1) Will getting a CFA® level 1 help me get into a business school at all?
2) Will it help me get an internship or switch out of a job thats more related to finance?
3) Is a CFA® more prestigious than a Master's degree in finance?
4) If you are pursuing a CFA® , is it worth getting a Master's as well?
| +42 | UC Berkeley (Haas) vs Cornell Dyson vs Columbia vs Dartmouth | 19 | 11h | |
| +26 | Should I take on 100k in loans to go to Emory? | 27 | 8h | |
| +24 | MSF Rankings 2024 | 15 | 14s | |
| +21 | Imperial MSc Economics and Strategy for Business for London consulting? | 11 | 1d | |
| +20 | Got admission to ESCP MiM - now what? | 14 | 16h | |
| +17 | Full-Ride at Nontarget or Full Price at Target? | 8 | 1d | |
| +17 | Clash of the MSFs, Georgetown vs Nova | 4 | 1d | |
| +17 | Is it impossible to break in to IB without a MBA? | 3 | 5d | |
| +16 | SHOULD I DO THIS MINOR? | 13 | 6h | |
| +15 | Barnard vs. UC Berkeley (L&S) | 10 | 6h |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
1) no 2) yes, if you're interested in Asset Management/ investments/ etc. 3) no 4) yes
1) msf yes, mba much less likely 2) YES 3) CFA charter: yes. CFA level 1: no 4) yes. many msf programs out there are cfa partner programs so ud be taking the cfa during ur study
1) There is no such thing as a "CFA level 1"; passing level 1 will not help you get into b-school. Getting your charter would probably be fairly helpful (you need 48 months of investment decision making experience to get charter so...) 2)CFA level 1 will help a little but probably not too much, a ton of people have passed level 1; at this point it is more about your interest and passion for the markets 3)Passing CFA level 1 is probably as prestigious as some masters programs but not many. Getting you charter will probably be more prestigious.
Judging by the level of questions you are asking here, you got a long ways to go. Glad you got these out of the way on an anonymous internet forum instead of a "soft" interview. The more prestigious: CFA v MSF is highly trivial and I would never ask that to a potential employer or what not.
1) Not level 1. But level 1+2 do look good on your app
2) Only if you have the charter or are registered for level 3
3) Depends on who is giving the perspective. It's analogous to how some guys like chicks with huge knockers and how some guys may prefer girls with more ass. Depends on the guy... (Note: CFA will never trump a Harvard or Stanford MBA, but all other MBA programs are potentially fair game going forward)
4) Not if you are a full-time student. Your focus in grad school should be grades and networking in that order. Studying for the CFA in grad school would significantly compromise your networking capabilities
I remember a CFA compensation survey from many years ago that showed CFA or MBA alone made about the same amount, but CFA and MBA together made more.
That's why I got both - they are not mutually exclusive.
I am writing to express my interest in the Masters Programmes. To provide everyone with a quick background, I am Bachelor of Business Studies Graduate from Delhi University with my majors in Finance. I have also cleared CFA level 1 and taking the level 2 exam in June 2011. I have been working with a financial research company - Capital Iq (a subsidiary of Mc-Graw Hill Financials) since August 2010.
I wish to apply for a masters programme at LSE/HEC/cambridge that could give me a diverse understanding of economics/ financial law/public policy (confused- but these are the disciplines i would want to study) and also compliment my interest in finance( also cfa). Could you please guide with the best suited Masters Programme for me. Also, could you please help me with the application process and the scholarship programmes available.
p.s.- would my scolarship make a stronger case if i apply after i clear all three levels of CFA?
Vishesh Jhol Thanks&Regards,
Hello guys, thanks for sharing ideas..
MS Finance vs CFA (Originally Posted: 10/05/2013)
Hello everyone
Should I go to grad school and obtain an MS in Finance? Or should I avoid the cost and just stick with the CFA charter? The MS would be from a non major university. I'm currently working on a bachelor's and I would like to go into equity research/fund management in the future. I've done some searching about this topic on other forums but I would like some insight from WSO users.
Thanks
MS in Finance from Target school > CFA imo
If def from a non-major university then I would value the CFA more. Just know that you need to have 4 years of experience to actually get the CFA designation, even if you pass all 3 exams.
