Is it worth doing the CFA?

Current unemployed December grad recruiting for FT roles in banking. Wondering if it's worth signing up for the CFA to show I'm doing something in the meantime (registration deadline is tonight February 6). Am aware it isn't very relevant to banking, open to suggestions. Business Valuation certification worth looking into?

5 Comments
 

You admit its not relevant, so why waste your time taking a soul sucking exam?

Tough job market and I’ll be blunt, you missed the train a bit. Try to find some small boutiques around you area to intern with and break in the hard way. Cast a wider net too. The CFA could be helpful in ER depending on the analyst. Ive seen a lot of valuations guys get the charter too.

 

I would advise on spending your time elsewhere. The CFA exams require a lot of stamina and the people who typically succeed are generally fully-invested as opposed to just testing the waters. It’s tough to sacrifice a couple hours a day to study if you’re doing it for something as de-minimis as a resume builder (let alone once you land a solid gig). Albeit less rigorous, I’d check out the CFAI’s online courses (or something similar) as it will signal to potential employers that you are being proactive whilst also displaying interest in the CFA program.

 

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