Job scenario after qualifying CFA level-1

@raulla what roles in finance are you searching for?

It’s difficult to say, as getting a job relies heavily on interviewing skills, fit vs. job description, job market etc, rather than having an extra CFA qualification sometimes, although it does help demonstrate the skillset. Work experience helps more in securing a full time job, and i’d advise you to go for an internship if you find that you can’t secure an entry level role – internships are a stepping stone to a full time role in finance, and I suspect that the fact you haven’t had any internship experience puts you unfavourably vs. other candidates.

@Sophie

I am interested in your advice as well. I am considering pursuing a CFA as part of a move into finance (possibly asset management). I graduated cum laude from Harvard in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Government, and I have been working in operations/services for technology companies for about two years. I’ve been promoted up three levels already, but I don’t have any finance background. I am in Boston now, but I may be moving to Los Angeles within the next 1-3 years. I am interested to hear your thoughts on the best way for me to break into finance. I appreciate your time. Thank you.

I have work experience of more than 10 years in financial services industry particularly derivatives domain….Will it really help me doing CFA now?

@perspective I do not want to discourage you, but are you aware that you need four years of relevant work experience before you can earn the charter? Also studying for the CFA charter is a massive commitment of time and energy, you are likely to spend nearly 1000 hours (even if you pass every test) over the next 3 years, so you really need to be sure this is what you want before you commit. 

@amitforall It really depends on your ambitions? If you are 10 years down your current career track you are clearly unlikely to pick up many details from the CFA curriculum that you do not know already relevant to your current job. That said if you are looking to change your career track it could still be relevant. I don’t think it is ever too late to study for the CFA. But you need a really strong reason to do so, as it is a massive commitment. 

@perspective‌ I would say that CFA would not be a bad option for you. I used just the part 1, along with my experience in another field and my strong academic record, as a springboard into finance.  It’s no guarantee, but it’s certainly another weapon in your arsenal. 

@amiforall I agree with @FinancialExamAcademy‌. In your position I probably wouldn’t do CFA “just because”, but only if you had something in mind like a change of role outside your immediate sphere of experience. 

@FinancialExamAcademy‌ Yes, I am aware of that requirement. I would be studying for the CFA exams on the side and networking through the local CFA society once I was eligible to attend events and/or become a member. I would be hoping to land a job after passing the first two exams or at least after I pass the third, with the plan of fulfilling the experience requirement at that point. I am interested to hear your thoughts and input. Thank you.

@ommthree Thank you for your input as well. Would you mind sharing what field you were coming from at the time? I am interested in seeing how similar my path would be to your own, as well as your thoughts on how you transitioned (what worked, what didn’t). Thank you for your time.