Hi investors...

I have heard of CFA programe. I am curious.

Is this a very tough course?

I have no background in Finance nor Accounting, I am a science subject graduate (Chemistry). But I have a strong mathematics foundation (scored A during STPM). I am currently not even working in a Finance related position. But I am thinking of broadening my career option.

What else can a CFA holder work in other than as a analyst or in a Investment Fund House? Can a CFA holder be a CFO/Financial Controller of a corporate company?

Thanks.

Xuzen

P/S:
Dear Moderator,

I put this question in this forum rather than the education because I feel that there are more finance-literate forumers here and the target audience is more appropriate, thx.

career changing would be a pain and you need to do it fast
otherwise u would suffer deep pay cut and long hours job

would suggest you to take a master majoring in finance instead

http://todayfinancialworld.blogspot.com

CFO/ Financial Controller unlikely.

I have an engineer friend with engineering degree doing that as well, first level passed, second level waiting for result.

This post has been edited by htt: Jun 18 2009, 09:49 PM

What is your engineer friend currently doing and what is his rationale for doing this course?



I have thought about it and I read it somewhere that CFA is of par level with Master in Finance but at a must lower cost.

Xuzen

Engineer... He want to switch job.

CFA + engineering = financial engineering ....

possible job are analyst, fund manager, financial strategist....!

or personal own good.... good financial education...

CFA Levels I & II are the toughest. To do CFA without accounting background is very difficult. Even those accounting graduates fail. For your purpose, I would suggest doing an MBA. It's a lot easier. I have done CFA courses before.

This post has been edited by omione: Jun 20 2009, 01:38 PM

i dont think so. CFA is about how much hours you put in.

i was a software engineer and i am a Level 3 candidate waiting for my level 3 result.

Level 1 is easy. level 2 and 3 are tougher.

As i mentioend b4 in my previous post, if you are prepared to start as fresh with substantial pay cut (career switch), you can consider do it. furthermore, i dont think passing level 1 carries any value for you to chg job. otherwise, better do mba.

there are factors you need to consider.

http://iwantprettygirls.blogspot.com

Hi, anyone know what is the requirement to take CFA?
minimum years to complete?
Process?

Thanks.

It is strange to know that one need to take a pay-cut (disadvantage) to study this course. I always assume, continuing education is to increase one's worth to a corporation/business. If what you say is true, then doing this extra work (study for CFA) and get a pay cut is quite illogical.

I am trying to avoid MBA because I think MBA nowadays are like Malaysia Datuks... simply throw a stone and you will easily hit one in the street. There are just too many of them and I postulate in very near future, the supply of MBA holders will be more than the demand for their service.

Xuzen

This post has been edited by xuzen: Jun 20 2009, 01:26 PM

MBA can assist in ant career (as manager), but CFA normally need to switch line (after some years, you probably have some increment, salary should be higher than fresh CFA).

Xuzen, CFA is a very specialized program for investment industry.

What can an engineer apply this knowledge in his working place ? Become a CFO ?


A little knowledge is dangerous, so if anyone is really interested, should find out more not just ASSUMING.

Avoid MBA, i guess you dont understand the real value of MBA.
MBA is about networking, if you only care about the Certification ... sorry bro .... forget about whatever certs you plan to do ... that is truly wasting time and money.

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Added on June 21, 2009, 3:33 pmyou get pay cut if you switch line unless you skills are portable. This is very logical.

This post has been edited by alfredfx: Jun 21 2009, 03:33 PM

http://todayfinancialworld.blogspot.com/20...fa-program.html

more detail information about CFA program

From Alfredfx's input, the next logical thing to do is to determine what career path you want to pursue? If you can answer this question, then perhaps, it'll be easier to identify the educational training you require. By the way, how old are you and what are you currently doing?

omione, you yourself ?

I am well past career option.

I am in my mid-30's.

I am a graduate in Chemistry. Currently I am running my family owned sundry shop (General Manager). I have been doing this job for almost 10 years already. You can say I am a bit bored with this job.

Of all the business aspect, I love the finance side the most. I also trade in shares as a side business/income and that is why I get to know about CFA & wishes to find out more about it. I don't mind going back to school again, at least to break the monotony.

Now you all have a clearer picture of my position.



I am sorry you think of it this way. If networking is what one truly wishes, then by all means join a political party and rub shoulder with the leaders and get lucrative contracts, or maybe join a top notch golf clubs and rub shoulder with some tycoons to seal business deals. I find your idea of education is so warped. But then each is entitled to one's opinion, whatever float your boat. I just don't share your opinion.

Xuzen

I think you might suffer a bit because you don't have financial background, for those accountant, turn CFA is just switching end from preparing account to analyze account (kind of). CFA do need to have some basic accounting skill. But for your case, if you are going to continue your business, CFA level 1 should be a plus for your investment skill. Level 2 & 3 require some extensive study which you might want to re-consider after your level 1.

But personal opinion, the more you know, the more you don't know; the more you don't know, the more you scare; the more you scare, the more you not dare; the more you not dare, the more you loss
Analysis end up knowing too much to feel scare of every counter around every corner

Xuzen,

it is ok not to agree with my opinion because it only reflect my belief. It is about the path you choose.

The different degree in networking. Of course, the course itself also add value to let you perform your job in different perspective.

But think about networking in political party and in your MBA class.

the first thing i would ask you, are you willing to do your MBA with CEO / Management ; or with fresh graduate / executives ?
Take out the networking effect because if you are good, the chances they invite you to their company is very much higher.

so it really depends on the purpose you are trying to get from it.

If you have no background at all in CFA and you are not in the industry, you would consider to attend classes, because you will have the chance to network with the people from the industry who are sponsored for the courses.

To join a political party for networking, workable, but the scenario is different.

Yeah, thanks for helping me put things into perspective. I do not wish at this time to completely abandon my current job, I am responsible to keep my family business going... you know the typical eldest son, family responsibility bla bla bla thingy.

I might just enroll into level 1 for a preview, I am not that keen to be a Chartered Holder, my main purpose is to obtain some formal education/training to help me be a better investor. Taking Level 1 only seem like a good idea.

Xuzen