Dumb 3rd-rate designations

So I'm confused by those who decide to get random worthless designations. I just saw a comment on a coworker's linkedin post (he's going for an Oxford Ph.D. btw, and lists nothing) from somebody who is a QKA(R), CRPS(R), and CHSA(R). Who puts this sort of junk after their name? I'm tempted to put BFD after my name after seeing that, and I have real letters.

44 Comments
 

yeah and CAIA - some interesting information in the material it seems, but do the letters really have any value?

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"Isaiah_53_5" yeah and CAIA - some interesting information in the material it seems, but do the letters really have any value?

I clicked into the guy's profile. He lists being an eagle scout too. Dude, I ditched that on my resume after 23. I know I'm going to get some monkeyshit for this, but the CAIA is actually a decent second rate degree. I know one ETF talking head that had problems with it. (Not me, I've got my Charter) It's also below the grade 1B designations like the CFP.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Sorry had to give you some MS. I've seen Eagle Scout used even on company executive bios.

I agree that it seems stupid. However, I've had excellent work experiences with former Eagle Scouts. Seriously, not one bad experience with anyone that proudly listed Eagle Scout on their resume or background.

 

Not sure about the CAIA - it's very well-known in its niche and the people I've seen with the title are very accomplished professionals. However I would say inferior to the CFA, and even that has questionable value the moment you step out of a securities field, so maybe it does suck.

in it 2 win it
 
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If you're in finance, the CFA is always kosher. CAIA, FRM, CPA, JD, CFP are well regarded and OK if you're operating in a niche where it is relevant. Everything else is alphabet soup.

If you have multiple, I think more than two after your name is a try hard move, even if it's from that list. I'd put them all in my bio though.

The junky certs are only OK if you're young and trying to break into an industry niche - it won't get you into Goldman, but it could perk the interest of a small finance shop that's focused around that area.

 
"BreakingOutOfPWM" If you're in finance, the CFA is always kosher. CAIA, FRM, CPA, JD, CFP are well regarded and OK if you're operating in a niche where it is relevant. Everything else is alphabet soup.

If you have multiple, I think more than two after your name is a try hard move, even if it's from that list. I'd put them all in my bio though.

The junky certs are only OK if you're young and trying to break into an industry niche - it won't get you into Goldman, but it could perk the interest of a small finance shop that's focused around that area.

Agreed with the first half, but I disagree that those junky certs are ever OK. CIPM, CAIA, etc are good in certain niches but how big are those? (FRM CPA, JD and maybe CFP are worthwhile- and CFP only because of how many FP jobs there are compared to the rest of finance)

As a CFA Charterholder, I refuse to weigh in on the degree.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 
"Isaiah_53_5" yeah and CAIA - some interesting information in the material it seems, but do the letters really have any value?

Zero. At the university I teach at, there is not a alternative investment course to take. That designation would help those who are gunning for the alternative space rather than make another DCF model

 
Funniest
"Whatever1984" So I'm confused by those who decide to get random worthless designations.

Like CFA

Edit: Damn, boys, that shit was a joke...

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
"CRE"
"Whatever1984" So I'm confused by those who decide to get random worthless designations.

Like CFA

Ready to know what you think is quality then? 2/3 of the PM and the Product team have it (sorry, the guy who built $20B of FI ETFs only has a masters in Financial Maths)

Edited, with Apologies: Jokes don't always transfer well to text, CRE.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Yeah but let's be real, a lot of asset managers abuse the fuck out of those titles to attract employees. "PM" is a back office type of role at many places. I know so-called PMs who "manage" 20b+ who barely crack 200k a year, because their decision making isn't central to the strategy. Sure they're managing cash drag or turnover or concentration or whatever.

But let's not pretend that even remotely the same job as an active PM who's paid for alpha. Different job, similar name. Just like the Secretary of State doesn't have a similar role to the secretary who's job it is to wear tight shirts and process travel receipts.

 
"WalMartShopper" You should put badass after your name, bc you're so badass.

WalMartShopper You're the "BigFuckingDeal" Congrats, put it on your business card. May I recommend staying at Walmart?

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

The acronym that I think looks weird after one's name is MBA. Designations in general look good on a business card or a resume, especially if they are relevant to your profession. I worked really hard to become a CFA charterholder. I use the designation after my name because some people I interact with will be familiar with it. CAIA is for more of a niche area. If you work in alts, it makes a lot sense to get the designation.

http://www.series7examtutor.com
 
"Series7examtutor" The acronym that I think looks weird after one's name is MBA. Designations in general look good on a business card or a resume, especially if they are relevant to your profession. I worked really hard to become a CFA charterholder. I use the designation after my name because some people I interact with will be familiar with it. CAIA is for more of a niche area. If you work in alts, it makes a lot sense to get the designation.

I like people who list MBA after their names. There's nothing wrong with the designation itself, unless it comes from a really bad school, but listing it on your business card, or even better, in your email signature, gives me advance notice of the sort of person I have a high likelihood of dealing with.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

I know a doctor who refuses to be addressed as "Dr." He says it's dumb. I don't think it's a coincidence that he's also the top brain surgeon in his city. Meanwhile every average Joe doctor I know milks that title any chance they get.

Point being: mediocre professionals need designations to separate themselves from those who can't claim the designation. Truly accomplished people avoid designations to separate themselves from those who need them.

 
"PteroGonzalez" I know a doctor who refuses to be addressed as "Dr." He says it's dumb. I don't think it's a coincidence that he's also the top brain surgeon in his city. Meanwhile every average Joe doctor I know milks that title any chance they get.

Point being: mediocre professionals need designations to separate themselves from those who can't claim the designation. Truly accomplished people avoid designations to separate themselves from those who need them.

Sounds like your Doctor friend is modest, which is nice and a good quality, but has nothing to do with people getting a CFA to advance their career or expand their knowledge.

-guy who didn't study finance in college and got a CFA after which has opened a ton of doors

 

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