CFA Candidate Need Help

I am currently studying for the Level 1 CFA Exam and am in need of any tips, suggestions etc. I graduated two years ago with a BS in BA at a state college, 3.1 GPA, work in personal banking right now. What type of job/work experience should I be aiming for? What is the best way to break in to the investment research business? Would just passing the CFA Level 1 increase my oppurtunities exponetially? Thanks.

 
Best Response

Charlie: your chances are slim to none, the CFA won't help you much compared to how much effort/time it takes. The CFA will likely be appealing to grad programs: get a masters degree. MSF / MFE etc... You can spend the next year in a focused program with recruiting OR you can shit around with the CFA and network with people that will write you off immediately when they realize you're a teller.

I broke in the hard way with a far lesser chance than you (lower grades, no experience, etc...) and my honest opinion is that you're better off just getting a masters. Go in now, and you'll be working in finance in about 14 months. It's your time, use it wisely.

Get busy living
 

Personal banking? Jesus Christ, nothing screams mediocrity more than that. Like UFO said, go get your Masters - ditch the job as a teller; you don't even need a college degree to be doing that shit. The CFA will not help you, your only chance is to re-brand yourself with a nice new degree and wipe that shit from your record forever.

 

What would I ideally need to break into an entry level analyst position? Most of the major programs that I am looking at require 2 years of work experience....

 

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