Hello All,
I'll try to keep this brief. Background: I majored in accounting at a non-target school (in relation to this forum), but in relation to accounting it is a top notch ranked program. I interned and then went full time at a big 4 in advisory - audit related services. For those not familiar, the work is quite bland; however, in 2 years I did pick up some skills in project management, limited auditing, and the like. I did get experience with over 20 clients and every industry known to man, so it did help open my eyes as to what is out there. I left the firm and now work for a small accounting firm (family owned), which has allowed me a greater variety of work and an introduction to financial planning as the group is getting more into that realm. This prompted me to begin studying for the CFP. (I already passed the CPA test if that matters).
This brings me to my current situation. I wish I had explored finance more early on. I did a stock project in high school and actually had the highest returns in my class, didn't think anything of it. I took M&A in college and really loved the class/respected the professor. I couldn't commit to finance as a major because I know the program is not ranked/top notch and everyone I know seemed against it with Big 4 options locked up. This seems to be everyone on this forum haha...
So, here I am, becoming more interested in the markets. I am reading more, investing more, and I am worried. I am worried that I wont be able to get fulfillment out of my career. I like the idea of the CFP, but honestly the CFA calls my name. I like the idea of sitting at my desk, with a coffee and a few 10k's just to find that one winner. It just sounds more appealing than "balancing" this clients portfolios with this etf and that mutual fund. Do CFPs dive any deeper? I really do believe in active deep research, stock picking, and all that....even though I am giving modern portfolio its chance with this CFP material.
I didn't know enough about Asset Management/hedge funds to give it a thought until I began cruising this site a year back. So should I take the CFA/apply to B School/etc. to get a better shot at asset management, or do I sound silly in that I have a great opportunity to become a really young/knowledgable CFP with people who care about me/my success at my back in my current opportunity?
You really need to answer this question first before you think about much else. If you're really not passionate about being a financial adviser, then you need to figure out how to move to investment management. In mind, financial advising is a very people-oriented job that is also sales driven. If you like those aspects maybe you should sticking with the CFP route. If you're more introverted (as I am) and like "sitting down with 10-Ks" as you said, then you should look into investment management.
Some do, but not many. It's also hard to dive deep on a stock when you're also running an advisory business, which is itself a full time job.
As I said, you need to answer the first question which is "what do I want to be doing in 5-10 years?" If you know you don't want to be a CFP, then figure out what you need to do to get from here to investment management. If you enjoy financial advising then it sounds like you're already in a great spot.
If you decide to foucs upon IM, getting a MBA from a top 15 program would probably be a good route to make the transition. You have a good story to tell to MBA programs. Also, FWIW, it's easier to go from investment management into financial advisory than the other way around. If you decide investment management isn't for you, you can probably easily go back into financial advising.
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