CFA - Currently working in an IT department
Hi folks,
I'm currenlty working in an IT department of an iBank and want to be a VC.
I'm now thinking about taking CFA but I'm not sure if it will help me break into the VC industry.
(I hold a master degree in IT)
I wonder if someone can share with me whether CFA or similar qualification would be a plus.
Thanks,
dingding1028
Well, no doubt it would be a plus given your IT background. Having a genuine interest in finance and holding a certification that supports some of the "basic" functions of finance will definitely go a long way to show that you really want to be successful, but a CFA isn't required to get into the VC industry. The most important thing would be having contacts and/or alumni in the industry in order to get your foot in the door. It's hard to say just how useful it will be because each firm would be subjective to the firm's focus, but I would think a CFA would be most useful in investment banking, then private equity, then VC (being last).
Some firm's focus on practically nonexistent companies (start-ups), so there would be little, if any financial analysis that needed to be performed. Other's look at later stage ventures where there might be a bit more analysis done, but VCs are generally looking to invest in a great idea and often disregard or discount the finances of the company because the company is usually in it's infancy.
Essentially, I don't think it will really help you break-in but having the IT background and holding the CFA designation would/could be what a VC is looking for, if you find the right one. Good luck to you.
CAIA and CFA for VC (Originally Posted: 04/23/2009)
For someone coming from an engineering background trying to enter VC, would having a CAIA/CFA increase recruitment chances?
Is the CAIA more relevant in this case being specialized in alternative investments?
Be a man; do both.
I thought VC/PE doesn't care about CFA. Of course it won't hurt, but just thought it's not considered very applicable. Am I wrong?
Its a bit expensive though!
Some schools offer scholarships to take exams like those so see if you can find anything to help subsidize the costs. Otherwise, paying out of pocket will motivate you to study harder and hopefully ensure that you pass.
What about CAIA?
I know there isnt much quant as compared to IB/PE as compared to VC, but would having a CAIA help an engineer fit into a VC better?
I've never met or heard of a VC with either of those credentials. Go start a company, that'll give you far more credibility.
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