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 researchand 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:.

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 …. Ben Graham yes, the Ben Graham of value investing began trumpeting the idea of a professional rating for financial analysts in the early s 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 the first CFA exam took place. You can see the first exam on the CFA websitewhich 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 Obviously, things have changed over the years.

The number of candidates rose sixfold that first year, from to 1, and has continued to grow ever since. Today, there are more than 90, 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.

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. 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. Passing the exams is no walk in the park either. The exam material is written such that it takes about 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.

Further, it is a mathematical probability that you will most likely fail to pass one level. 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. 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 MBAthe 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. 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: 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. 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: The CFA program is much the same way: 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 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 researchor hedge funds. 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. 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 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: Showing up at these events also demonstrates your passion for investing, which I consistently emphasize as a prerequisite for breaking into finance.

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:. 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. 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. Long term goal was always to eventually be a PM at a Hedge Fund vehicle without getting an MBA. 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? 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. Thanks for the response. I am an Engineer in Toronto, Canada. I am 31 pushing 32 next April…. 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…. 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???

PLEASE ADVISE on what you meant by: Again the proper path is pass the exams and network like crazy — joining those CFA Society events???? What is your engineering background? Networking events, keeping in touch, coffees, lunches, studying, etc.

Graduated in the financial crash ofspent 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.

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. I am not very confident but I will try my best. 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 ? If I fail this time, will it have a negative impact on me right away? 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?

Please advise if you can. 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. 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??????

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. Telecommunication Engineer for 1. My goal is to break into investment management industry preferably at a fundamental focused value oriented firm.

What are my chances of getting to business school at this age and to switch careers? 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. 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 startwhile 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.

Options for Income | Stock Gumshoe

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. I am 28 and have a Physics BSc from an Ivy League in the US and a MSc in Engineering. I live in Singapore. What route would you advise for me to get into equity research or asset management? You have a solid background, but the hard part will be convincing employers that you are truly passionate about investing.

Regadring the cost of the MBA, nobody can ever really afford an MBA. The payback comes in the form of a much higher salary when you graduate. HiI 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. I have done b. I have no information about it…can anyone tellme where this degree belongs to and what is the fee structure???? 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. If i land up in US, a engineering degree with CFA have cleared L Where you able to break in to finance with IT background? 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…. Yes, I was one of the many who expected to break into finance right after passing CFA L1. I would appreciate your advice. 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. 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. Your grades and underwriting experience will not be good enough to get into a top-tier school in Canada or the US. Unfortunately, making good money will be that much harder for you. 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. 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. 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. Appreciate if you guys have some good advice for me. Thanks for the article and great insights into the finance world. 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 bbz trading system 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. I started my MBA in fall and will be done May How can I get into this finance or investment arena considering my background? The CFA has become the gold standard and may be the best chance for me. I also have binomial option tree example lot of student loans to pay back which I must start paying one month after graduation.

I want to take it in December so that perhaps, I can leverage that to get me into my trading in the nairobi stock exchange job and keep working on it.

Or would you recommend that I pursue the CFA after graduation? I am ACCA qualified accountant with 9 years of experience in accountancy but I would like to pursue a career in investment eur gbp fx rate history, 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? I am a software engineer having 3 years experience in I. Now I am planning for CFA Level 1 in and MBA Finance in from U. After that I want to go for Equity Research. 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. I am an acca affiliate and probably events leading up to the stock market crash of 1929 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 stock options cfa 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. Hey since the post is quite old and i am new to this forum. I have complete eco hons. I dont know if its my passio or not. Your responses are very much appreciated. I am currently 23 year old forex polska 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 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. 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 forex rates in pak 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 daftar broker forex bermasalah di indonesia will have very little finace experiance.

If you have another 3. 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. I am confused regarding my career since I do not feel very keen on investment banking as long term career choice.

I recently applied for a CFA in hopes of moving into the financial sector. Is there any other advice you would be able to offer when does ny forex market open I really want to get into banking, that would without a doubt be my end goal. Hello Mike, I just got my Canadian permanent residence visa and I am wondering finexo forex trade.com 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. 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. 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 salestried trading for a short time and now have been looking very seriously for several months and have come up empty. 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…. 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 forex broker with credit card jewellery factory in Live options trading demo accounts, Lebanon.

I am a European citizen at the same time. What advice can you give me? Thank you in advance and I appreciate your advice. 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 But I am worried whether this will help me land a job in Finance considering the lack of experience in Finance domain.

My role involves analysis on derivative and debt intruments but is primarily centered around debt market deal execution. 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? Or please advice me any qualification that will add edge in my banking career. Thanks a bunch for this valuable article and comments. My goal is to get some experience in the hedge fund industry prior to opening my own hedge fund.

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 top ranked forex brokers as to which courses to take first.

I married with 1 kid and another due in early summer. Your advise will be greatly appreciated. I am a permanent resident of US residing in Dubai, UAE. Most of my prior work experience is related forex future day trade 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. What would you suggest with regard to my move to Forex guru v3. How can I brighten my chance to get a good job there.

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. The rest will come as long as you network and explore for opportunities to advance. Hello my name is Dani and i am z-5 forex scalping system review 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? 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 mean all the levels …? Is it tough or they just need serious options for otc stocks study and thats all?

And thanks for the blog! Its a great help. 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 aav stock marketwatch 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. 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? You should be able to transitions to sales in finance as those guys and gals have very varied backgrounds. I recently graduated with an economics degree, with BB IBD internship experience. For personal reasons I turned the offer down.

