Who gets the CFA® designation and why should I get it?
Earning your CFA® charter is a very challenging process. Most candidates will not pass all three levels. Many begin the process but get discouraged along the way. It is difficult and stressful. So why attempt it at all? Why not earn a less challenging designation? I won't name them out of respect for the other organizations but you're no doubt cognizant of some of these.
You should earn a CFA® charter for one or more of the following reasons:
1. The CFA® is THE most respected designation in finance. Period.
People know how tough it is. If you're part of the minority that earns your charter, it conveys intelligence, perseverance and diligence to employers (and potential employers).
2. The CFA® content is relevant and practical
Depending on your career path, much of the content learned on the CFA® exam will actually be useful in practice.
Who takes the CFA® exam?
Although we would recommend the exam to anyone planning to carve out a career in the financial industry, these are popular career tracks for CFA® chartholders:
Portfolio Manager
Research Analyst
Investment Analyst
Asset Management
Fund-of-Funds Manager or Analyst
Not as many professionals in the investment banking industry take the exam but the content is highly relevant for this field as well.
What About Other Designations?
Depending on your career path, some designations can be great complements to the CFA® charter. Professionals in risk management may pair the CFA® designation with an FRM®. Others in the alternative investments space may earn a CAIA® on top of the CFA®.
Good luck and happy studying!
You should earn a CFA® charter for one or more of the following reasons:
1. The CFA® is THE most respected designation in finance. Period.
People know how tough it is. If you're part of the minority that earns your charter, it conveys intelligence, perseverance and diligence to employers (and potential employers).
2. The CFA® content is relevant and practical
Depending on your career path, much of the content learned on the CFA® exam will actually be useful in practice.
Who takes the CFA® exam?
Although we would recommend the exam to anyone planning to carve out a career in the financial industry, these are popular career tracks for CFA® chartholders:
Portfolio Manager
Research Analyst
Investment Analyst
Asset Management
Fund-of-Funds Manager or Analyst
Not as many professionals in the investment banking industry take the exam but the content is highly relevant for this field as well.
What About Other Designations?
Depending on your career path, some designations can be great complements to the CFA® charter. Professionals in risk management may pair the CFA® designation with an FRM®. Others in the alternative investments space may earn a CAIA® on top of the CFA®.
Good luck and happy studying!