- CFA Exams
- Forums
- General Forum
- Topic: Too late to start Level 1 now?
| Author | Topic: Too late to start Level 1 now? |
|---|---|
| UKGrad @2019-01-15 03:13:30 |
I have just done BSc (economics/finance based) in UK and am thinking about registering for CFA Level 1 (June). I want to go into investment banking but as there is complete lack of jobs I am doing something related in equity market research that isnt really going anywhere beyond 1 year. I am thinking of taking the CFA Level 1 to gain knowledge and show prospective employers that I am keen and to help me move across.
1. Is it worthwhile me investing time and money to get Level 1? 2. Is it too late to start studying now for June exam with a realistic chance of passing? |
| Pete @2019-01-20 10:45:55 |
Many intelligent people pass level 1 using just a set of study notes and start in Jan/Feb (for June exam). You are not at all disadvantaged starting now- or later. Especially if you don't have a full time job. (Indeed a concentrated revision problem is probably better if you can afford that luxury.)
As to whether it's worthwhile investing time and money. If you don't have a job lined up, then quite possibly. Main thing is that you find the subject interesting - although having the subjects at degree level you may be frustrated at the superficial level to which most topics are taken in LI. |
| WiseAss @2019-01-21 11:08:27 |
It's not too late! If you have finance and economics background you can do with just going over the study notes (no need for text books). 3-4 months should suffice. The level I accounting part is a bit challenging, but no rocket science.
CFA is well regarded in the finance industry (buy side). It should help you to get a job (no guarantee). However, you should be aware of the situation of the industry right now. Things are bad and firms are laying off employees. For the next year or so it will be difficult to get in. After that, we all hope that the economy will pick up and firms will start heavy recruiting again. If you want to get in into investment banking (sale side) you should consider an MBA. |
| UKGrad @2019-01-22 04:22:15 |
Hey,
Thanks everyone that is really helpful and encouraging to hear. I am be looking to move across towards the end of the year, after hopefully having level 1 behind me! Although I will be working full-time and studying at home. I was thinking about getting text books from the British Library and/or photocopying relevant chapters. Are the study notes a better option because of the exam prep. and practice questions? I just became a paid member of analystnotes.com yesterday. However I was wondering if I should get study notes from other companies as well. Is there a cheap way of getting hold of these? The ones I have seen have been $470 ($570 approx.), which is as much as the textbooks anyway! Any more advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys |
| Rono @2019-02-02 04:35:04 |
hi UK grad
I'm in the same situation as you. I recommend that you read analystnotes' study notes first, and read the text books for your weak areas. It's not really that expensive since you will use the same books for all three levels. if you will buy study notes for $500 you will need new study notes each year and that will be equally expensive! One thing is for sure, I wouldn't like to have all these pages as photocopies, it feels a lot better to have the real material. good luck finding a job in the city! regards, one of your competitors :-) |
| kellyyang @2019-04-22 09:04:31 |
me too! I Just ordered books and should be get next wk. we guess we have time to finish read materials! good luck! |
CFA Discussion Topic: Too late to start Level 1 now?
I just wanted to share the good news that I passed CFA Level I!!! Thank you for your help - I think the online question bank helped cut the clutter and made a positive difference.
