I'm currently working as an auditor at a Big Four in London but really wish to get into IB/ER/PE. I'm in my final year of my ACA exams (UK chartered accountancy) with my final exam of those being just a bit after the June CFA® sitting, which is not the most ideal of times. My training program finishes in October so I'd be free to move around after that.
I passed CFA® L1 in December but without going too crazy on the studying (I think I may have been at around 150-200h) but I think this was purely because I was lucky to have a very relevant background in many respects that made the whole ordeal easier. However from everyone I've talked to / what I've read, Level 2 is supposed to be a whole different beast and far worse than Level 1.
I want a bit of general advice on my situation as I've got many things to take into consideration. Basically I'm wondering whether to go for L2 now or to skip a year and try it in 2016.
Bearing these things in mind, what would set me up in the short term to best pursue a career in IB/ER/PE?
1) Going for CFA® Level 2
2) Leaving CFA® Level 2 for 2016 but instead doing some LBO modelling courses (such as breaking into Wall Street), reading books on valuations and investment and possibly having a go at the IMC qualification in the meantime
