Why the CFA Program might NOT be for you

You will learn a lot from the CFA Program if take it seriously - but it's also not a magic bullet. Link to earlier video: • How I passed all of th...

[@sunilp63]

I watched your video back then before joining CFA L1. Now m here with the charter. Thank you for that video..

[@AlexCook]

👊

[@krishnadas-sm4kh]

@@AlexCook hi Alex...can you share your preparation strategy for L1 Me [e-mail]

[@RomanIzrailov]

It’s pretty useful knowledge (CFA) when trying to set up a deal via bank instruments , taking in to consideration differences in currencies , financial and accounting laws, firms basic structures and so on. I learnt a lot from taking online CFA videos and classes. Don’t care about the charter itself. Your financial purview will be incredible. But without practice in the real world - it’s a shadow boxing without a real bout experience.

[@deogratiasamanya172]

Thanks for the hard talk. As an aspiring CFA Charter holder , I needed to hear this.

[@william1000]

Been following your videos since I thought about doing the CFA and I sat L1 in December. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on networking

[@YazminAbat]

Congrats and thx for taking the time to provide a more complete perspective

Thanks for the honesty in the video Alex! I just passed level 1 and am on to level 2!

[@gregorybainathsah7284]

Good luck with the program!

[@hexlo2627]

hope you cleared it all the best in life

[@mikaeldmontalvo]

Congrats to you. Hope the rest of the program went well 💪🏽

[@user-zu9sx2td9v]

thank you so much for the advice. no illusions, just being down to earth.

[@TheProjectG3MiNi]

Fair points. Went to the CFA night and met a lot of different charterholders in my city even as a first year. That networking and being able to get face to face with others in different companies is invaluable. Although I’m conflicted in my degree specialization between accounting and finance still (achieving a CPA or CFA) this definitely gives me some insight into the level of focus I would need and what almost I would be sacrificing by going after the charter. My question is, ultimately is it worth it?

[@abdul6325]

Based on my own evaluation, I found that pursuing a CPA may be a better option for me. It is always in high demand, offers the opportunity to open your own firm, and provides a secure and high-income career.

[@slavakolesov1107]

Thanks for the video. I'm agree with you. It's more job's opportunities, better salary, but it's not a magic bullet. Where do you work now, Alex, what CFA knowledge do you use in your work?

[@leboutousocraf3436]

Same like any other education. For the master, I believe it's expensive and easy to get because You test on small part of the program at any exam. CfA, CPA,.. shows how you can face lot of knowledge in one sitting

[@johntrolle8935]

It is a great anticlimax when you finally earn the charter. Still have it in the original tube.

[@AlexCook]

Well frame it on your wall at least! May not be a magic bullet but you still worked for it. To be clear, I'm not anti-CFA Program. It's a great education. I just want to make people understand what they are getting into and this isn't a magic bullet to models and bottles and making it rain 24/7.

[@pejpm]

Alex Cook I don’t think that’s just down to unrealistic expectations of the CFA program, I think it’s also unrealistic expectations of what the industry is like now. I worked for a macro hedge fund for a long time, mainly derivatives technology, and back in 06/07 I could ask a trader to get tickets for pretty much anything, and he’d just call a broker and get them. If I happened to be in the bar across the street from the office at the same time as our traders and they had a broker with them, all food and drink was paid for even though I wasn’t with them. Before I moved to New York in 07, I was put up in the mandarin oriental in midtown for a month just to make sure I definitely wanted to move, and I was a fucking IT guy! The Xmas gifts from brokers were cases of wine, smoked salmon etc, and business dinners could run into the thousands of $. All that stuff is gone now, but I think the younger generation still see the media portrayals and think it’s still that life. Obviously it can be somewhat glamorous, and you can still make a lot of money, but the popping bottles era is over. I think a lot of younger guys don’t realize they’re 15 years too late if that’s what they want from a finance career.

[@abrahamemmanuel2401]

​@pejpm I know I'm late but just out of curiosity what do you think led to the end of that bottle poppin finance King era?

