Should I even go down this road? Please advise.

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UofTderp

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It’s my first post, go easy on me.
So i’m your not so spetacular graduate…
Fresh undergrad, University of Toronto, BBA, <3.0 GPA.
No internship/coop, and less than spetacular work history that some of you have.
I really want to work within an asset management firm, research and data analysis. Go on from there.
So should I even try the CFA route and try to get my foot in the door? Or is this such a long shot that I shouldnt waste my time? Or are there other options I can explore?
 
if not CFA what would you do? Network hard and study for something. Won’t open big doors all of a sudden but studying and reading and networking will always help you out some way or another. Plus Uof T is major power house in Toronto area.
 
what is your opportunity cost? if you are replacing goofing off time with studying do it.
 
Agreed, don’t let your subpar GPA stop you. Lots of people with their charter had a low GPA because they chose to goof off in college, me included, that now have decent jobs in finance. It’ll be extra work trying to break into the industry because of the low GPA, but if you get your charter and you network and have a decent attitude, you’ll have no problem. Life is full of second chances.
 
OP, I had less than 3.0 and did fairly well. No internships, no prior relevant work experience and 4 years out of college. Definately opened some doors up for me. Among the employers that were interested in me was a small asset management firm and that was just after passing the first 2 levels. I studied hard though, many don’t and fail.
Like itera said, what’s the opportunity cost? It’s like $1200 and 6 months for the first level. If you REALLY want to work in the field, what else would you be doing in this time?
 
Thanks for the encouragement guys, appreciate it.
I’ll give this some thought and maybe I’ll be writing that exam in june!
 
If you want to work in Toronto, I think attempting the CFA is a bare minimum… your attractiveness marginally increases per level gained but without it you aren’t even in the game with that GPA.
Theres a big focus on academic achievement in the Toronto market. You can’t let that dissuade you but it is what it is and you will need to demonstrate more passion and intellect than those who are smarter on paper than you. As hard as it is as an undergrad. Do your research and go network, its unlikely you will be successful through online applications so look for back door routes.
 
I think you need to do one of those “30 day” spiritual/psychological cleansings and change your own outlook on career path.
Do you *really* want to land a job in asset management/research?!? Unless you’ve got exceptional networking skills, then obtaining the CFA charter is a no-brainer if you want to make yourself stand out from the Average Joes. Just do it, and *don’t* just think about it.
 
Like stocks and investing, do your CFA to get better at it. Work is overrated, do what you love!
 
Your GPA is only one factor, and it becomes a less important one over time. After the first couple of years of being in the profession, you’ll find that you future employers care more about your work experience, performance, and personal factors (your attitude, work ethic, problem-solving skills, leadership qualities) than anything else. You might not even be asked about your GPA after a few years. (Although having a strong GPA might help you land your first job.)
I’m many years out of college, rose to senior management at a prominent global firm, and founded my own asset management firm a few years back. You can’t change your GPA so promote your strengths instead.
If you choose to sit for the CFA and then bag it after studying a while because the material is … boring…mind-numbingly difficult, etc., then you might want to rethink your career. Otherwise, do it even if it’s hard. Embrace challenge. And get ready for a wild ride.
Good luck.
 
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