CFA for AM and HF: is it worth it?
so, it's been a year since i wrote down my impressions on the CFA (//www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/CFA-my-findings-plz-tell-me-if-i-got-thi…). i am now in the middle of a MSF and i am realistically evaluating my career paths (done that before but i now i need to be concrete).
my goal is to be in AM and eventually in HF in the long run (classic L/S equity).
i am very passionate about equity research, from a buyside perspective, and i am doing everything i can to get a hold of all the skills i need to produce numbers and reports which make sense.
so, do you think the boost in the CV and the added knowledge (suppose some overlap) are worth the time given my objectives?
thank you very much for your time
Minimum of 2 years for the exams plus the additional working time to get the charter.
yes i understood that but my question was related to the trade off: does the time necessary for the CFA pay back in terms of knowledge/pay/boosted CV (or even a needed pass for AM)?
I sure as hell hope so...
Hope this article helps http://www.lifeonthebuyside.com/cfa-losing-its-luster/
very informative! thank you. i think i'll have to get through it in the near future then!
Do a job search, and see if they require a CFA Level II Candidate in whichever region you are applying.
Is a CFA worth getting if you are interested in hedge fund jobs? (Originally Posted: 06/24/2011)
Are those three letters worth anything outside mutual funds or equity research roles?
You are right an MBA is not necessary. And no, credentials are not enough to secure a job in the "hedge fund space".
any thoughts?
Definitely worth getting. Dude you're going to hear the same thing every time. It's definitely worth it but just because you get it doesn't mean you have a leg-up on someone else. Every persons situation is different.
A lot of people have it, and it won't be the thing that gets you a job, but it could potentially be on a manager's checklist of things that won't get you a job if you don't have it, you never know.
Almost all of the postings I look at for experienced HF analysts jobs (via headhunters, websites, what have you) at least strongly prefer CFA or MBA. They don't replace work experience, though, and most of these places ALSO require 2+ years of previous buyside experience. Entry-level job postings (for example the one that I applied to for my current job) often emphasize top undergrad/strong GPA and top banking/consulting experience instead.
A top MBA is quite useful because they give you access to on-campus recruiting and company presentations. A lot of top hedge funds and asset management firms visit hbs/wharton/booth/columbia.
final thoughts?
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