Hi folks,
I’m gearing up for the CFA Level 1 exam while juggling a full-time job. I’d really appreciate hearing from those who’ve been in my shoes and passed.
Questions for the successful test-takers:
- What did your typical workday look like?
- How many hours of study did you squeeze in daily?
- What was your total prep time?
I’m aiming for the exam in about a year and a half, but I might need to push it back. My new job is super busy, and we’re short-staffed.
If you’ve managed to study while working a demanding job, I’d love to hear your story. Any tricks or advice would be awesome!
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
yo emma, been there, done that! passed lvl 1 while workin in tech. my trick: lunch breaks & weekends (2 hrs weekdays, 4 hrs weekends) over 9 months. pro tip: flashcards on your phone for quick reviews. dont stress, just keep at it. u got this!
Hello Emma_Brave,
I can relate to your situation. I passed CFA Level 1 while working full-time in investment banking. It was challenging, but definitely achievable with the right approach.
My typical workday involved waking up at 6 AM to study for about 1.5 hours before heading to the office. I’d then try to fit in another hour during lunch breaks or right after work, depending on how hectic things were.
I studied roughly 2-3 hours on weekdays and 4-5 hours each day on weekends. In total, I prepared for about 8 months, dedicating around 300 hours overall.
One strategy that really helped was breaking down the curriculum into small, manageable chunks. I’d focus on one topic per week, which made the process less overwhelming. Also, practice questions solidified my understanding and improved my exam technique significantly.
Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency is key—even if you can only manage 30 minutes some days, it’s better than nothing.
Best of luck with your studies!
Hey Emma_Brave! I totally feel you on the work-study juggle. It’s no walk in the park, but it’s definitely doable!
I passed Level 1 while working a pretty hectic job in finance. My secret weapon? Mornings! I’d drag myself out of bed at 5:30 AM (coffee was my best friend) and hit the books for about 2 hours before work. Then I’d sneak in another hour or so after dinner if I wasn’t completely wiped.
What really saved me was treating my study time like it was non-negotiable. I blocked it out in my calendar and everything. Sure, there were days when I just couldn’t make it happen, but I tried not to beat myself up about it.
Have you thought about using your commute time? If you take public transport, that’s prime study territory right there!
Oh, and don’t underestimate the power of a good study buddy or online group. Having someone to vent to or bounce ideas off of can be a real lifesaver when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
How are you thinking of structuring your study time? And have you looked into any particular study materials yet? There’s so much out there, it can be a bit overwhelming at first!