[@davidovalle1366]

Think everyone who is thinking about the CFA needs to watch this. CFA exam got canceled twice because of Covid and now I'm debating if I should even continue pursuing the charter. With or without the charter, this gave me more hope that I can still reach a high level of success in my career if I put my head down and work hard.

[@jarosawszyc8287]

Great video! For me it is not a downer at all, so I will give it a shot in near future. Thanks man!

[@DarrenBates]

So many people need to be told this.

[@romanubaydullaev9912]

Hi Alex, thanks for video. I am MSc in International Finance and i work in the Big4 Assurance right now. I just feel that I lack a lot of knowledge despite having graduated from the uni and i also love to study. In the video you say that CFA is a great way to learn. How relevant is the CFA level 1 on its own? Does it make sense to do only CFA level 1 to educate myself? Can one use level 1 as a proof of knowledge while switching from, e.g, accounting into financial analytics or bankingf, or all 3 levels are necessary?

[@KoolKool32]

I am CPA & research, should I pursue CFA & found this video very helpful ....thanks Man!

[@louism.4980]

Thanks for this, Alex! :)

[@TheYi1985]

Very good point Alex....

[@aharonaryeh4049]

Great video. I’m an MBA student at a pretty good school but no where near an M7. I’m having a really hard time breaking into the financial industry. I like how you mentioned how important networking is; I should just muster up to courage to get my name out there. Additionally, I’m considering taking the CFA and this video really put the ‘value’ of the program into perspective.

[@tommyzky]

Dude, thank you for this video. I just started studying for Level 1 and I'm taking the test in August, and I saw a video that was real vibey and individualistic and pretty much saying that CFA is a waste of time. I already knew the extent of the CFA charter, but it just got me unmotivated to study for some reason. You helped a lot with just not wasting my thoughts on that and getting back to work. Thank you. Quick question, did your level 1 and level 2 exam credentials help?

[@epycadventures]

update Tommy? did you pass? I'm taking my level 1 in May

[@megarachne3000]

@@epycadventureshey man hope you passed!

[@brycelee4678]

Make a networking video. CFA level 3 candidate here who started following you for that 2014 CFA video! Curious to hear your thoughts on networking.

[@AlexCook]

Thanks for watching 👊👊

[@pejpm]

Probably isn’t for me as I’m already pretty far into my finance career, but I got through 1 and 2 first time so I’m sure as shit not stopping now

[@westwood2678]

then why did you bother watching the video?

[@pejpm]

WESTWOOD267 because it was interesting, and I was agreeing with him that for many people it might not be for them. It probably isn’t for me, but I’m invested now

[@NS-uj8qi]

@@pejpm How did you pass L2? Did It take a lot of effort?

[@pejpm]

NS it took a lot of work, but it’s not quite as bad as everyone makes out. If you have enough time, and you’re diligent, it’s very doable

[@AI-ml1sl]

CFA is the “Gold Standard”. The CFP on the other hand is a mile wide and inch deep.

[@vernefits1953]

Excellent video

[@1990dhanashree]

Damn!!! Best bitter truth pep talk! Reality check. I really wanna be a tank holder in CFA. Hopefully yes!

[@raosiddharth4726]

It is most motivating video for cfa i ever saw

[@williamromero6177]

just started studying for CFA level 1. A couple of days ago plan on taking the test in December 5th. So about 4 months of study time? on a week 2 week trial with bloomberg study prep. what is the percentage of passing you think?

[@zazalila5450]

hi, i am fresh graduate i just read a job requirement "financial planning development" do u know what is it? and what skill should i have?

[@sergioramos3437]

Oh snap ! I'm from Fort Worth! What does a financial analyst do day to day ? I'd like to become real estate analyst someday and this looks like a stepping stone

[@mountain_maniac]

its a wakeup call for those dreamers eying for golden ticket.. thanks mate:)

[@mr39458]

A Question: are the exams held only on Saturday's or also during the week

[@AK-xu8ht]

Alex any suggestions for level1 exam which I am appearing in May.

[@kunalbaug9105]

REAL TALK, LIKE A PRO!

[@direnb3401]

Is CFA useful for a career in Financial planning & Analysis or is the CPA more appropriate?

[@akhondlodaka5925]

Would it be a good idea to do Quantitative analysis and CFA?

