For the past few months I have been agonising over whether to take on the CFA exams. I will be a qualified management accountant in November and should therefore have from January - June 2013 to prepare for Level 1. Sounds normal enough so far, doesnt it?
Here’s the thing. The only reason I want to take on the CFA is because I have this feeling that I never really learned anything during my 4yr college stint. I got poor grades, and whilst I got my degree (admittedly not one to be proud of) and have been working in finance ever since graduating, I always feel one or two steps behind everyone else when it comes to knowing the basics.
I like the content of the Level 1 syllabus- and as I have been studying part time for the past 3 years, I am not put off by the dreaded “300” hours which is involved.
My only ambition is to take the Level 1 exam as I feel it would put my soul at rest and give me some closure on the education. I would see it as a bonus to pass the exam, as the knowledge which is to be gained from studying towards it would be enough for me.
Personally i don’t think you should feel a chip on your shoulder since you a) have a finance job, b) are a qualified mgmt accountant after graduation ( something that not everybody can claim ).If you are motivated to learn more though and feel that you are lacking the basics, then why not go for cfa L1?..Chances are you know more than you initially thought…i am guessing there is some overlap between cfa syllabus and mgmt accountaincy exam content…so L1 should be revisiting old ground for you!..in any case, all the best
Thanks for all the replies- i appreciate everyone’s opinion. I basically have nothing to lose (apart from 300hrs and the fees involved) and everything to gain