I am a Researcher working in the field of Computational Sciences in academia. I have a Ph.D in Engineering. 36 yrs old with family and salary around hundred grand.
Recently, I have become highly fascinated with financial markets and I am purely attracted to AM/EQUITY RESEARCH part of the finance and value investing. I am planning to take some online financial accounting courses first, but now feel that CFA would be best for the knowledge.
I am wondering about the best paths to break into finance. My long term goal is to continue invest my own money and If I am successful or any better, then to manage others money in future.
While, I am truly passionate about finance and investing, I am trying to understand if this means making a career switch, or just continuing in my current field with investing as a passion and hobby.
I have the follow dilemmas in front of me and I will greatly appreciate your comments and advice.
1) To keep working in my current field as a Researcher/Faculty in industry/academia, which would give me a steady stream of income, stability, flexibility, and security and continue my learning through CFA exams (I, II, and III), and mainly investing my own money to develop a track record.
2) Or pass CFA Level 1 and/or 2 in a year, quit my current job, and look for entry level Equity research associate positions even for a substantially lesser salary to get into the field.
3) Quit my job now, and get into MS Finance from top school with CFA partner program. This option will be costly, I will lose income, and pay for education. And could be stressful.
4) With a computational modeling background and PhD, I may get Quant positions if I try very hard and then once I break into finance, then do CFA, and go back to Equity research.
Option 1 - looks very safer for me. Also life in academia is very flexible and less stressful. But again safe options never amount to anything meaningful. So I am trying my best to understand.
Option 2 – seems to be reasonable. But not sure if I can get a job with just CFA I and/or II.
Option 3 – Cost and stress with a family could be high with this option.
Option 4 – It seems a round about process.
I will truly appreciate any comments, opinions, and suggestions. Especially from those already in finance, Asset Management, equity research, CFA candidates and charterholders.
