Hi everyone! I’m considering a career change and I’m really interested in finance. My background is in philosophy (both undergrad and graduate degrees), but I’m wondering if it’s realistic for me to pursue the CFA certification.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on:
- How challenging would this be for someone like me?
- What’s the typical timeframe for completing the CFA program?
- Do you think it’s achievable given my non-finance background?
- Any study tips or resources you’d recommend?
- Are there specific areas I should focus on given my lack of finance experience?
I’m excited about the possibility but want to make sure I’m not biting off more than I can chew. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your help!
hey surfingwave, i changed from history to finance, so i know it’s rough but worth it. the cfa is a tough ride but your philosphy can help in ethics. expect years of grind. use beginner guides and focus on quant. best of luck!
I transitioned from engineering to finance and obtained my CFA, so I can offer some insights. The CFA program is challenging but definitely achievable without a finance background. It typically takes 3-4 years to complete all levels, studying around 300 hours per level.
Your philosophy background may actually help with the ethics portion, which is significant. Focus heavily on quantitative skills, financial statement analysis, and investment valuation concepts - these will likely be your biggest hurdles.
I’d recommend starting with basic finance and accounting courses before diving into CFA materials. Schweser Notes and Mark Meldrum videos were invaluable resources for me. Join a local CFA society for study groups and networking opportunities.
Be prepared for a steep learning curve and long study hours, but with dedication and the right approach, you can absolutely succeed. The certification opened many doors for me career-wise. Best of luck on your journey!
Hey there, SurfingWave! 
As someone who made a similar leap from a non-finance background, I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s an exciting but daunting prospect, right?
I gotta say, your philosophy background might actually give you an edge in some areas, especially ethics! That’s a huge part of the CFA curriculum.
Have you looked into any finance basics yet? I found Khan Academy super helpful for getting my feet wet before diving into the CFA materials. It’s free and breaks things down really well.
One thing I’m curious about - what drew you to finance from philosophy? There might be some interesting connections there that could help you in your studies.
Don’t let the finance jargon intimidate you. With dedication and the right resources, you can totally do this. Just be prepared for a lot of number crunching and late nights with your study materials!
Anyone else here made the switch from a non-finance field? What was your experience like?