Beginning the Job Search once again

Dear WSO,

Last year I made a post about how I passed Level 1 of the CFA® 
. As the people who responded predicted, it didn't make a ground breaking difference. Often I would get deep into interview processes (3rd, 4th even 7th round interviews) with high profile firms, but I was never able to land the offer.

Having said this, after graduating in December 16, in January 17 I decided to put all job search endeavors on hold. This was because I wanted to focus on studying for the CFA® 
Level 2. I ended up doing very well on the exam as I had studied 554.25 hours. I still attended the U of I to obtain the necessary requirements to sit for the CPA. I will begin my CPA journey next week. I plan on passing FAR before the end of July.

In light of all fo this, last week I started applying for jobs again. I have yet to "officially" pass Level 2, but I am confident on July 25th, I will be receiving notice of this. I should also note that I completed the U of I with a 3.4 GPA.

If and when everything works out (passing CFA® 
Level 2 and FAR of CPA), I will be able to list on my resume that I have passed CFA® 
Level 1 and 2. Furthermore, I should be able to list my progress with the CPA.

Thus, my question to you is, what should I prioritize the CPA, or the job search? The reason why I am asking this is that I cannot put "Passed CFA® 
Level 2" on my resume until I am notified (7/25). I am targeting the banking sector, and I am indifferent to either commercial or investment banking. However, I would like to land a gig in NYC, but I would not mind working my hometown of Chicago as well.

To be quite frank, I know upon receiving my passing results, I will be just as qualified as anyone out there. In my opinion, passing CFA® 
Level 2 is a huge accomplishment, yet alone accomplished by a 23 year old who finished school in May. I truly believe I can be an asset to any employer. Furthermore, I am now progressing on the CPA.

Thoughts? Sugestions? Comments and Concerns? I would love to land a gig in IB (and I know I am qualified), but given my tardiness to the job search and how cliquey IB can be, I don't expect this to come to fruition.

Are there any other fields you would suggest I look into? I am very interested in modeling, but would prefer to stay away from the capital markets.

Best,

Christian

4 Comments
 

Do you want to be a cpa or go into Asset Management? There is nothing wrong with being a cpa and a lot of door open on the corporate side after doing so.

Only two sources I trust, Glenn Beck and singing woodland creatures.
 
"guggroth93" You took Level 2 in June 2017? How do you know you passed already?
He doesn't, he just has a good feeling about it.
 

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