The BEST Career Paths for the CFA Charter

These are the best and most common career paths for someone with the CFA letters. We review each sector in the finance industry and also some of the sub-categories you can work in. The CFA offers valuable skills and some are used more or less often depending on the career path you choose. Here are the top 5 careers for someone with the CFA charter!
If you have an idea of something you want me to cover in depth, please let me know because I take your requests seriously. Will be back with more CFA Exam tips in a couple of weeks so please submit more questions you would like to hear answered. Love you all!
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** The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional financial advice. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your financial or tax professional**

[@FromNoob2Pro]

**Summary** 1. Portfolio Management 2. Equity/Credit Research 3. Consulting 4. Risk Management 5. Investment Banking/Private Equity 6. Wealth Management

[@Jdog233]

Its fair to ague there's a high percentage chance he's lying on the floor

[@yasarkhan672]

He is not, if he was he wouldn't have kept his head above the floor for so long.

[@nikozhang4774]

I've known a few friends who went to the same university, and a lot of them have completed level 2 but work at the bank for the financial advisor/sales-related roles. I think it's very difficult to get into the investment industry unless you have related internship experiences during school or graduated from top business schools.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Very good point. Internships are key to getting into the top jobs.

[@jaker5230]

I think there is some confusion about Buyside roles. Buyside Analysts work under Portfolio Managers and help make investment decisions. Analysts that sell their research, write price targets, etc. (do not participate in investment making decisions) are referring to as Sellside Analysts.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes, but sell side also includes bankers working on M&A or LBO roles since they are selling companies.

[@tomdavenport9833]

Hi AJ, What do you think about career paths for 40 something charter holders ? I obtained my charter recently because I studied while working. Kind of feel like more doors open if you get it earlier in your career

[@nikolatosti]

great information, thank you

[@RubenGonzalez-nr6bz]

about #3, for me only Financial Reporting and Corp Finance would make sense since my current role is a sort of internal financial consultant, I evaluate investment projects and performance of the business units...do you think it’s worth the tremendous effort of doing the CFA just for those 2 components? I mean all other sections of the CFA curriculum are pretty much irrelevant for my role (even Econ since I am an Econ major already)

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you are happy in your role and feel you have all the education needed to conduct it at a high level, then the CFA may not be worth the time.

[@ZenZynergy]

Great vid that's really informative, really appreciate the work you've put into it. I'm curious.. I'm a Credit Manager but not sure whether to persue CFA certificates or Data Science/Analytics certificates vie Microsoft Azure with Power BI... What work environment would credit management and data analytics give me access to? Kind regards

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thanks for the kind words! Potentially a quant fixed income strategy, which could be pretty cool.

[@ZenZynergy]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 That sounds so cool😩😩😩I need to work hard to achieve that. Thanks man

[@bledhliwayo4003]

I was here first. That should count for something , right !?

[@mritunjoychatterjee1746]

Thanks for making such a wonderful video!! What's your linkedin profile?

[@michaelobrien7595]

What Excel skills do you need to work portfolio management? Do you need to know how to do financial modeling?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Not many. No you don't need to know how to do modeling.

[@notoriouslymysterious5537]

I got an entry role in a Corp Treasury department of a very well known investment bank. Do you think the CFA would be worth my time? I have been reading the Level 1 for a few months, the notes from Kaplan Schweser I bought, but only off and on as I'm undecided on commiting. The fee for the exam and the costs are a point of commitment to me in a way... My major is in chemistry so I don't have any finance credentials and so far the amount of knowledge has been insane (but in a very good way). I got the notes as I heard that the Level 1 is more like a degree in finance, it's about endurance, and I don't want and cannot go back to university for financial reasons.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you want to progress in the finance industry, the CFA can be a great way to do it.

[@pareshbarot9864]

how did you get an entry role? i mean what do you think helps the most? college degree in finance, online course certification or internships?

[@xxnf99987]

And what about commercial banking? Credit side of banking and portfolio management within a commercial bank. Is the CFA a good choice for that career path?

[@binodnayyar]

If i just want to be a financial advisor not working for any company as a Job, just independent LLC, don't you think CFP is much better option and more money down the road?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes the CFP might be a better option for that job. But watch my video about CFA vs CFP salary for my answer about the money.

