I’m in my final year of a BBA program at a not-so-famous college in India. I’m thinking about getting the CFA certification to boost my career prospects in finance. But I’m worried my college background might still hold me back.
Can anyone share their experiences? Has the CFA helped people from less prestigious schools land good finance jobs? I’m especially curious to hear from:
- Folks who got their CFA after graduating from smaller colleges
- Hiring managers in the finance industry
- Current finance professionals
What’s your take on how much the CFA can level the playing field? Does it really open doors regardless of where you got your degree? Any advice would be super helpful as I’m trying to plan my next steps. Thanks!
Hey there Ryan_Courageous!
Great question you’ve got there. I can totally understand your concern about coming from a lesser-known college. The finance world can be pretty competitive, right?
I’m not a CFA holder myself, but I’ve got a few friends who’ve gone down that route. From what I’ve seen, it definitely seems to add some serious weight to your resume. Have you thought about reaching out to any CFA charterholders on LinkedIn? They might be able to give you some firsthand insights.
I’m curious - what area of finance are you most interested in? Investment banking, asset management, risk analysis? The CFA might be more valuable in some fields than others.
Also, have you considered internships or any finance-related projects you could work on while still in school? Sometimes practical experience can be just as eye-catching to employers as certifications.
What do you think are the biggest challenges you’ll face in pursuing the CFA? It’s quite a commitment from what I’ve heard!
Keep us posted on what you decide. Rooting for you! 
yo ryan, CFA can def help! i got mine after graduating from a small school and it opened doors. hiring managers care more about skills than college name. But heads up, it’s tough AF. networking’s key too. dont stress too much bout your college, focus on building skills and connections. good luck man!
As someone who’s been in the finance industry for over a decade, I can attest that the CFA certification is highly respected and can indeed help overcome the disadvantage of a lesser-known college degree. However, it’s not a magic bullet.
The CFA demonstrates a strong commitment to the field and a depth of knowledge that many employers value. It can certainly open doors, especially in areas like asset management and equity research. That said, networking, internships, and practical experience are equally crucial.
My advice would be to pursue the CFA, but also focus on building a strong skillset and professional network. Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience, even if it’s through small projects or internships. The combination of a CFA and practical experience can be very powerful, regardless of your college background.
Remember, though, that the CFA program is rigorous and time-consuming. Make sure you’re prepared for the commitment before diving in. Good luck with your career path!