6 answers
michael
Student
Brentwood, New York
1
Question
Updated
1155 views
What are your thoughts on the CFA exams?
I'm a senior student at Baruch who received the CFA scholarship! Very excited for the opportunity, and would like to hear about your experience regarding the CFA exams if you have any. Thank you!
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6 answers
Stephanie Smith
Accountant
16
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
I do not have the CFA myself. However, I can provide you with information about the CFA exams since I previously worked at a wealth management firm.
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams are a series of globally recognized certification exams administered by the CFA Institute. The exams are known for their rigor and are highly regarded in the finance industry.
The CFA program consists of three levels, with each level requiring passing a six-hour exam. The three levels cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, portfolio management, and more. The exams are designed to test candidates' knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding relating to investment and financial analysis.
Many professionals pursue the CFA designation to enhance their career prospects and demonstrate their expertise in investment management. It is particularly valuable for those seeking roles in asset management, research, portfolio management, or investment banking.
Preparing for the CFA exams requires a significant commitment of time and effort, as the material can be challenging. Candidates typically spend several hundred hours studying for each level of the exam.
It's great that you have received the CFA scholarship! It shows that you have been recognized for your academic achievements and potential in the finance field. Congratulations on this opportunity, and I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your CFA exams!
The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams are a series of globally recognized certification exams administered by the CFA Institute. The exams are known for their rigor and are highly regarded in the finance industry.
The CFA program consists of three levels, with each level requiring passing a six-hour exam. The three levels cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, portfolio management, and more. The exams are designed to test candidates' knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding relating to investment and financial analysis.
Many professionals pursue the CFA designation to enhance their career prospects and demonstrate their expertise in investment management. It is particularly valuable for those seeking roles in asset management, research, portfolio management, or investment banking.
Preparing for the CFA exams requires a significant commitment of time and effort, as the material can be challenging. Candidates typically spend several hundred hours studying for each level of the exam.
It's great that you have received the CFA scholarship! It shows that you have been recognized for your academic achievements and potential in the finance field. Congratulations on this opportunity, and I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your CFA exams!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
michael
Gerald Cheng
Finance and Technology
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gerald’s Answer
HI Michael,
Congrats on the scholarship! I'm a CFA charterholder. The exams are quite challenging - there is a lot of material that could be potentially covered. I also found it time-intensive. It definitely requires time and attention to go over the concepts and to confirm your understanding. Nonetheless, once you're done, it provides you with a strong understanding of the financial fundamentals, which opens your doors to apply to a wide variety of jobs.
Congrats on the scholarship! I'm a CFA charterholder. The exams are quite challenging - there is a lot of material that could be potentially covered. I also found it time-intensive. It definitely requires time and attention to go over the concepts and to confirm your understanding. Nonetheless, once you're done, it provides you with a strong understanding of the financial fundamentals, which opens your doors to apply to a wide variety of jobs.
Gerald, thank you!
michael
Kyle Dominy
Management Consulting
2
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
I went through the CFA process myself and successfully completed each of the exams. It is a very challenging and rigorous process. However, it was equally as rewarding in terms of the valuable education I gained throughout the process. For me, it was a very time intensive process that required diligently balancing my responsibilities to ensure I could dedicate adequate time to both work and my studies. There are many resources available that can help you prepare for the exam and structure your learning as well. The CFA designation has helped to enhance my career and demonstrate my knowledge, as well as connected me with a wider network of fellow professionals which has been invaluable too. My best recommendation is, before you begin your journey, ensure you are fully committed to the process and then make a structured plan to guide your studies and manage your time. Each exam presents its own challenges, but I found I learned a lot along the way, and that knowledge continues to serve me in professional career.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
michael
T Z
Finance
1
Answer
Japan
Updated
T’s Answer
Hi Michael,
Congratulations on receiving the CFA scholarship—what a fantastic achievement! As a CFA charterholder, I've found the designation incredibly valuable. It offers a strong foundation in finance and investment knowledge, which was especially helpful for me since I didn't start with a finance background. It also makes you stand out among other applicants and shows a deep understanding, as everyone knows how challenging the CFA program is.
While the exams require time and can be costly early in your career, I highly encourage you to pursue it. The long-term benefits are well worth the initial effort and expense. Best of luck on your CFA journey!
Congratulations on receiving the CFA scholarship—what a fantastic achievement! As a CFA charterholder, I've found the designation incredibly valuable. It offers a strong foundation in finance and investment knowledge, which was especially helpful for me since I didn't start with a finance background. It also makes you stand out among other applicants and shows a deep understanding, as everyone knows how challenging the CFA program is.
While the exams require time and can be costly early in your career, I highly encourage you to pursue it. The long-term benefits are well worth the initial effort and expense. Best of luck on your CFA journey!
Jamie (kyunghwa) Jung
FP&A
1
Answer
Seoul, South Korea
Updated
Jamie (kyunghwa)’s Answer
Congratulations on receiving the CFA scholarship—that’s an amazing achievement and a great opportunity!
I recently sat for the CFA Level III exam, and my journey has been quite unique. I passed Level II over 12 years ago, before having kids, and coming back to study while working and caring for my family was definitely challenging. But honestly, I still love learning, and that mindset made all the difference.
Here are a few thoughts from my experience:
- It’s more than a career move. The CFA program isn’t just about professional advancement—it also deepens your understanding of personal finance and investment opportunities, which is valuable for life.
- Enjoy the process. Pursue something you truly like and enjoy. If you’re passionate about finance, this will feel rewarding, even when it’s tough.
- Start early, but never stop learning. Doing it while you’re young gives you flexibility, but continuous learning is key. It’s a habit that will serve you well beyond exams.
The CFA exams are rigorous, but they’re also incredibly enriching. Stay curious, stay disciplined, and remember why you started.
You’ve already taken a big step by earning the scholarship—keep that excitement alive!
Wishing you the best on your CFA journey!
I recently sat for the CFA Level III exam, and my journey has been quite unique. I passed Level II over 12 years ago, before having kids, and coming back to study while working and caring for my family was definitely challenging. But honestly, I still love learning, and that mindset made all the difference.
Here are a few thoughts from my experience:
- It’s more than a career move. The CFA program isn’t just about professional advancement—it also deepens your understanding of personal finance and investment opportunities, which is valuable for life.
- Enjoy the process. Pursue something you truly like and enjoy. If you’re passionate about finance, this will feel rewarding, even when it’s tough.
- Start early, but never stop learning. Doing it while you’re young gives you flexibility, but continuous learning is key. It’s a habit that will serve you well beyond exams.
The CFA exams are rigorous, but they’re also incredibly enriching. Stay curious, stay disciplined, and remember why you started.
You’ve already taken a big step by earning the scholarship—keep that excitement alive!
Wishing you the best on your CFA journey!
Eric G
Asset Management
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Eric’s Answer
I found the CFA process to be very helpful to my career. I had a liberal art major/education and got an entry-level job doing equity research at a financial firm. While I had taken some basic business classes (intro to finance, accounting, etc), I still lacked a lot of the fundamental knowledge I needed to progress in my job and take on more responsibility. It is definitely challenging given the need to balance studying for the CFA with a job (or in your case it sounds like other classes), but given its focus on investing was worth it for my career.