CFA L1 or L2

So I am trying to break into ER from Back Office IT and will be taking the CFA soon.

I know CFA L1 is a must given I have no finance experience to get an interview. But should I also pass my L2 before I really start networking around or would L1 be enough to get me interview spots?

 

What I've been told continually from different finance professionals is the CFA Lvl 1 doesn't move the needle too much, it's mostly a review of what you would learn with a Bachelors in Finance. The Lvl 2 is where employers start to take notice if you pass.

That being said always network as soon and as often as possible and continue to apply for places always citing that your a candidate, etc.

Give me a kid whose smart, poor, and hungry...............
 
Best Response

100% right, I'd say. L1 doesn't say much except that you're competent, whereas L2 is the real game-changer in terms of the "this guy is serious" idea.

Be careful not to get stuck as an IT guy, however. Plenty of guys start out with good enough intentions but get stuck on a completely different track. It's easy to get caught in the motions of working by day and studying by night in the hope that the CFA will land you the career you want.

If you've got more than 2 years in IT, you might need something more drastic than the CFA. As well, if you're starting out, don't spend more than 2 years in IT, as it'll become a hindrance fairly quickly. You get categorized as an IT guy very, very quickly.

in it 2 win it
 

Each level requires a tremendous amount of time and effort. Hard to answer this without knowing when you expect to finish your MBA... Why don't you register for the June '18 L1 exam and go from there.

 

Qui consequatur dolores enim eum recusandae repellendus aspernatur. Voluptatibus enim omnis autem dolor aut libero distinctio. Repudiandae vero dignissimos incidunt. Voluptates temporibus ad ut cupiditate ducimus labore corrupti. Ut beatae sint aut velit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 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

April 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

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
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...”