What kind of jobs does CFA® prepare/qualify me for?

Ok, I just registered for CFA® 
level 1 June2010 today. I'm a recent grad, majoring in actuarial science with a finance option (option being less than a minor)

What kind of jobs does studying CFA® 
Level 1 prepare me for? I want to know what kind of positions to target my job search. Also what kind of companies?

Investment Banking? Mergers & Acquisitions? Operations? etc.

No acronyms please. I'm kinda new to this :)

15 Comments
 

Other than experience, what prepares you for IB/M&A?

-- Recent Actuarial Science (good statistical skills) grad looking for entry-level work ANYWHERE. Writing CFA Level 1 in June 2010. Passed 3 actuarial exams.
 
AnthonyD1982At least a BS degree with solid GPA, good networking skills and proper preparation.
Too late to change GPA now. Networking skills I'll exercise tomorrow when I do some cold calling by phone :) Could you please elaborate on proper prep?
-- Recent Actuarial Science (good statistical skills) grad looking for entry-level work ANYWHERE. Writing CFA Level 1 in June 2010. Passed 3 actuarial exams.
 
Best Response

CFA is more towards asset management (portfolio mgmt stuffs like that) and even equities research.. you dont really need CFA for IB or M&A but of course having extra qualifactions may give u an added advantage.. if you like PWM or private banking, CFA is a plus point as well.. but judging from your education.. maybe you should consider structuring or even trading..

 

What job titles would entry level structuring jobs usually have? I'll start applying to asset management and equities research jobs in the meantime :)

-- Recent Actuarial Science (good statistical skills) grad looking for entry-level work ANYWHERE. Writing CFA Level 1 in June 2010. Passed 3 actuarial exams.
 

I'm in your situation. I'm a May 09 graduate (Econ from a "Public Ivy"), still looking for equity research work. I've been thinking about knocking out Level 1 while picking up just any job to pay the bills, and then still scouting for equity research opportunities and networking. I've heard that CFA might not be that relevant for IB, but IB isn't really my thing anyways; ER is.

 
JulianRobertsonI'm in your situation. I'm a May 09 graduate (Econ from a "Public Ivy"), still looking for equity research work. I've been thinking about knocking out Level 1 while picking up just any job to pay the bills, and then still scouting for equity research opportunities and networking. I've heard that CFA might not be that relevant for IB, but IB isn't really my thing anyways; ER is.

What the hell is a "Public Ivy"??

Level one won't do anything for you but if you get all three plus your letters your charter would be best suited for asset management.

 

The original eight Public Ivies

* College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia) * Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) * University of California (campuses as of 1985) * University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) * University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill * University of Texas at Austin * University of Vermont (Burlington) * University of Virginia (Charlottesville)
 

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