Asking company to pay for CFA / other during this environment?

Obviously we are in a horrible and unprecedented business environment. 

I work at a small commodities trading shop. They have paid me very well up to this point, and supported my career. Of course I work very hard and earn every bit of it.

It's a very informal environment compared to most of the investment banks, etc on here. Professional designations, etc don't really carry much weight. 

Nonetheless, I asked if they would pay for me to write level 1. They said yes without much thought. 

I passed, and am now looking into the next level. 

I'm just wondering if I should ask them to pay, or if I should just pay myself?

Really, it's something I'm doing for my own benefit. It doesn't really do much for the firm in my current job. 

The registration fees are truly a drop in the bucket for the company, and it would probably be a simple 5 minute yes or no conversation. 

But I'm wondering if it would come across poorly. Again, it's an unprecedented business environment, and I'm just lucky to still have my job. They have done things like suspend expense accounts (no client entertainment, of course), and other. I'm paid well enough for the registration fees to not be a big deal to me on a personal level. They still gave me a great bonus during Covid. 

What do you think?

5 Comments
 

There should be a company policy for continuing education. Also they would only reimburse you if you pass so I would say pass the exam first then think about it. If it is directly related to your work or makes you a better analyst for example your manager would be happy to approve this. Just pass it first because many people dont pass from first try

 

You’re in operations. I just saw that. I think it is a bit of a stretch. Just wait out until next round and get early registration discount and it wont be too expensive

 

There is no downside to asking, especially if they paid for you to sit for level 1.  If they say no, then you pay for it.  If the company is not profitable, you might not want to ask them to pay.  

 

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