CFA L1 with finance background while working? Is it worth something in IB?

Hi all, wanted to know if anyone has done and passed the CFA L1 in three months while working +/- 70h a week with a finance background? Also wondering if it means anything in IB. Looking to lateral from ER to IB and know the CFA is worth more to ER however doing it shows that I can commit time and effort in progressing my career. Any other tips on how to maximise my chances of lateraling to IB is appreciated

6,307 WSO Academy Investment Banking Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Class of '26 Nov 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Why [Industry] Review

“I had a very insightful session with Javier. He shared valuable networking strategies and practical advice on how to approach investment banking firms and build meaningful professional connections. One of the most helpful parts of our discussion was working on two important interview questions: “Tell me about yourself” and “Why investment banking?” He helped me understand how to structure my answers and communicate my background and career goals more effectively. Since Javier also has experience in healthcare investment banking, I was particularly interested in learning about his career journey and how I could leverage my own healthcare background to enter the industry. He patiently answered my questions, cleared up many of my doubts, and gave me a much clearer direction for my investment banking recruiting journey. I genuinely appreciated his guidance and look forward to applying what I learned.”

The University of Sydney

Class of '28 Nov 2026 Cohort

4.56/5

Investment Banking Mock Coffee Chat

“Kristian was great. I know he is very busy running private investments for Soul Patts, but he still made a massive effort to fit me in for a conversation. He came to the chat enthusiastic and willing to spend time with me which was really good. He gave me some really interesting points both behavioural and technical. I really liked how he mentioned that I should be following up my coffee chats if they don't respond to me. I had always thought it would have been rude to do so but his points were really valid. He also told me to understand the financial mathematics and flaws of PE metrics like IRR and MOM for a future career in PE, which was a really good technical point that I liked and will have to pick up on. Would highly recommend speaking with him.”

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CFA L1 with finance background while working? Is it worth something in IB?

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CFA L1 with finance background while working? Is it worth something in IB?

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