My advice… concentrate on your career now… I am not a CFA yet; in fact I failed Band 10 today. But, I work as a Portfolio Manager in one of the leading investment Banks in Manhattan.
I am a CPA, CAIA and holds an MSc degree in Economics. I started my career as a Auditor in a big 4 firm in 2007. Moved to investment banking in 2010. Started there as an Investment Analyst and with time rose to the Portfolio Manager position.
I have learnt one thing in this industry… concentrate on your career or on your investment ventures more than you do on you do on academics and you will surely prosper.
My boss cannot trade me for a Charterholder.. in fact, when I send the CFA exam payment invoice for his approval, he always remarks ‘Not that this CFA is gonna do anything to your career, but it’s good to have it’..
I plan to eventually open my own small firm; may be in 4-5 years’ time; perhaps then, the ‘CFA’ will look good in my marketing materials..
All in all, the experience that I have gathered from concentrating on my career is irreplaceble… so do it man, make yourself good in what you do…