http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b6da845c-518f-11dd-a97c-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1 Dr. Herminia Ibarra, a professor at INSEAD, has also written an excellent book: Working Identity: Unconventional Strategies for Reinventing Your Career. I posted this, because many people like myself, question the utility of CFA in making a mid-career change. Off the bat, she points out that such a change won’t be easy; on average it takes 3 years. Coincidentally, same time is needed to pass all levels of the CFA exam!!. But her strategies are good, and few AF have posted their experiences in making switches through networking, so you have nothing to lose from at least trying.