[@citrinehills7131]

I was wondering like how much Math is needed? If you suck at algebra, stats and calculus but are decent at accounting would this be the program 4 u?

[@hamadalsuraye2304]

i am student accounting major can i apply cfa exam i don't know the material about cfa and how can can i take the course to improve myself or is not part of my major only for finance because im accounting is it ok taking exam cfa ? thank you.

[@timetostudy6443]

What’s the point? If I just want to learn but only to apply to my personal life. For example, my personal investment or my own company investment. Is it worth learning it?

[@luismendez3982]

Good video. Thanks!

[@lingxiaoyue921]

Thanks for sharing! I agree! The CFA designation is not just a title itself, it had taught me so many useful knowledges about the industry that I find myself actually enjoying the process.

[@icecream6680]

i graduated this month in finance and i feel so lost. I dont know what certif is worth my time. I dont even know if want to be an analyst uhh choices 😰

[@qtkd-1tc-17lethitrang4]

Me also, i’ll graduate next year but still have no idea about my future career path.

[@gauravbhayana4626]

Any update of about what you decided on

[@icecream6680]

@@gauravbhayana4626 Hello ! I am currently working in insurance, in their risk management team (im not doin anything srs to be honest) but i learned a lot and i meet profetionals and build my network wich is a good thing. For certification, i chose CFA program. Why ? well its the best!! its the harder but its recognized. I will do lvl 1 in august 2021! and i plan to quit my current job after the exam lol bcuz i want something that pays more and with bigger responsabilities :)

[@gauravbhayana4626]

@@icecream6680 well its good you finally decided i too want too do cfa but I am in first year (correspondence / open university) so I am confused what certificate to pursue during 1st and 2 year any ideas??? Cfp i think is not useful as u will probably end with a sales job

[@PS-hi9os]

i finished applied finance with basic marks just to get by. but now that i am 6 months out of graduation i decided to do the CFa for my learning. It’s a really good education. Most importantly it’s great for your personal accomplishments. You will feel very proud of yourself. The value is not just getting a CFA but also the personal goals you kill when you complete it

[@learningenglish8812]

Very good!

[@gouthamthota4750]

Will CFA be helpful for fund accounting jobs?

[@merc340sr]

Are the exams really that hard? Or is it just a matter of putting in the time?...

[@troyw8016]

Soon to be Charterholder here, passed all 3 and awaiting for the charter. So here is the thing, if you’re looking to use the charter to get you a job, you need to manage your expectations. CFA is not a license, it’s not required in a lot of job postings, it is usually a good addition to have. Meaning your primary qualifications will be based on your previous work experience. So if you already have a hard time finding a good job in the finance industry, having CFA is probably not gonna do much. Meanwhile other designations like CPA and MBA are more helpful, accounting is always in high demand. And good MBA programs usually lead to good internship opportunities, and those internships are keys for you break into industries like IB or PE. Those are just my 2 cents, and I'm sure individual experience varies.

[@HoangDuong-mi4ow]

What do you think about having a BSc and using MBA as a career-switcher?

[@troyw8016]

Hoàng Dương I think that’s a pretty solid plan, make sure you get in a good MBA program with interns or co op opportunities. CFA won’t do you any good at this moment, consider it maybe later on in your career.

[@srijonmishra2207]

@@HoangDuong-mi4ow yeah, a BSc IS a pretty solid backing especially if it's in fields such as Economics. And it's really important as quite a lot of IBs and PE firms take people for summer internships in Slot 0 during an MBA

[@zazalila5450]

hi, i am fresh graduate i just read a job requirement "financial planning development" do u know what is it?

[@JojoLebgaming]

Read the job description first. It could be business development/sales or financial planning for individuals/ institutions.

[@zazalila5450]

Jihad Beydoun hi... thank you there was no job desc :)

[@martinliong6293]

It’s probably a joke more than a jd

[@yaakovhassoun8965]

I was thinking of learning the CFA just to be able to know how to invest money better. not really to work as a financial analyst in a bank... what's your thoughts on that?

[@liridonfetahu1871]

Hey Alex what do you currently do?