Just do CFA if you want to do ER. Go ahead and start getting some experience
It isn't one or the other. The MSF covers elements of all three CFA tests, but also includes OCR, alumni and the ability to GPA reset as well as be a student again which might be needed if you need to get an internship. Many MSF graduates also get their CFA.
IMO, I think the CFA is great if you are working in finance and looking to move up in your career and add a renowned industry credential, but too many people in non finance type roles get it thinking it will open doors.
The MSF has a CFA track for those interested in obtaining a CFA charter. Sorry I should have mentioned that before. I'm wondering about the benefits outweighing the additional costs of going to grad school because the school isn't a major/well known university.
Out of curiosity, what's a "target" MSF program?
My bank will pay for the entire MSF, so I've just started looking around at schools. I'm just going to get the credential because pretty much every bank executive has a masters degree of some sort and that's my ultimate goal, so I'm not too concerned about OCR and "pedigree". I don't want to take time off work so I've been looking at schools that have online MSF programs like Boston University, Indiana University and Georgetown. I don't think those are necessarily "elite" programs, but they come from schools with at least some cache (i.e. not University of Phoenix). Am I off base?
Yes, you're off base here. Its an MBA that they have - not the MSF.
Who? Georgetown? Their new MSF program starts in January 2014.
Define "non-major" university? Like, a well known state school that isn't known in high finance for its MSF program, like Penn State, or a random university like St. Cloud State?
I'd say it all depends. Some schools probably have solid regional alumni. If you wanted to focus your career search on those cities then a smaller school would be helpful. Really depends on your goals.
M.Sc. Finance and CFA (Originally Posted: 08/17/2015)
I am trying to make a wise decision here: what should I do after graduation (business administration, major in finance, GPA: 3.7)?
If I continue studying, it will be in the same place where I'm getting my undergraduate degree (some Canadian university). If so, I will either do the M.Sc. Finance (2 years) they offer, which basically consists of prep. courses to pass the CFA exams, or enroll in their financial engineering program, which will take me at least an extra semester due to some mandatory prep. courses and should lead me to...? I have some background in engineering, that's why...
If not, I was thinking of getting a job (not sure in what) so I can get the professional experience required to eventually get an MBA at some top university, and then ... have something nice to show on my CV :)
So far I've loved every portfolio management related course I've had, so I guess going for the CFA shouldn't hurt, but my main concern is spending more time and energy at a less than well-known university: will the CFA be worth the M.Sc. Finance? Should I try to get a job I think I'll love instead? Should I just shut up and go for the CFA without asking teenager questions?
Just so you know, I didn't even know what the CFA was until my last year (this year), I've even had some CFA preparatory courses (Financial Statement Analysis and Equity asset valuation), so it looks like I should be passing the first exam next year.
What would you do?
Thanks!!!
All depends on what you want, but IMO if you have no specific game plan as to what you will do with your M.S in finance, then working and pursuing CFA designation while you do so is the way to go. You said MS finance prepares you for CFA exams, when CFA exams can be self study, using various resources anyways. So you can skip the middle man, work as you pursue CFA then not pay for the MS in Finance, and be ready sooner for your MBA in a few years. CFA Exams are also likely significantly cheaper than a first masters, and if you have the right job your work will pay for it.
I chose MS Finance because CFA is limited in Investment Management area. it'll be still useful if you're a financier, but less so if you one day decide to move out of the space - Like a CPA doing financial planning - Not so useful.
In the contrary, MSF gives the broad access, and Yes it is expensive and my pockets are feeling it hard. It's a tradeoff for my future paths, and I'm not doing it full-time, thus less opportunity costs, so that makes me lean towards MSF. I will work on CFA if I can, and a friend of mine is doing so; but I'm not sure about the workload. so no commit for CFA yet.
I hadn't really consider the option of preparing myself for the CFA exams but it does make sens. Thanks!
MSF+ CFA, Is it worth it? (Originally Posted: 09/03/2013)
Hi Guys, I am currently in the middle of my MSF program. I am 50% in and have another year to go. I have been contemplating the CFA level 1 as the course work is quite similar to MSF. My question is, is it worth the effort. I have an MBA, 12 years of experience and I am now getting my MSF. Would the CFA be an overkill. Just for background, I work in infrastructure development and manage large projects. I work for a multi-billion international firm and doing quite well actually. The MSF is my attempt to move into pure finance. Any suggestions would help. Thanks
Any particular line of finance you want to go into?
