Hello everybody,
I'm currently in a MSF program set to graduate in the spring. I am thinking about taking the CFA level 1 exam in December becuase I don't feel like my MS degree is really helping my chances of finding a job. Would this just be overkill or would this actually help me stand out?
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I would definitely do it. I am in a somewhat similar position, seeking full-time employment after an MSF degree. The CFA shows further dedication to the profession and is always beneficial to have on your resume. I know it's expensive, and in an ideal world you would find an employer to help pay for it, but in applying for jobs I personally have found a lot of employers are already looking for progress towards the charter, even for relatively entry-level positions. IMO, at the moment, the MSF isn't respected enough in the US by a lot of firms, so having an established, standardized credential to your name is always helpful.
I'm not sure about the dynamics in the US, but as far as Europe goes, I think CFA's importance is slightly overstated. Most people either don't care too much, or only want to see that the person is willing to study towards the qualification once you're already on the job. A lot of people I know do a level and then just drop it with the view that they might finish it at some point. That "some point" normally never comes.
depends on what job you're targeting. banking? wont help. better off networking/interview prep. asset mgmt? yeah, probably would be prudent. though still prioritize networking. landing the job is the top priority otherwise credentials are useless
I dont have either, but I would only go for the CFA if I land a job that needs it. Its a pricey designation, both on the wallet and on the clock (600-900 study hours?)
this is absurd, if you're looking for research/ AM positions you likely won't get hired UNLESS you're already in the CFA program thus you can't wait till you "land a job".
Bob you are absurd, I have met plenty of people on the sell-side and buy-side without the designation (and not planning for it) with brilliant minds and heading strategy, research and portfolio management desks. Besides you need to clock up related job experience before you get your designation (this is compulsory). Not sure if you are trolling or just uninformed.
not true
That's definitely false. I am being played and you're just joking right?
Do the CFA if you're like Asset Management and plan on sticking with the program. See if your school is a CFA partner program as you can get a discount on the degree. L1 will be good to take while in the program and if you're especially motivated you could do L2 in June while all your schooling is fresh.
That being said, outside of ER and Asset management, the CFA has limited use and value. Don't kill yourself with it unless you're absolutely committed.
I have not done it, but I can see that from a portfolio management perspective it is worth pursuing. If you look at a firm you want to work at and everyone has the designation next to their name then that should be the answer. However, I always thought that the charter was the cheaper alternative to getting a MSF. Guess I was wrong!
Can someone who is senior in the industry please give the definitive PERCEPTION on the difference between an MBA vs. MSF vs. CFA? I hear so many different things thrown around
Any sense getting an MSF and CFA? (Originally Posted: 02/22/2011)
Just wondering, would it make any sense to take CFA levels I and II then go for an MSF/MFE at a top tier school?
Also what programs would you guys recommend if you want to get into Quantitative trading or S&T ?
Thanks!
MFE? Columbia, Carnegie, Princeton, Stanford, UChicago, Baruch, Michigan, BU, NYU, Berkeley, UIUC just to name a few
And I'd say having an actual degree trumps the CFA, although value wise it's questionable if that's worth $70k
I'm doing just this, and nearly every one in my program has at least attempted Level I. It absolutely makes sense to do it, and will at least make you stick out from the other MSFs in recruiting.
i think it makes sense, get the strong alumni connections and recruiting ops and the the credential to go with it. winwin. are you going for banking or AM?
I am actually still deciding this i have FO experience in AM but have always had a passion for banking (i'm interning in a MO ops group right now)... My firm pays for the CFA and GMAT exams/classes so i have been thinking of doing the level I in dec (6 months after my graduation), and then level II in the following June, and the Level III the year after (so hopefully getting it in about 2 years).
If i dont get a crack at a FO position by then ill probably go to grad school to get my MSF/MFE
any one have any opinions on this plan?
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