What graduate program can make you a better investor rather than a better candidate for a job in asset management?

I have been considering the debate between getting your CFA® , MBA, or both, and after much thought I am not sure either make you a better investor per se. Both can increase your knowledge set, and a MBA can help you switch careers seamlessly, but I am truly after becoming a better investor, and was wondering if any graduate program (MBA included) can make you a better investor?

 
 

I would argue that both can help, but neither is necessary. CFA will provide you with a solid foundation in finance and may open some doors to opportunities to further your learning in a professional setting. MBA does the same in a way and may help you grow your network. However, neither of these is going to make you an investor on its own. They are both simply platforms that could provide you with more chances to position yourself for an opportunity at a firm that you can learn the ropes at (but even getting a buyside job does not mean you will turn out to be a good investor)

Array
 

To echo the comments below, the most likely place to do this would be something like Columbia's value investing program where you will have a heavy focus on investment skills, access to world class investors, etc.

Array
 
Most Helpful

Consectetur ut est et animi deserunt et. Quia eveniet optio dolore voluptatem autem eos.

Dolores quia omnis neque reprehenderit officia. Temporibus asperiores illo accusantium ut enim. Eum autem aut et nulla rerum facilis eum.

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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
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...”