ChiliPalmer
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2006
- Messages
- 726
- Reaction score
- 26
The CFA demonstrates commitment. You cannot obtain the charter without a serious commitment to studying and a concomitant sacrifice of your free time.
It will distinguish you. If you want to be on the buy side, it is absolutely essential. People point to "Senior" guys who don't have it, but that's because they've been in the business as long as you've been alive. For someone trying to break into the field, you will need it, unless you are highly connected in some other way. Do not be surprised to be told that a condition of continued employment is enrollment in the CFA program.
In some respects, it's like a college fraternity. The guys who already belong look for reasons to make it hard to join the club. It's part of paying your dues.
My advice is to study as soon after leaving school as possible. Just take the hit and get it done. You don't want to fool with it in your early 30's. And once you start a family, you have no chance of getting it done.
When it comes to jobs, some will state you need either a CFA or an MBA. Clearly, a CFA is a compelling value vis a vis an MBA. You're talking $3,000 -vs- $75,000+.
The one thing an MBA will get you is acess to a network of alumni. Of course, that assumes you go to a top 25 school and aren't a socially maladjusted dumbass.
All in all, the CFA is worthwhile. People know what it takes to get those three letters after your name and will compensate you and deal with you accordingly.
It will distinguish you. If you want to be on the buy side, it is absolutely essential. People point to "Senior" guys who don't have it, but that's because they've been in the business as long as you've been alive. For someone trying to break into the field, you will need it, unless you are highly connected in some other way. Do not be surprised to be told that a condition of continued employment is enrollment in the CFA program.
In some respects, it's like a college fraternity. The guys who already belong look for reasons to make it hard to join the club. It's part of paying your dues.
My advice is to study as soon after leaving school as possible. Just take the hit and get it done. You don't want to fool with it in your early 30's. And once you start a family, you have no chance of getting it done.
When it comes to jobs, some will state you need either a CFA or an MBA. Clearly, a CFA is a compelling value vis a vis an MBA. You're talking $3,000 -vs- $75,000+.
The one thing an MBA will get you is acess to a network of alumni. Of course, that assumes you go to a top 25 school and aren't a socially maladjusted dumbass.
All in all, the CFA is worthwhile. People know what it takes to get those three letters after your name and will compensate you and deal with you accordingly.