CFA after MSF

Hello everybody,

I'm currently in a MSF program set to graduate in the spring. I am thinking about taking the CFA level 1 exam in December becuase I don't feel like my MS degree is really helping my chances of finding a job. Would this just be overkill or would this actually help me stand out?

 

I would definitely do it. I am in a somewhat similar position, seeking full-time employment after an MSF degree. The CFA shows further dedication to the profession and is always beneficial to have on your resume. I know it's expensive, and in an ideal world you would find an employer to help pay for it, but in applying for jobs I personally have found a lot of employers are already looking for progress towards the charter, even for relatively entry-level positions. IMO, at the moment, the MSF isn't respected enough in the US by a lot of firms, so having an established, standardized credential to your name is always helpful.

 

I'm not sure about the dynamics in the US, but as far as Europe goes, I think CFA's importance is slightly overstated. Most people either don't care too much, or only want to see that the person is willing to study towards the qualification once you're already on the job. A lot of people I know do a level and then just drop it with the view that they might finish it at some point. That "some point" normally never comes.

 

depends on what job you're targeting. banking? wont help. better off networking/interview prep. asset mgmt? yeah, probably would be prudent. though still prioritize networking. landing the job is the top priority otherwise credentials are useless

 
Best Response

Do the CFA if you're like Asset Management and plan on sticking with the program. See if your school is a CFA partner program as you can get a discount on the degree. L1 will be good to take while in the program and if you're especially motivated you could do L2 in June while all your schooling is fresh.

That being said, outside of ER and Asset management, the CFA has limited use and value. Don't kill yourself with it unless you're absolutely committed.

 

I have not done it, but I can see that from a portfolio management perspective it is worth pursuing. If you look at a firm you want to work at and everyone has the designation next to their name then that should be the answer. However, I always thought that the charter was the cheaper alternative to getting a MSF. Guess I was wrong!

Only two sources I trust, Glenn Beck and singing woodland creatures.
 
shorttheworld:
i think it makes sense, get the strong alumni connections and recruiting ops and the the credential to go with it. winwin. are you going for banking or AM?

I am actually still deciding this i have FO experience in AM but have always had a passion for banking (i'm interning in a MO ops group right now)... My firm pays for the CFA and GMAT exams/classes so i have been thinking of doing the level I in dec (6 months after my graduation), and then level II in the following June, and the Level III the year after (so hopefully getting it in about 2 years).

If i dont get a crack at a FO position by then ill probably go to grad school to get my MSF/MFE

any one have any opinions on this plan?

“I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me.” - Malone
 

Magni voluptatem labore ea tempore. Ea id excepturi repudiandae amet sed perferendis assumenda possimus. Asperiores voluptate eos ea eligendi in magnam.

Doloremque laboriosam quo nihil est. Ipsa est dignissimos dicta commodi occaecati tempora. Sint facilis ea similique sed hic. Cumque vel expedita repudiandae optio in delectus. Est molestiae facere eum sint quo quod.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”