[@samratjaiswal9707]

Sir I want to have a good knowledge about FA so that I can live a financially independent life by earning through stock market. What should be my qualifications to do that CFA? Please 🥺 help me out.....

[@jjjmm7432]

Once you get to a certain level, it is all who you know.

[@Pantovinator]

The best advice I've ever gotten was to not network when I need to. Those are the situations where you are in your purest self & form--free of any pressure or in some cases... acting.

[@milosreljic1565]

Does 118IQ enough for Level 1 ? Tnx

[@pavithrasankaran]

What if I am CA already? I cleared it like a year back.

[@Corbenik2nd]

Congratz bro!

[@rockybalboa1814]

@@Corbenik2nd She is a girl not a bro!

[@Corbenik2nd]

@@rockybalboa1814 Sure bro!

[@rockybalboa1814]

@@Corbenik2nd howz it going bro?! Hope you are good and safe during corona times :-)

[@Corbenik2nd]

@@rockybalboa1814 Thanks bro. Hope you are too. In these times life is not "about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward" :)

[@carlosaguirre8448]

CFA would help me to move to canada?

[@tejas1846]

About to be a graduate now want to work in finance field so CFA OR MBA ?

[@SD-gw5vm]

Finance is quite broad. What area of finance do you want to work in?

[@temikolarinwa4927]

CFA, MBA, MFIN, MFE, CPA etc All these letters man. Sheesh!

[@dblog]

Price difference is a lot !!

[@robertyoung406]

currently going through Level 1, and while some topics are interesting... I find most of them boring as hell (especially Fixed Income - Asset Backed Securities). Might not be for me :(

[@linglee5759]

Waste of time - too much accounting. Better getting a top MBA or Masters in finance

[@robertyoung406]

@@linglee5759 I feel ya 100%. But I already paid the entry fee and I'm currently not working a job so I might as well at least get through level 1.

[@MrZeeshan863]

Agreed!

[@whatsuptalent]

Great Video! Good Pep Talk

[@AboSaad-sm3ho]

what is the magic bullet in finance? if CFA is not the magic bullet.

[@AboSaad-sm3ho]

@@satishjadhav6102 explain more please

[@AboSaad-sm3ho]

@@satishjadhav6102 29 thanks a lot for explaining

[@akashmangaonkar1056]

Make a networking video.

[@HossamHassan-qy8bm]

Thanks for being disappointing

[@WallStreetIceCream]

Thoughts on the CAIA?

[@linglee5759]

Good if you already have a degree in maths/finance or masters in finance and want to work in alternative investments. I would do it over CFA

[@zolanikhumalo7354]

Calling a spade a spade. Cfa level 1 june 2020, here i come.

[@daksh2953]

Haha

[@kalyanpm6803]

F. This comment didn't age well.

[@Nhl12356]

Ubhale kahle mft. Represent!

[@mollydavis7622]

Did anyone from Australia click on the thinking CFA as in Country Fire Association not some money thing

[@vijaya9242]

I did level one but realised not for me. I didn't really find it interesting and there's too much material it becomes a memory test which doesn't make someone good at their job. Having no life for 3-4 years really is undesirable. Although will unlock doors as you go up the ladder.

[@xy7922]

As the video mentioned, the CFA program is not magic bullet, it's a testament on your diligent for the basic financial knowledge, also learn ing theoretical instruments. However, lack of realistic practice, it's just a shadow box.

[@robertyoung406]

I feel 100000% this. Im in the same position, currently doing level 1 but honestly... whatever interest I had initially has died off. Now im just trudging through it just because I paid for the entry fee. Dont see myself doing level 2, let alone 3. How do you feel about CFA now that a few months had passed since you made this comment?

[@KingVictorLi]

Hey Alex, nice vid. Do you have any email or social media I can reach you at? Thanks.

[@AlexCook]

[e-mail]

[@user-jc6tj2xt1p]

I wanna tickle this guy's ear.

[@gurudatta7778]

u jerk

[@user-jc6tj2xt1p]

@@gurudatta7778 🥰

[@fana406]

Yummy!!!!!!!

[@linglee5759]

CFA is a waste. Masters in Finance from a good school is far better