Is CFA a career booster?

I graduated with an Economics degree and worked a little bit in corporate finance. After passing Level 1 I was able to get an interview for an equity research role. Also because I knew a guy who worked at the company and knew another guy who knew the 2 guys doing the interviewing. So passing Level 1 might have marginally helped there. There’s my only firsthand story for you.
I imagine the further you get from your graduation the less it matters what your degree in. I see tons of portfolio managers with political science, history, etc degrees. It looks like most all of them went and got an MBA - no clue before or after they got in the industry.
After having passed the first two levels and knowing what I know now, I would never think “Wow, this resume says they completed Level 1 (or Level 2). They must be really smart!” I would probably lean more towards “Hey, this person went out and completed Level 1 while working in X field and graduating with X degree. They must have a decent amount of dedication and desire to work in finance.”
Having “Passed Level I of the CFA Program” on a resume would be about the same to me as “Eagle Scout” - it’s nice to see, but it wouldn’t trump their experience and interview responses and all that other stuff.
Also IsThereAny continues to grow on me.
 
Pamir wrote:

Hello,
I graduated in political sciences and foreign languages, and now I want to take a CFA (1st level) exam next June. It is clear that a relevant work experience, market situation, and other factors increase/ decrease person´s chances for success. But according to many comments in this forum, there are some common negative patterns which give an impression that CFA is a total waste of time and money.
In this regard, I wanted to ask those with non-economic/ financial/ engeneering backfround, in how far the CFA candidacy or charter influenced your career chances?
Thank you for your answers in advance. :)
Best regards,
I.
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Maybe it’ll help. Depends what you want to get into, or what you do already. I work in finance, and passing level 1&2 have helped me quite a bit.
 
The CFA is only useful if you plan on going into the UFC because they both have the letters C and F and are therefore strongly related fields.
Anderson Silva is a charterholder.
 
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