I mean they are two different things. Many MSF students also pursue a CFA in conjunction with the degree. I suppose it will only reinforce what you are learning in the program.
Look for an area in finance related to your current one. If you're in an energy company, hit up energy analysts or if you're in defense, look for a bank around you that does those deals. Then you can sell your experience and knowledge on top of the degrees/certs.
at your level of experience, your contacts are going to be what gets you into a more financially focused roll, not the CFA. (disclosure: CFA candidate)
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I know that the eventual move will be based on networking and contacts. I have been heavily networking and have had a few good informative and possibly lucrative lunches. The CFA route, i think is to reinforce the credentials and provide a more attractive candidacy to the market.
Masters in Finance or CFA? (Originally Posted: 11/20/2014)
Hi everyone, I'm sure there are many people out there that's on the same boat as me. I'm in my last year before graduation in a non-target Canadian University with decent GPA and no job except for a couple Extracurriculars. I'm wondering if I should do a masters in Finance and have more chance with recruitment or save some money by doing a CFA (I head that CFA barely increases your chances of employment).
Any suggestions would be much appreciated as I'm sure it would answer many students in the same shoes out there!
I am also interested in hearing the answer to this question. Opinions?
I don't think CFA level 1 will on its own get you a job. I would study GMAT , apply to msf, and network hard for a job come graduation. If you don't get a good enough job then get the MSF. If you get anything at all decent though I would do that for a year so you don't come out of msf in the same situation as now, with a weak resume.
I am in the US and I am also looking to break into finance. For context: I graduated cum laude from Harvard undergrad in 2012, with a bachelor's in government. I took an intro stat class but didn't take any additional math/statistics courses besides that in college. I have been working for a little under 2 years in services/operations for technology companies, and I have received promotions twice in that time. I am weighing options between pursuing a CFA, getting a MFin or a MBA, or some combination of those options. What are the pros and cons of those options, and what do you think is the best route to go?
I think that an MBA is something you'd pursue when you already have loads of work experience and want to climb to a managerial position at work which demands a MBA. On the other hand, a MsF is to kick start your career when you have minimum work experience and want to have a resume booster and/or more chance of networking to find your first legit job.
CFA vs. MSF at CFA Partner School (Originally Posted: 11/29/2014)
I was just wondering if people think it is kind of a waste to go to a CFA partner school but not participate in the CFA program? All that overlapping curriculum has to make preparing for the CFA exams much easier, but ultimately the CFA is still a cluster fuck of memorization. Sort of like a cumulative test of everything you learned in school.
Would people in equity research/hedge funds/mutual funds look at an MSF from a decently ranked school as a less difficult substitute for the CFA charter, or is it not really fair to compare the two?
NOTE: Currently putting in last minute studying for level 1 while in undergrad. I'm putting the odds against me passing at 60/40. I don't really want to do this again if I fail, especially if I'm just below the MPS.
No offence, but being a CFA partner school is something that nobody cares about. Its just another marketing point for schools. Employers care only about having a full CFA (all 3 levels passed) and about the quality of the masters. To put it in another perspective, CFA is for gaining skills (and has practically no networking opportunities), masters is for networking. You will gain more knowledge with CFA but more networking and job opportunities at masters. I look at these options as complementary not as substitutes. Hope this helps you.
Most CFA partner schools have mediocre programs. If you want to look at MSF then look at better pedigree schools, there you may have better ROI
Many well respected programs are CFA partner Schools. You get the designation by incorporating a large part of the CFAs material in the course.
No one will care but you, the applicant. It signals that the program uses relevant material. Other programs without the designation are fine though.
I attended a CFA partner program and I can tell you that it definitely helped with passing level I, which I took on top of my finals.
The programs themselves are mediocre, but if you're looking to fast track your career I'd definitely recommend it. Adding MSF and Passed CFA Level I within a year helped substantially in terms of interviewing.
