Horrible college marks + CFA exams + work experience = redemption?

Question

Hi guys!For both the job hunting veterans and the HR teams out there, this is probably one of the those "should I ask?" questions by students or CFA candidates who have just graduated university. If you have horrible university marks, but managed to pass your CFA level 1 examinations with some related work experience on the side, does that clear your metaphorical jail sentence from your university marks? if so, how would you go about writing it in your cover letters and resumes?thanks in advanced!

221Against · Answer

Ting:  I think the CFA1 will help but really it's just years of experience that will eventually overshadow your GPA.  I would just focus on the CFA and being the best player in the room at work  Having done the job (or the steps leading up to it if you are trying for that leg up) is a much stronger indicator of success than a GPA ever will.  If it's me, I exclude it from the resume and give it to them only when asked.  Take a lesson from a car salesman....get them in the door (or I guess in our case it's get IN the door with an interview) and then spin that shit like a Harlem Globetrotter!  Good luck

hairyfairy · Answer

@tingwuwang‌ Agree with @221Against‌: as you accumulate experience etc, your university scores become less and less relevant. Also make sure you emphasize the good stuff in your CV and minimize the bad stuff, i.e. prioritize your work experience and CFA scores!

It’s all about how you present yourself on your CV, in the interview, etc.