also can i get a job after just passing CFA level I with the same bachelor’s degree .
Kindly reply asap as i am about to make a decision.
It would be a big Help
Hey Mike,
That’s one detailed analysis giving an outlook on CFA where candidates like me can gather so much for an aspiring student in finance.
I could use your inputs for I’m currently working with one of the Big 5 Banks in Toronto, I’ve been pursuing courses (and certifications) offered by the Canadian Securities Institute, i will with time pursue the designation of CFP and /or PFP. I’ve no intentions to make my career, as you guided in to Hedge Funds, Asset Management or Portfolio Management. But I like Financial Planning and want to make it big in Wealth Management and Investment Banking. I understand age is no bar to study, but if one were to take a decision at the age of 34, considering I’ll be pursuing the Canadian Securities Institute offered Certification in CFP and PFP, do you think CFA is something I should pursue as well.
Also, a quick note for I’ve landed to this beautiful country Canada after completing more than a decade of working in India. I’m in a way starting my career again here, thus considering the above certifications and courses.
Thanks in anticipation.
I almost took the exams for CFA and other things many years ago. I ended up deciding not to get certified in anything and skip all the tests because to me, each level you get is just another set of handcuffs on what you can’t do, and as an entrepreneur the last thing I wanted was to jump through rules and regs every time I wanted to do something with people. That’s my two cents 🙂
Hi
This is Umesh(28), civil engineer, 5 years experienced in construction
Want to switch my career in Share Market through CFA route. Is it a good idea??
Hi ,
I am an MBA finance with a work ex of 11 yrs in accounts receivables,o2c, cash applications with different ITES service companies. Now i am looking for a break in core finance. Is it good time and should i go for the CFA. If Yes , what Kind of Job opportunities i can look after CFA level 1, 2 3 or after completing my charterholding in CFA?