What comes next?

Hi everyone,

Analyst speaking, working for a minor cooperative bank in Italy.

After sending 2 applications I've recently got admitted to ESADE (MSc in Finance) and I'm waiting the result from my application to the SDA Bocconi Master in Corporate Finance, if I'll be accepted to the Bocconi too I think that I'll accept their offer, but I'm still open to get some advice, so feel free to hint me about the respective choices and what I should expect and/or pay attention to. My final objective is to break into IB, but Commercial Banking too could be an option, since I really like both options (I do not have any nation preference).

Beyond that, I should finish to work on my thesis this November, so I'll have spare time from December until September 2025, and I was thinking of pursuing the CFA lv.1, fact is... I'm quite burned out, I came from VERY stressful years, from 2022 to this date I've been dealing with a difficult personal situation (my family needed my help to deal with a bad situation, luckily everything went OK in the end), working my ass out to save for the upcoming master, all while pursuing my bachelor (btw, I'll graduate in 2 years instead of 3, with a 4.0 GPA), that made my routine extremely intensive, sleeping 4hrs a day and working 7/7 was a common thing, also the prep of the GMAT took me 6 months. So, I don't know if could be a smart move pursuing the CFA before the master, since I could get to the start of the program even more burned out, I'd like to rest a little bit (and enjoy life) in order to be fresh and sharp the next September, on the other hand, I'm convinced that preparing the CFA would made me well prepared for the program, letting me the opportunity to spend as little time as I can studying and investing such time to prepare my application for internships.

I'm quite lost to be honest, taking the CFA is the right choice? Or should I take some time for myself? Maybe I could prepare in alternative ways, I really don't know...

2 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

ESADE vs. SDA Bocconi

ESADE (MSc in Finance): Known for its strong finance program and international exposure. It can be a good stepping stone for breaking into Investment Banking (IB).
SDA Bocconi (Master in Corporate Finance): Also highly reputable, especially in Europe. If you get accepted, it might be a better choice given its strong network and focus on corporate finance, which aligns well with your goals.

Pursuing the CFA Level 1

Benefits:
- Reputation and Learning: The CFA is highly regarded and can significantly boost your finance knowledge and employability.
- Preparation for IB: It can make you well-prepared for the rigorous finance curriculum in your master's program and for future job applications.
Challenges:
- Burnout: Given your recent stressful years and current burnout, taking on the CFA might exacerbate your fatigue.
- Time Commitment: The CFA requires a substantial time investment, which might detract from your ability to rest and recharge before starting your master's program.

Recommendations

Rest and Recharge: Given your current state of burnout, it might be wise to take some time for yourself to rest and enjoy life. This will help you start your master's program fresh and sharp.
Alternative Preparations:
- Financial Modeling Classes: Consider taking some financial modeling classes, which are less intensive but still valuable for your preparation.
- Networking: Use this time to network and prepare your applications for internships, which can be equally important for breaking into IB.

Conclusion

Balance: Striking a balance between rest and preparation is crucial. While the CFA is valuable, your mental and physical well-being should take priority to ensure long-term success.

Feel free to reach out for more specific advice or if you have further questions!

Sources: What Distinction is Better - CFA®, MBA, or CAIA?, Why YOU Should Take the CFA® - What it Takes, Is CFA® necessary for investment banking ?, CFA vs Self Study, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking

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