Friends, I was recently laid off (am in Credit Risk Management and Underwriting) and I am given the “honor” to file for education reimbursement that is valid for 2 years (so essentially I have to pass the eligible curriculum/test I file for within 2 years in order ot be reimbursed). I am a Level 2 CFA candidate for June 2009 and I have heard comments on other boards about how nicely FRM fits in right after Level 2 CFA. Now I am checking CAIA out but just wondering what makes more sense. This forum doesnt sound too optimistic about the value of CAIA with the high pass rates and the HF sector in a conundrum. What would you look at if you were in my position. I am not even sure if Ill take the test but if I get bored after Level 2 and with not being currently employed (I hope this doesnt happen), I would like to work towards something but thought Id throw it out here for your opinion. Thanks in advance. P.S. I have also posted in the CAIA forum but thought this would also be a nice forum to get some thoughts since the FRM forum is yet to start.
From what little I know the FRM exam (which I have passed) would fit in well with your background, the exam opens up for registration this spring and the exam is in November. What about a CPA Exam? The reason for the latter would be to be able to quickly turn it into a reliable job, given what the markets look like right now.
Will they pay for those expensive HBS or Chicago executive courses? http://www.exed.hbs.edu/programs/ Financial Management: Consumer Financial Services Corporate Restructuring, Mergers, and Acquisitions Driving Corporate Performance Finance for Senior Executives Private Equity and Venture Capital Private Equity and Venture Capital – Asia Strategic Financial Analysis for Business Evaluation
I signed up for the CAIA when I was laid off. It is a pretty shallow exam. While I found it interesting, I don’t think it would really create a competative advantage for a job like the CFA would.
Salz, FRM is useful if you don’t have MSF/MENG. CAIA is not useful at all. If you can go for CPA, do that instead. My 2cents.
SaLz, I am like You CFA level 2 candidate and I just passed FRM and preparing for CAIA level 2. If You have some spare time like me, my opinion is to go CAIA. Because most successful combinations of letter are MBA, CFA, CPA (financial management) or MBA, CFA, CAIA (invetments field). Against FRM: (1) It is very difficult exam (400 hours) for me; (2) It is very specialized (mainly for risk management team) of banks (I wil not work there because I hate math); (3) There is compromising evidence regarding GARP (FRM) reputation that is why PRM was created. (4) You can pass CFA and then apply for PRM, get examption for three exams and pass fourth in any day of year. (5) If I were You I put all the time in CFA level 2, If You go CAIA then You need 120 hours for first level 150-200 hours for second one.