What does a CFA get?

[investormcgee]

A few weeks ago I was at a social event and was talking to an exec from a big mutual fund company. I was asking him questions about his career path trying to pick up some tips for myself. When I asked about getting an MBA he suggested that I look into getting a CFA. I had never heard of it before.

Apparently it stands for Chartered Financial Analyst. Now I know you get it from an institute and would take about three years to get. But my question is what knowledge do you get here? What jobs are opened up to those with a CFA? Does anyone here have any experience with this type of certification?

[yellowbastard]

There are three rigourous tests you must pass and you also have to have 5 years of "qualified work experience" where at least 50% of your time is spent in the investment decision making process. Look at their website for more details.

[DcifrThs]

[ QUOTE ]
A few weeks ago I was at a social event and was talking to an exec from a big mutual fund company. I was asking him questions about his career path trying to pick up some tips for myself. When I asked about getting an MBA he suggested that I look into getting a CFA. I had never heard of it before.

Apparently it stands for Chartered Financial Analyst. Now I know you get it from an institute and would take about three years to get. But my question is what knowledge do you get here? What jobs are opened up to those with a CFA? Does anyone here have any experience with this type of certification?

[/ QUOTE ]

the test is 3 levels. one per year (or you can get lucky and do a Dec/Jun thing and get 2 levels in 1 calander year). there are also sponsorship requirements along w/ yrs in the industry requirements.

the CFA is a standardized testament to a minimum level of financial knowledge.

one guy with whom i was interviewing said "i always like to see a CFA on a resume since it is one thing i can depend on. i know immediately that this candidate has at least that level of knowledge"

but, it isn't like you can just get the CFA and BOOM opportunity comes knocking. it is just something to separate you a bit from the heard.

i hope to be taking my CFA level I in december.

Barron

[stoxtrader]

I have a CFA. Not really sure if it "gets" you anything in and of itself but it can be used to help in a lot of ways - the AIMR website is pretty comprehensive I suggest spending some time looking at it.

It's not a walk in the park to get but if you are willing to work a bit is very attainable.

[stinkypete]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a CFA.

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"Therefore, the CFA mark must always be used as an adjective, never as a noun. The mark should not be used in the plural or in the possessive."

[stoxtrader]

thank goodness I was strong on the rest of the material.

[thehun69]

[ QUOTE ]
one guy with whom i was interviewing said "i always like to see a CFA on a resume since it is one thing i can depend on. i know immediately that this candidate has at least that level of knowledge"

[/ QUOTE ]

I have an MBA and have heard that line at interviews as well. It really depends on the type of work you are looking for and where you want to end up down the line. Typically, if you would be looking for a type of analyst position, or aspire to be a fund manager then you need this, no doubt. Other positions, not so much. But as above, it is one of those things that they do like to see, even on top of having an MBA, but as Barron said (man, that is twice I'm agreeing with him, once here and once for the Dow Futures trading guy), it does not guarantee you anything as many many many many many others will have this designation. What it can do really, is get someone to continue reading down your resume.

THE HUN.