Just my $0.02
Alt. MSF + CFA, Best of Both Worlds? (Originally Posted: 03/21/2011)
I was thinking, would it be more of an advantage to get an MMS at Duke or a MS commerce at UVA plus a pursuing a CFA instead of getting a pure MSF? I figure that if you are from a non-finance background you would get the coursework in business and finance you missed out on in undergrad as well as a quality name on you resume and still have ops for non-finance fields should you want to go down that road.
Getting the CFA would add to your finance motivation for those types of careers but would not give the appearance that you are strictly looking for a BB investment bank careers. It just seems to me that an MSF is so specifically geared to those looking for IB that individuals in other fields may have no idea what the degree is all about.
Curious to know what you all think of this line of thinking.
Anyone else think "what the hell does Alt-MSF do?" when reading the name of the forum?
Edit - I should probably try to be helpful. What is your background? What are your goals? Sure your idea has some merit, but it all depends on where you are now, and where you want to be after this.
CFA shows "either pretty smart and somewhat motivated, or very motivated and may or may not be smart". Both of these generally help.
Yea figured Alternative MSF + CFA, Best of Both Worlds? might be kind of long.
It all depends on what you're looking for. Going into an MSF program will prepare you for more quant-focused roles whereas a UVA or Duke masters program will give you a broader business background that will prepare you for banking, trading or consulting roles. I had the same dilemma as a senior but ultimately chose the latter because I wanted to go into banking.
I noticed your profile says you graduated UVA ms commerce. could you tell me a little about your stats, global immersion, recruitment and just your overall experience, I'd be very interested to hear.
Thanks, I am a econ major at a large non-target graduating in December after study abroad with no relevant work experience yet, but think I have a small PWM gig this summer. I have not yet taken my gmat but, I plan to go with a pre-experience masters if nothing pans out for full-time after study abroad. I am open as far as career paths go but have always found trading, corporate finance, and consulting to be rather interesting paths. Was thinking I could probably study for CFA level-1 abroad.
Depends on which school you're getting the MSF from.
What is your math background? Have you considered an MFE or MS FinMath?
Dolorem totam voluptas iure ipsa eligendi sint molestias adipisci. Inventore fuga placeat ad velit sunt. Eveniet esse eum temporibus magni at est.
Quisquam enim quaerat ut numquam non exercitationem expedita. Autem est non alias magni odit pariatur. Autem et sed tenetur ut explicabo est id.
Quos consequatur et sit. Est nam harum earum animi pariatur sint. Est maxime et aut harum minus enim natus.
Autem aliquid facilis nemo ea omnis. Rerum blanditiis dicta libero blanditiis ut occaecati. Suscipit dolores asperiores quod odio voluptas excepturi et. Et et quos ut deleniti ut labore et. Sit omnis nulla quod eos cum. Temporibus tempore esse voluptatem.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Cupiditate asperiores quod necessitatibus asperiores et. Optio saepe accusantium at voluptas accusamus. Autem consequatur cupiditate ut tempora voluptas. Sunt non nam harum est tempora hic quod ea. Itaque officia occaecati numquam amet. Voluptate et sed molestiae earum architecto corporis.
Quis alias omnis itaque quo. Reiciendis voluptatem expedita autem praesentium ex assumenda. Hic error sit recusandae aspernatur suscipit. Aut hic asperiores ut ea rem itaque nostrum. Minima deleniti aut nemo unde.
Architecto suscipit eveniet quod fugit dolores eos quo. Id illo deleniti excepturi exercitationem. Sit et assumenda perspiciatis quia nihil voluptatibus. Numquam iusto omnis eius. Cum tempora tempore reprehenderit beatae molestiae tempore qui. Eum facilis expedita explicabo voluptatum explicabo repellat praesentium repellendus. Tenetur doloremque et nulla ut voluptas suscipit.
Eius est quam qui. Non inventore sit voluptates nihil mollitia.
Dolores corrupti occaecati ipsum et aut odit ipsum. Officia dolor pariatur repudiandae facere molestiae itaque quidem.
Culpa eligendi porro ut eos consequatur exercitationem. Dolorem ex sed architecto sunt soluta ut. Eius corporis omnis sunt eligendi. Reiciendis voluptatem enim fugit inventore non culpa qui consequuntur.