Am I too old for CFA charter?

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fabio_74

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Hello everybody,
I would like to share a feeling about my motivations in pursuing the charter.
Sometimes, I think I am too old for CFA!
I am 36 years old and still willing to learn something new, but… some nights, after a long day at work, I find it very difficult to study for the exam (level 1) and I chew over my age and my declining memory.
However I also believe that CFA charter will be useful for my career, especially considering that average working life is lengthening progressively. If I succeed in getting my charter by 40 years old, I would have at least another 25 years to work before retiring. That is the second important reason for my personal CFA commitment.
Could you please give me your opinion, especially my contemporaries?
Thank you and all the best!
 
I’m sure you have *something* to gain by finishing the CFA program - though it will probably be knowledge rather than measurable career advancement. The question is if it’s worth it for you to spend a few hundred hours a year on this for the next 3 or 4 years. Most people I know in their mid-late 30s would say no, but really, it’s up to personal choice. Good luck in whatever you decide.
 
Hell no, your not too old. I’m 36 also (but I already have it). It was great insurance during the last downturn. Next time the tide rolls out, you’ll have your bathing suit on.
 
No you are definitely not too old. However, it is a commitment and I would be rock solid in my decision before going down this path. Most “older” people taking these exams have a family, sometimes kids, and the CFA will have a material impact on this aspect of your life, especially at Level II and III. Make sure your wife is on board too. Best of luck.
 
I agree with ohai. I am older than you are and the charter won’t really help me in career advancement (at least right now), but I am soooo much better at my job for going through the program. Not done yet (L3), but it has been worth it.
 
Agreed, not too old. It may well complement your experience and open up some unexpected doors down the line.
 
do it bro, i’m a 31-year old L2 candidate in the backoffice so anything’s possible.
 
thommo77 Wrote:
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> Make sure your wife is on board
> too.
Listen to this man.
 
Fabio - we are the same age. I received my Charter in 2007 - so I was 33ish at the time. I have been immensely disappointed as I had hoped that employers really sought folks with the credentials. Indeed that is not at all the case. Be advised that the CFA Jobline (i.e. the job listing site run by the CFAI) is absolutely horrific. Also, the local chapters simply use efinancialcareers as their job listing database. Imagine a business school without a career center - well that’s what CFAI gets you.
Now mind you, I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t note a few things
- I do not work in equity research or asset management (these roles are really the only jobs that validate the charter; you will need to seek the advice of someone who works in those disciplines to know if the CFA meant anything to their career)
- The employment market is horrible and has been ever since I became a CFA
I have no illusions that I am owed anything by obtaining the Charter. I simply thought I would be in more demand. That has not been the case. Colleagues of mine that are also CFAs (many unempoyed) echo these thoughts. It’s a great exercise in knowledge, but mind you 75% is forgotten within 2 years; 90% within 4.
 
> I am 36 years old
Search other forums for “age” or “geezer” – plenty of folks finish when they’re over 40. (I finished at 46 and it’s been great for my career.)
> some nights, after a long day at work, I find it very difficult to study
Get your lazy butt up earlier in the morning! If this were easy, everyone would be doing it.
 
It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard… is what makes it great. - Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks)
 
I started in 12/04 at age 46 and went 3 for 3. It helped me get my career back on track after being out of banking for a while.
 
Never too old (within reason). I finished my undegrad at an older-than-average age and was a lot more focused, motivated, and successful at it. It may or may not have a large impact on your remaining income-earning years, but it’s certainly better to have than to not. Honestly, how can having an extra credential (even if only Level II) hurt?
 
Super I Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I started in 12/04 at age 46 and went 3 for 3. It
> helped me get my career back on track after being
> out of banking for a while.
Props & kudos
 
Super I Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I started in 12/04 at age 46 and went 3 for 3. It
> helped me get my career back on track after being
> out of banking for a while.
I am 36 and a Corp Finance data/IT process monkey, and I am still starting !
 
Dr.Mavashi01 Wrote:
——————————————————-
> Super I Wrote:
> ————————————————–
> —–
> > I started in 12/04 at age 46 and went 3 for 3.
> It
> > helped me get my career back on track after
> being
> > out of banking for a while.
>
>
> I am 36 and a Corp Finance data/IT process monkey,
> and I am still starting !
you made it, you made it!!
 
I don’t believe anything on this thread….36 years old?? There’s no way someone that old can use the internet!
*Edit: To be clear, I’m jk (just kidding)
 
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