@paulj8888
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Up1
Hello everyone, I am a level 3 candidate in June 2016. I wrote Level III in June 2013 and failed. My background is in Actuarial math (P, FM, and MLC under my belt) and stress testing banking systems. In June of 2014 I left the industry to pursue a career in education… well, and snowboard more. I am currently in Bangkok teaching computer science until March 2016. I’m also finishing the last few courses for my B. Ed. out here.
For various reasons I’ve decided to write Level III in June 2016 and pursue a career as an Investment Counselor in 2016 after my CFA exam. I have already began reading the material and plan to be writing practice exams by March 2016. I ain’t failing this time!
I have been a lurker for a few years and figure I should dive in and start to participate in the community. Thank you for welcoming me to the community.
-Paul
Up0Hi Lance, I can give you my input.
1) Concentrate on your CFA, the other education won’t matter for the buy side. If you want to work in investment banking (sell side) more education may look good.
2) Don’t bother. CFA is the gold standard for buy side. PHd in Engineering is more than enough education.
3) MBA is impressive for the sell side but doesn’t mean much for the buy side.
With your background and CFA level 1 you would be well suited for an analyst position specializing in industries related to your field of study. Where do you live? These jobs may be few and far between or plentiful depending on that. While you work as an analyst for either a PM or Financial Institution keep writing your exams. By the time you finish your CFA you will have a couple years experience in the industry and your letters. From there you can look at becoming an associate portfolio manager and after years of success to a portfolio manager.
I assume you are a good computer coder. If so you may want to look into some quant work for banks, hedgefunds, and other asset managers. Again, where you live will depend on if these jobs are available to you.
FYI, I went from: Actuary -> Banking risk -> Consulting (almost IT) -> Education -> Next move is to advising. I’ve managed money for myself and my family for ~6 years as well.
Hope this helps!
