Why I Decided to Pursue the CFA Exams

My personal story about why I decided to enroll in the CFA program and take the CFA exams. The CFA exams were not a likely path for me...
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!
- AJ
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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**

[@freddytang2128]

I passed all 3 levels by age of 25. And I'm not ashamed to admit I didnt really have a plan on what to do with the CFA certification. I'm a finance grad so I did CFA just because it felt like "the next step up" or "the next big achievement to advance my career". I guess I just vaguely assumed it will either open up more doors in job search, or lead to higher pay via some kind of "CFA premium". I probably make higher salary than my peers doing same job as me, so I suppose there is some CFA premium in the job market

[@federalfreemoneylackofrese9937]

There is an education and age premium in the market

[@tannerlewis19]

Hi AJ, thank you! I used your advice from pervious videos on how to get a finance internship, specifically in Private Wealth Management. I am happy to say that I have successfully secured an internship for this summer. I will be joining Baird and working within their wealth management division. Your tips in the previous videos were helpful, and I greatly appreciate it. I am looking forward to begining my internship next week!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Hey Tanner, Thanks for sharing that the tips helped you get an internship! That is great to hear. I hope you enjoy the role and it set you up for a great career! AJ

[@AgricEcon]

I had an employee working towards a CFA, he told me it was hard. I took it as a challenge and signed up myself. Turns out that it was pretty challenging!

[@Cwulf]

Great video and go Irish!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Go Irish!!

[@rohunny]

You're really out here living my dream

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

How so? You can make it your reality.

[@joshuastillwhell6048]

Hey AJ, can you believe they are now charging $50 USD for digital PDF download versions of the CFA PDF books for the 2024 levels. I just signed up for Level 1 in February 2024. It's crazy!!!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yea that is pretty crazy. And it feels dirty to me.

[@aalucyaf-zp5ut]

A real 5-6 year PhD in a reputable American university is the highest academic pursue you could ever acquire. Most people never even get admitted, much less pass the exams, and ultimately the most important part delivering a quality thesis which will take the soul out of of you during 2-4 years on average. I know these people, and they are zombies for the rest of their lives because they have to keep researching and publishing to keep an academic job and hopefully get tenure at a university. All my respect to them.

[@Elinaraihana]

Hi AJ. I also had years long dilemma about CFA. After my finance degree I wanted to do either CFA or CFP. I went to CFA summit and got spooked by the course’s intensity. So I did my CFP instead and went on working as Investor Relations. However after 13 years of the same job I want to expand my horizons n reconsidering CFA with Master of an affiliate program. It’s more appealing now as there’s wealth management L3 CFA module and MSc wealth management. Thinking of doing both at the same time. Before I do, I need to brush up on technical side. Any recommendations for me before I start my CFA-Msc journey?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Do you have to do them at the same time?

[@punpunpuns]

Hey Aj. I just took Cfa l1 exam 2 days ago. And I had spent like 450hrs quality time of study on it for 6 months. However, I have a feeling that I am not going to pass the exam. I cant sleep and cant really do anything since I took the exam. Do you have ways to manage your anxiety before the results came in 2 months? Or any kinds of motivation if i have to do the exam second attempt ? How did you feel when you took the test? Did you feel like you were going to pass? Thanks AJ. Your reply would really help me

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

You really just need to get past it. You can't know if you passed or failed, but worrying only makes life worse. I'm not the best for advice on this because I simply just stop worrying about things when I know they are out of my control. Do whatever you need to, to get there.

[@gauravpatil7977]

how long you used to study daily?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@gauravpatil7977 3 hours each day, every day.

[@federalfreemoneylackofrese9937]

I scored above the 90th percentile for 1 & 2, and was always super nervous before my scores. It's normal.

[@rohineechakraborty5748]

Hi AJ. I did not have finance in my graduation. I have been working as a bank teller for the last 6 years. Do you think passing CFA will fetch me better jobs in the finance domain. Though I don't have any degree in finance.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes the CFA would definitely help!

[@hamzadar7424]

Hi AJ, I am confused which should I pursue, ACCA or CFA, though I have interest in finance. Which will have more scope and pay in future?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

CFA for sure.

[@marvellousigwe3264]

what test prep and study books do you recommend for the CFP exam?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I liked Kaplan CFP prep. But I only used their accelerated course, not the whole thing.

[@wugino3986]

Hi AJ, I have a question regarding the level 3 corequisite. The CFAI website says candidates need 4 yrs of experience in relevant fields to take the exam. I wonder if the experience needs to be directly related to portfolio management, asset management, and investment, or does finance roles in general will suffice the corequisite. Thanks in advance.

[@mcm5528]

4y to obtain CFA charter, not to take the exams. Research more on elegibility criteria, you can sign up even before graduating.

[@wugino3986]

@@mcm5528 So you can take the level 3 exam without four yrs of experience? Does that mean if I take the level 3 and pass it without four yrs experience, they would put the charter on hold until I gained 4yrs of experience?

[@kailokli753]

​@wu Gino Mate, 4 years of experience is to get the charter not to take the exam. Bascily in most cases, the only requirement to take the exam is to have a degree in any field (and of course passing the previous level).

[@pollroll7128]

Yo u can write cfa level 3 without work ex...then get 4 yrs work ex for charter

[@Chessmapling]

@@wugino3986 you're correct. you don't need any work experience to take the exams, but if you don't yet have 4 years by the time you pass L3 you'll have to wait to get that work experience to then get the charter. But I will say CFAI has become quite lenient in what kind of jobs they accept as "investment management" or whatever it is they require

[@gauravpatil7977]

what was your age when you cleared level 3?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

25

[@gauravpatil7977]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 great!

[@ggyy4691]

You are so handsome 😍😍😍