CFA Candidate's Ambitions

[coops]

Hello

I live in Perth, Australia, I have finished my Bachelors degree and I am currently working in Corporate Banking for an Australian bank. I am also currently enrolled to write the level 1 exam for Dec 2006. Once I have obtained the CFA charter as well as the relevant experience my ambition is to move overseas (UK, NYC, or HK) to pursue a career in Investment Banking.

My problem is that I have had little exposure to what Investment Banking and banking in general is like overseas. I would appreciate an advice on what the reality is of obtaining such a position as a CFA holder. I am also interested to hear what ambitions other CFA candidates hold for their careers.

Regards

 

[M1capital]

Hi coops,

I live in Madrid and currently working at a BIG4 Corporate Finance department. I have just enrolled for L1 June 07 and would also like to move to one of the places you mentioned.

good luck!

 

[FrankArabia]

me too........investment banking is where i would like to go.........but from what i have seen.....the CFA designation isn't a very popular in that arena....

 

[Rudeboi]

do a search on that topic ..this has been discussed a few times before

 

[texasecongrad]

I just graduated myself in August and currently looking for full time employment and registered for Dec L1. I have attended at the least 10 info-sessions in the past two weeks. All of them Investment Banking and I always had one question for them, How useful is CFA for Investment Banking and all the MDs and Associates replied "Its good to have it but not required" or "If you are doing CFA then you are interested in Equities such as research?" or "Yeah I did my CFA and let me tell you it was the worst time of my life but it was great when I went back to B'school but nothing that much helpful at work."
The 10 info sessions include Buldge bracket and middle market Investment banks for eg.
Morgan Stanley, BOA, Houlihan Lokey, Wachovia, Raymond James & many others...