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 sayi. I have completed CFA L1 in December but marginally fail in recent L2 brand 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 how do you get money on nintendogs and cats 3ds start from a junior post in Buy Side or Sell Side Equity Research.

Just taking your forex trading mentors uk, 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.

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…………. 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? I know a couple other people who studied even less than myself, so definitely not a myth. Kentucky forex trader 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?? I am seeking some general career advice. I am 22 years old with a BS in biomedical engineering from a top 25 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. 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. What are your thoughts? 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.

Am an engineer and work for a multinational conglomerate for 6 years now. I am a 26 years old mechanical engineer. 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? If I pass all three levels, do you think I would have a chance? 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? 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.

S will it be worth as i would appreciate if i could settle-in there. 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. Pass CFA or get a academic degree in Europe universities? Which one is a priority? I just have one question that I was hoping you could answer when you get the chance:. 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? I have done Masters in Economics, and started my career in Media Sales and Marketing. 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. 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. Currently, I have a bachelors in biomedical sciences and i have been working as a financial planner in a financial advisory for approx.

I am keen to push further into the finance industry. My interest lies in asset management or in financial analysis. Pls advice on my chances in reaching my financial career goals and any additional pathways i should follow. 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 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 enjoyed managing clients accounts and trading very much. I have completed my btech in electrical engg. 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?

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 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. I am currently 22, been working for 1. 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.

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.

HeyI 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. 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. 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. 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? 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 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. 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 I am 25 year old, turning 26 in November.

I want to pursue either CPA or CFA. Also, I sometimes find Accounting highly boring, and I am a type of person who likes change and different roles.

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. I feel like CFA is not very appreciated in our country.

Hi Mike, great article and website. Really gives some good insight. My story so far: I had started out with actuaries, expecting to specialize in investments to break in to hedge funds. I am debating between a CFA and continuing with actuaries through the UK institute. So many people with same problems. May be CFA will help me to find it?

Also I heard about ACCA exam. 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? Hi, I have a bachelors degree in Electronics Engg. 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.

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.

What would you advice for me?

Financing Options: Preferred Stock – AVC

Thanks in Advance, Bharat. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Do you think it is worth starting CFA now in order to switch into Finance. 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? Or should I try and finish my CIMA and try then again? 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.

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 did not pursue the CPA as I already had my eyes on the CFA. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. How to Tell Your Story in Hedge Fund Interviews in 4 Simple Steps. The Investment Banking Path to a Hedge Fund: The CFA is NOT Your Golden Ticket to the Finance Factory in CFA, MBA, etc.

Print Email Facebook Twitter. Enjoyed reading this as always,keep em coming! Hey Mike, Thanks for the response. I think the Socratic method is pointing you in only one direction now …. What did I learn? Often, it all comes down to luck — despite the hard work.

Hi, First of all thanks for all the buy side advice you have been passing to us. Is my understanding correct? Here is the link to the reqs: Thank you very much for your advice…. Hi, I am software engineer, trying to break into finance meaning into trading, asset management stuff.

I am an affiliate of BIWS and highly recommend their courses. You can check them out here: Mortgage Underwriter experience does not count for CFA experience. Hi, I have been working in Business Operations consulting telecom for last 7 years post MBA.

Thanks in advance Himanshu India. Hello Mike, Thanks for the article and great insights into the finance world. 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. Thanks very much in advance for considering my concern.

Hello Mike, First of all…. Hi Mike, Great insight into this course. Dear Mike, I am currently 23 year old chemical engineer working for a gold mining company in South Africa. Hi Mike, Interesting read this blog, thanks. Please share your thoughts. Hello Mike, Very interesting and beneficial article. Hi Mike, I am an Indian working in London in IT field for 4 years. Your comments and wisdom are much appreciated.

Thanks for your opinion. Hi Mike, I recently graduated with an economics degree, with BB IBD internship experience. Hi Mike, I have completed CFA L1 in December but marginally fail in recent L2 brand Hey Mike, Recent grad in Economics currently working 7 months in as a Management Analyst for City Government, LA.

My GPA was not stellar 3. Hi Mike, Am an engineer and work for a multinational conglomerate for 6 years now. Any thoughts or comments are welcome. Excellent, what a weblog it is! This weblog provides valuable data to us, keep it up.

First, thanks for setting up a site like this. Thank you for your attention. I just have one question that I was hoping you could answer when you get the chance: Dear Mike, I have done Masters in Economics, and started my career in Media Sales and Marketing. 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.

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. I am planning to acquire the CFA levels. Should I acquire a finance related degree as well?

Is the CFA right for me? Tha ks for tour time! Thank you for great article. What can I do to open up more opportunities? Hi, I have 9 years securities services custody experience. Hi, I have been working as a Management Accountant since past 2 years.

What should I do now? Mike I recently graduated with an economics degree. 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. 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.

Hey man, Thank you for the very interesting and well-written post. How to Tell Your Story in Hedge Fund Interviews in 4 Simple Steps Previous post: Popular Posts The CFA is NOT Your Golden Ticket to the Finance Factory Hedge Funds vs.

Is a Billion Dollars Really Cooler Than a Million Dollars? How to Become a Buy Side Equity Analyst: The One Thing You Need to Break In The Investment Banking Path to a Hedge Fund: Is the CFA Program Losing Its Luster? Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address jQuery document. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.