Am i Eligible for CFA Certification

The CFA is more of a top level certification than an entry level way to enter the field.  I would say the best first step is to seek employment in the financial field.  You can’t get the charter without experience anyway and you may find you don’t enjoy it.  For many, the first step is to get securities licensed.

I’m switching from retail FMCG industry into banking/financial services. I’m taking a massive pay cut, but it is in the industry I want and they will support my studies. Just know that it is hard to change industries and be prepared to take a pay cut. Starting from the bottom though allows me to go into a good stress-free 9-5 job. 

If you were involved with investment decisions in your current role (budgets, business case proposals, etc), then this should qualify for experience. If it is IT support or implementation, then probably not. 

1. Yes. You can pass the exam but you need 4 years of experience to get the charter
2. Depends. It is not an easy exam but very doable. You need devotion and if married, a great spouse and support system 🙂
3. Too broad of a question. I made the gradual change and it worked great for me. Degree of excellence is determined by individual drive.
4. 🙂 Anywhere from unemployed to 7 figures. Let us put it this way, you will have better chance after CFA than you would have without it.
5. Based off of what you provided, it will be fresher but that is a non-issue from my perspective.