The basics

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anovaguy

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Hi all,

My degree was in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Before even attempting to study for the CFA, I need to learn the basics in accounting and economics.

What is my best bet here? Should I take all the undergraduate core courses in accounting and economics? Is anyone aware of a Pre-CFA course anywhere?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Depends on your learning preferences. If you are ok with self-study, then get some basic books and move on to the next level when you feel comfortable. If you like an imposed structure i.e. classes etc. then go with that option. I don't think it should be a real challenge with your background.
P.S. You don't happen to be a Villanova grad?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at Friday, August 3, 2007 at 10:09AM by highparkcfa.
 
Where are you based?

Quartic does a two-day Start-up course in London - one is running Thursday and Friday next week (9th/10th August). Covers FSA, Quants plus basic intro on Equity, Debt and Econ. Click on the banner at the top.
 
Books are the single best way to learn any topic (at least for me). Too many holes left in classroom instruction.
 
Just pick up a used accounting text and an economic text. Ready them and work the problems. Really helped me especially in FSA. Understanding the basics of debts and credits can make a huge difference.
 
Thanks all -

Yeah, Quartic and BPP are offering courses in London. Schweser and Pegasus also seem to have books for candidates who have no prior background.

Since I'm in the US, it sounds like I wil need to visit the library, hit the books, and maybe use one of the books above as well.

PS: I'm not from Villanova.
 
I just found this resource in the General Discussions forum:
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Sloan-School-of-Management/index.htm
 
give yourself enough time to prepare for the cfa exam and dotn worrt about the background, if you dont understand somethin..google it..

dont procrastinate by readin other stuff...jus get onto the CFA books, use the CFAI material, and then other stuff when ur comfortable..

i have a similar background as yours, read the financial news daily, and try to understand it..its the best way to learn
 
bsivia has put it perfectly...Study notes are not hard to grasp if you read them carefully and practice enough. DOnt waste time with other text.

Good luck~
 
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