23 years old. Just finished my MBA while working full time for a $3b fund of with 4 people. Am I crazy for wanting to start my CFA ASAP? The rest of the team is encouraging me to stay full throttle. Thoughts?
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Based on the WSO Dataset, it's not uncommon for ambitious individuals in finance to pursue the CFA early in their careers, especially after completing an MBA. Here are a few considerations:
Career Advancement: The CFA can significantly enhance your credentials and expertise in areas like investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial analysis, which could be beneficial given your current role in a fund.
Workload Management: Balancing CFA studies with a demanding job can be challenging. Ensure you have a manageable plan to handle both responsibilities without burning out.
Long-term Goals: Align this decision with your long-term career aspirations. If your goal is to advance in areas where CFA is highly regarded, starting ASAP could be advantageous.
Support System: Since your team is encouraging you to proceed, it suggests they recognize the value it could bring and might be supportive in terms of resources or time flexibility.
In conclusion, if you feel prepared to handle the workload and believe the CFA will align with your career goals, it could be a wise decision to start your CFA studies soon.
Sources: 18 yrs old, should I start self-studying CFA?, Why YOU Should Take the CFA® - What it Takes, Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, Am I Crazy....?
Does full throttle mean continuing to grind while knocking out CFA, or does it mean focusing fully on work and grinding hard there. I am assuming the latter and if so, what will give you more experience and benefit your career more? Studying 300 hours for a certification or putting that 300 hours into crushing it as an analyst, learning and really generating a lot of good ideas and starting off strongly. I think CFA is overrated if you have an MBA already and have already broken into buyside. Like what upside do you get from it unless your company wants you to have it? Most jobs ask for CFA or MBA.
Major kudos for juggling an MBA and a full-time gig at a $3b fund – that's seriously impressive! As for diving straight into the CFA, it sounds like you've got the momentum and support from your team. Trust your gut on this one, man. Sometimes the craziest decisions lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Rooting for your success!
I would agree with your team. Personally, I did the CFA and then did MBA part time both while working full time as an analyst, neither of which was going to lead to a promotion or any type of immediate monetary benefit in my prior role. I did it for the career optionality they provide (in addition to the educational benefits of course). It worked out and I got the ROI I was looking for
It was def a grind but now I am done and never have to think about doing either ever again. Do it now while you have the free time and while you're still in after-work study mode. You'll be glad you did
Would add that in this industry there seems to be this idea or attitude that just breaking in validates you and that you'll learn all you need on the job. Never stop learning and trying to better yourself
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