5 Comments
 

From what I've researched, it slightly helps if you ever want to manage a portfolio one day (think Hedge Fund PMs and Asset Management). Approximately 50% of Hedge Fund PMs have a CFA so I don't think it would hurt, but definitely not a game-changer. If you're planning on pursuing IB/PE, you're probably better off studying for the GMAT/GRE if an MBA is in your future.

 

More common for ER and HF/PM. If you have the time and already have a strong background in the subject matter (assuming you do if you’re done with recruiting and have a job lined up already) it can’t hurt at all. I’d definitely recommend if you’re thinking about any of the above as future exit ops. Personally I’m going ER and in ER it’s commonly used as a promotion base (most Associates pass the CFA). Can also be a nice aid to break into a top HF and can really help broaden your opportunities post banking. So bottom line, everything I’ve heard about it is it’s worth it if you commit to studying for it and can be useful next to your name in the future.

 
Most Helpful

Iusto officiis error repudiandae omnis occaecati repellat. Enim velit est atque natus autem aut animi. Accusamus officiis iure debitis rem hic est. Saepe quo ipsam similique. Aut amet molestiae sed rem voluptatem. Quaerat dolorum consequuntur recusandae. Officiis eum nesciunt id et dolorem.

Modi consequatur repellat ipsam numquam ut hic rem quo. Nemo modi nobis molestiae tempora. Nisi quasi voluptates quidem saepe facilis et ut aspernatur. Nemo explicabo quis sit inventore.

Joshua Friedman, CFA @yoshfriedman

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (68) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”