I keep hearing that the CFA is really important if you want to go far in finance, but I’m not sure if it’s something I should start working on right away. Is it really necessary to have a CFA, or are there other ways to build a successful career in finance? I’m trying to figure out if I should prioritize this or focus on gaining more practical experience first.
Thanks for your help and insights!
Hey there,
good question! The CFA can be valuable, but whether you need it depends on your career goals. If you’re aiming for asset management, equity research, or certain buy-side roles, it’s highly respected and can boost your credibility. But if you're looking at investment banking, private equity, or corporate finance, experience and networking usually matter more.
If you're early in your career, gaining practical experience might be the better move and get you further than just passing CFA exams. You can always start the CFA later if it aligns with your path.
Hope that helps and let me know if you have further questions.
Hey there,
That's a great question! The CFA can be a powerful credential, but whether you should prioritize it really depends on your career path. If you're targeting roles in portfolio management, investment analysis, or asset management, earning the CFA can open a lot of doors. On the other hand, for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, or private equity, building solid experience and making strong connections may be more impactful early on.
If you're unsure, focusing on gaining practical skills while exploring your career interests can be a smart move. The CFA can always be pursued later once you have a clearer sense of your goals and how the certification fits into your journey.
Hope this gives you some clarity! Feel free to ask if you’d like more advice.
Simon
The CFA is definitely well-respected and can open doors in many parts of finance—especially in investment management, equity research, and certain roles in asset management or private wealth. It shows strong commitment, technical knowledge, and can help you stand out.
That said, it’s not strictly essential for everyone in finance. A lot depends on what part of finance you want to be in, your background, and how you prefer to learn and build skills.
If you’re aiming for roles heavily focused on investment analysis or portfolio management, CFA is a great asset. But in areas like investment banking, corporate finance, fintech, or trading, practical experience and on-the-job skills often matter more than the charter itself.
Also, the CFA takes years to complete, requires a lot of study, and can be tough to balance alongside work. So if you’re very early in your career, gaining solid hands-on experience first and building your network can be just as important—sometimes even more.
In short, the CFA is a powerful tool, but it’s not the only path. If you have a clear goal where the CFA helps, go for it. Otherwise, focus on gaining relevant experience, building your skills, and learning from real-world situations. You can always start the CFA later if it fits your career plan better down the line.
