I want to be a financial analyst. how can passing a CFA level 1 help me find a job in banking?
A friend of mine passed his CFA level 1 and got a job in Capital Markets with TD, a very large Canadian bank (he’s Canadian), but he also had 8 years of work experience in finance previous to this and had impressed a number of powerful guys at that bank. A full CFA is worth it’s weight in gold. I don’t recommend taking a CFA until you have some work experience under your belt. The banking industry also isn’t a good one for the foreseeable future. I recommend going into a resource-based industry – energy (nuclear, petroleum), mining, etc and working in the finance sector there, and then taking your CFA. That usually will get you to be the Treasurer of the company when you’re 30 or so. Passing Level I won’t do much for you – working hard at a good company whilst getting it will put you on track for senior positions. it’s a process. CFA has a very high fail rate. Be aware of studying like you have never even though possible before. And failing the first time. Level II is the hardest.