[@binodnayyar]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thanks

[@danielwijaya1731]

Great information and I believed it would help me a lot, but I'm curious : does working at Venture Capital needed CFA certifications ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Not usually, no.

[@crazydriver7006]

And what about if I wanna just Focus on whatever is related to Equity and Finance corporation I don't seek any senior roles in portfolio management for example just these 2 sub-area in Finance no Fixed income or derivatives Should I go for it?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

It sounds like maybe decide on what more specific career path you would like to do before making the decision.

[@majd9956]

what careers of those are easier to get into than the others? I'm a recent graduate pursuing CFA currently, but unfortunately, I live in a third world country where the finance sector is very small and barely existing, but hopefully, when I pass level 1 I'm going to Dubai for a job hunt, so what particular careers of those you see having plenty opportunities and doesn't require much networking, because here NETWORKING = GETTING JOBS BY DADDY AND RELATIVES . and I don't have that. thanks in advance.

[@Scarface_445]

Networking. Hopefully it all worked out for you! But networking i a literally everything

[@ignacio3714]

which career path has more programming or use of data software like R, SQL, PowerBI, etc? Thats what im looking for. ;(

[@lfmmacedo]

Data analysis !

[@AndresLopez-sq5ks]

@@lfmmacedodo these guys get paid? Analysts?

[@SumitSilwal4085]

thanks AJ, how about software implementation for IPO bookbuilding?

[@wichertj]

Whats your thought on being a CFA on the credit side? I'm currently a credit analyst for a big bank in the US.

[@devanshrathore9112]

Do frm

[@xxnf99987]

I'm surprised he didn't mention the commercial banking sector. That's why I was watching, was wondering the exact same thing as you. There's also a alot of PM jobs on the commercial banking side so CFA seems better than FRM on the credit side. Kinda disappointed he didn't talk about it

[@krislam2603]

To reply to <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="820">13:40</a> I am currently in my second year of the financial analysis and risk management program of my university and for our program, you get to choose a PRM or CFA designation in year 3 and by the time you graduate, if all goes well, you would have passed all 3 levels of the CFA exams. Coupled with my school's co-op program that gives me 2 years working experience in the industry by the time I graduate, it would be an example of how I could use the CFA to get into investment banking. Also, I have a question. I am currently just applying to my first internship but since the best jobs at the banks and funds have mostly been taken up by more experienced upper-years, I am only left with financial analyst positions at non-finance-based companies. Would these positions still be considered relevant in the field? I would like to work in the buyside in the future but I am not sure if these jobs would be a better way to spend my time rather than taking an off term to study for FINRA exams and managing my paper account. Thanks

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

That school structure sounds awesome for getting the CFA. And yes, I do think corporate financial analyst positions count. If you have to, those aren't a bad place to start.

[@FromNoob2Pro]

damn, your school sounds awesome

[@nunalike6392]

What school do you go to?

[@krislam2603]

@@nunalike6392 university of waterloo

[@brianmak9569]

@@krislam2603 How are you able to complete all 3 levels before graduating? I thought the requirement to write CFA level 1 was to be on your last year of University program or have graduated.

[@aramzakharian413]

Hey AJ, how would you get into the investments field if you don’t have finance background? Trying to understand if networking would be more beneficial than attaining the CFA charter

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Networking won't be of much value if you don't have the experience or credentials.

[@iam_uvi]

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT GETTING INTO INSTITUTIONAL DERIVATIVES TRADING/ PROP TRADING THROUGH CFA? WILL IT BE HELPFUL?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes the CFA will be helpful for that career path.

[@bhaveshrathi4347]

what's the asset management? isn't it sub section of portfolio management?

[@TheKoreanJesus]

Can you be an RIA and an analyst or portfolio management? Is there a conflict of interest there?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I don't understand the question. Which 2 roles are you wondering about?

[@randybrickson4290]

risk mgmt is dope

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

how so?

[@randybrickson4290]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 likely the most intellectually engaging area among the handful you discussed, requiring finance chops, stats chops, programming chops, communication chops and so on (a lotta chops!). At a big corporation, whether wealth management or IB or whatever, any risk manager will be interacting with senior execs from varied disciplines (finance, risk, line of business, senior executives), and has to be fluid in interacting with all of them. Almost always the risk guy is the smartest guy in the room, and it's obvious to all.

