NYC/NJ FOLKS: Who is planning on taking the CFA Level 1 in december? Which prep courses do you guys recommend?
well i am not from NYC/NJ but two cents from me regarding prep courses i have used Schweser for level 1 and using same for level 2
As for as CFAI study text is concerned in my opionion it is too lengthy (for a person who has good background knowledge of Accounts and Finance) but if you have plenty of time you can go through it.
If you use Schweser dont forget to buy Qbank. Practice is essential for passing.
I am thinking of doing my CFA - but I dont know how beneficial it will be for my career.
I am an accountant working the field for about 3 years now. Primarily in Hedge Funds and I llike it here will stay in the this field.
I have a BA in Accounting, and currently working on my dual degree MBA in MIS and MSA(ccounting). This degree will take about 3 years part time.
In the meantime I was wondering if doing the CFA is a good way to boost value and salary. What do you guys think. Am I being overly ambitious?
BTW if it matters - I am living in the USA (NY/NJ/CT)
If you have a degree in accounting, CFA Level 1 should not be difficult for you at all. However, you'll need to put in serious time and effort into levels 2 and 3. So, I think if you like the investment analysis area, CFA is not a bad option. Go for level 1 now and 2 and 3 after your MS.
You should take care of your 'overly ambitious' nature. For starters, look at the average working life of investment analysts. Should slow you down a bit ;)
If you have a degree in accounting, CFA Level 1 should not be difficult for you at all. However, you'll need to put in serious time and effort into levels 2 and 3. So, I think if you like the investment analysis area, CFA is not a bad option at all. Go for level 1 now and 2 and 3 after your MS.
i have an accounting and finance background and i was one of the top students in my class. trust me when i say even the CFA level 1 is mind boggling. you will need to put a lot of time and effort in all 3 levels.
My husband took the exam but did not do as well as anticipated. I think he has good study background but lacks the experience. I told him to take the CPA first then go for CFA after he gains experience...and inshallah I think that is what he is going to do. I think the exam is quite tough. I know his friend took part 1 exam 2 times and finally passed it. His friend is a CA and has been working...not sure how well he prepared for it the first or second time.
But good luck with everything. Just study hard. Follow the CD's too. My husband mostly studied from the book and didn't pay too much attention to the CD which I think is important as well.
Just my two cents. CPA and CFA are two different animals. One should not do both just cuz they sound similar ;) The traits of people who do well in accounting and who work in the area of investment banking/finance are very different and one should choose the one he/she likes.
If you have a degree in accounting, CFA Level 1 should not be difficult for you at all. However, you'll need to put in serious time and effort into levels 2 and 3. So, I think if you like the investment analysis area, CFA is not a bad option. Go for level 1 now and 2 and 3 after your MS.
You should take care of your 'overly ambitious' nature. For starters, look at the average working life of investment analysts. Should slow you down a bit ;)
i have an accounting and finance background and i was one of the top students in my class. trust me when i say even the CFA level 1 is mind boggling. you will need to put a lot of time and effort in all 3 levels.
I agree with sumorani. even one have a solid background in Accounting and fnance he/she has to put effort even for level 1, it is not like walk in the park.