If you had it all to do over again, would you even do the CFA?

V

Vandelay Industries

New member
Joined
Jun 18, 2026
Messages
0
Reaction score
0
Seems like literally 9/10 AFers that have the charter view it negatively.
If you were doing it all again, would you still pursue it? Did it turn out like you expected?
 
The grass is always greener on the other side, which is why people are negative on it.
It got my foot in the door and eventually a high paying job, so I would do it again.
On the other hand, I tell people with MBAs and equity hedge fund jobs to not bother. About 30% of the material is relevant to their job, and unless they plan on becoming hacksaw financial planners in the future, it is largely a waste of time.
 
I think in the end, I’d do it again. A finance career suits me, I think. I was thinking about it the other day though… if I hadn’t, I would probably be a sales manager at a luxury car dealership by now, switchin whips weekly, or even daily with a dealer plate, making a decent amount more than I make now.
 
I would still do the CFA, just because it was so “cheap” in terms of time and money.
 
It got my foot in the door and eventually an above average paying job, so I would do it again.
 
I would definitely do it again. Nothing quite like exchanging business cards with a non-CFA and immediately knowing you’re superior.
 
Only passed Level I and Level II so far, but hasn’t been too bad. I’ve also got a deal worked out with my boss where I’ll get a solid raise when I get it, so I’ll see tangible benefits unlike many others.
Plus, like IsThereAny said, it will be great to have that feeling. I already feel it a little when I tell all the wholesalers that bug me that I passed Level II. They always give the same “oh yeah, I thought about it but I just don’t know” response like that somehow makes them smarter for even considering it.
 
Doubtful. In my job, CPA+CFP would be more widely known and highly regarded than CFA. Cheaper and easier, too.
There is an intangible benefit to it–knowing that you passed the toughest finance exam in the world. All the hard work and pedagogical benefits pay off in some intangible way.
 
I would definitely do it again. I have seen a great amount of benefit throughout the whole process. I received a promotion and significant raise after L1 & L2. Just passed L3, and I’m up for promotion again in December. My bonus has increased substantially, as well.
Vandelay Industries wrote:
Seems like literally 9/10 AFers that have the charter view it negatively.
Click to expand...
IMO, I don’t think this is a fair assessment. I think they only paint the negative picture in regards to the charter being the “golden ticket” to get your foot in the door at GS with a sociology degree and your only work experience is being a substitute teacher in the B.H. Obama School District…
 
Yep…..it’s the only broad credential in this industry that is not a total joke. If you’re an investment management professional, without pedigree, and haven’t earned the charter, you’re a clown. It’s a minimum. Stay off pornhub for 20 months and knock it out. If you think the opportunity cost is too high, you don’t have the chops and should stick to sales.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top