Series Tests and CFA® with No Experience
I am in the middle of a career change from structural engineering to finance particularly ending up at a Hedge Fund. What are the recommended tests/certifications that I could take to not only learn what I need to learn, but also make me look good on my resume? I tried researching the CFA® , but do you need related work experience to apply? I know work experience is a must, but I'm trying to do what I can with what I have right now. Just trying to break into the industry is tough. So I might as well get whatever credentials I can get without experience.
You don't need work experience to sign up and start taking the exam as long as you have a four year degree. You need 4 years relevant work experience to actually become a charterholder. This can all be learned via a 1 minute google search
Thanks, @cwhite. Yes I figured. But I thought I'd ask real quick then research more about it later tonight. Thanks, though.
CFA is no good for quant funds... what type of fund are you trying to get into
acx Definitely not looking for a Quant Fund. But with the title "engineer", I don't blame you for assuming so. I would like to get into a value investing firm, or even a long/short. That's definitely more of my style/interests. Do you think it's feasible for someone with no formal education nor work experience in finance to even take a CFA exam?
I've learned most things on my own, but if tables were turned and someone with no education or experience in structural engineering were to take our test, they definitely would not be able to pass or it would be extremely difficult. I guess I'm asking is can I learn everything on my own in order to pass the CFA?
Some of my friends did the CFA level 1 during undergrad and they weren't even business majors. Actually getting the CFA designation will take a while, you need some combination of experience/education totaling 4 years like the other guy said. Maybe your experience/education in engineering counts towards the 4 years, I don't know. I personally don't think a CFA provides much of an edge at all for hedge funds (but that's my personal opinion)
To answer your question, yes you can.
Ahh really? I thought most fiduciaries needed some sort of certification. Thanks.
If you want to run money, pursue the CFA charter. That being said, you haven't even taken the first step and getting to a hedge fund is extremely difficult unless you're really, really smart, which if you were, you wouldn't be posting here. Don't worry, I'm not a genius either, so it's CFA for me as well. I graduated with an engineering degree similar to yours. If you can think creatively, the math isn't a problem; all comes down to work ethic and ability to learn quickly. IF it's what you really want, look at small boutique firms, kick down their down, and if one lets you in, work your tail off for 3 years and maybe that'll get you somewhere. It's an extremely competitive business right now and you're against very smart people. gl
Got it. It just seems like that's the typical path people take. They usually end up at a HF with a CFA prior. I'm still trying to figure out these different paths people take. Thanks though.
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