[@sahilingale3280]

I want to go into risk mgmt , I've heard frm is better than cfa for that but still I want to do cfa for some reason coz its CFA , I'm emotionally invested in it now ahh

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@sahilingale3280 I know how you feel. Talk to some folks in that industry and get their thoughts on which is better to have. If FRM is that much better, maybe they will talk you out of the CFA.

[@jessicanoelwagoner6149]

In asking this question I am assuming you are a financial advisor; why did your firm sponsor you to take the CFA and not the CFP? As someone trying to get a job in the industry, I am most interested in being a financial advisor. Although I am beginning to feel that my CFA studies are in vain because most financial advisory firms only seek CFPs; I get asked a lot by interviewers, "Why are you applying for an advisory position if you are a CFA candidate?" Am I crazy to believe that analyst roles and advisory roles can overlap?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

They can certainly overlap but it is not common. My firm asked me to do the CFA first because I work on our internal investment committee and that responsibility was a bigger focus for me before I was actually meeting with clients. Then I got the CFP afterwards.

[@stockandforexwisdom3407]

I am doing CFA I am interested into investment banking and corporate finance is it helpful in getting good lucrative job

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

It can be good for corp fin, but the CFA isn't very popular in banking.

[@leelarawat2450]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 so what helps in getting into investment banking? A top tier MBA in finance?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@leelarawat2450 Yes, and knowing a lot of people who work in investment banking.

[@budi1100]

Which institution hires wealth manager? and what is the entry level role for wealth manager?

[@budi1100]

(entry level assuming has passed level 3)

[@pedroferreira9865]

Hi AJ, I hope this message find you well. Instead of a straight talks let me make a straight question..(ahahaha) What is the relationship with a position or role as account manager in an investment bank (bnp paribas) with a cfa certificate? Regards

[@abdellatifessahel581]

Interesting 👌

[@cheeku1234]

What about FINTECH?

[@aryanrao3231]

can you make a video on non academic books (like novels etc) that you've read so far?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I would but I don't read many books.

[@HARDEEPSINGH-py7fl]

Can you please suggest that which will pay you better CFA or CPA. either in USA or CANADA

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

CFA in the U.S. will pay the most

[@siddheshlimkar9796]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 What's your impression for CFA compensation in Canada...?!

[@HARDEEPSINGH-py7fl]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 will CFA be a worth in canada. WHAT SALARY A FRESHER CAN EXPECT AFTER HAVING CFA IN USA

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@siddheshlimkar9796 In a large city it can be just as good as in the U.S.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@HARDEEPSINGH-py7fl I have a whole video about this!

[@bhuvanvishwakarma599]

What about treasury management? Would pursuing a CFA charter lead one there?

[@TheVolcommunication]

Hey, I work in ALM & Treasury. I would say the cfa is helpful. However, there are other designations that are more focused on Treasury like CTP.

[@twinklejagyasi5]

Hey will you recommend to leave job for a while and pursue CFA and do trading.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

No. Work experience is usually more important to your career than the CFA will be, and trading for many people is just gambling.

[@SaveThatMoney411]

Which path has the best work/life balance?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Wealth management for sure.

[@shivanshmohan1663]

Does it matter from which College/University you have your degree from to get a good Finance job ??

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes to an extent. If you went to a top 25 college you can expect that to help your job hunt. But outside of that list, any college is fine and it won't make a difference.

[@shivanichitlangia4471]

Will a corporate finance analyst at a manufacturing company count?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

It might, yes.

[@majidareef3555]

Can CFA work in private equity firms

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Definitely

[@majidareef3555]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks. One more question can CFA work in M&A advisory at financial institution?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@majidareef3555 Also yes!

[@theoptimisticjournalist]

I am pursuing MBA Finance in India and Planning to do CFA. Can I get a job in Canada after MBA + CFA from India???

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

It can definitely help, yes.

[@ShalmaliAthalye]

Doing CFA side by side with mba can be too much to handl .it is practically ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you did not have a job and only did these 2 programs, you could potentially pull it off.

[@ShalmaliAthalye]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks!! Are you on instagram? What's your id?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@ShalmaliAthalye No I'm not.

[@ShalmaliAthalye]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 okay. 🤘🏻