Hey everyone! I recently finished my degree in accounting and finance, focusing on finance. I did pretty well, graduating at the top of my class with a high GPA. I’m thinking about taking on the CFA challenge, but I’m a bit nervous about it.
I really liked my finance classes in college and I’m mainly interested in the CFA for the knowledge it offers. I want to learn and have a good time with it. But I’m not sure how tough it’ll be, especially since I’m working full-time (40 hours a week).
Has anyone here done the CFA after a similar background? How did you find it? Any tips for balancing work and study? I’d love to hear your experiences and advice!
Thanks in advance for your help. I’m excited but also a little scared to start this journey!
Hey Nate_45Guitar! I’m in a similar boat as you, having just finished my finance degree last year. The CFA’s definitely a big step, but I think you’ve got a solid foundation to build on.
Have you thought about joining any study groups? I’ve heard they can be super helpful, especially when you’re juggling work and study. Maybe we could even start one together if you’re up for it?
I’m curious, what area of finance are you most excited to dive deeper into with the CFA? For me, it’s portfolio management, but I know the program covers so much ground.
Also, how are you planning to tackle the study schedule? I’ve been toying with the idea of early mornings before work, but I’m not sure if I’m a morning person yet! 
Let me know what you decide. It’d be cool to have a study buddy on this journey. Good luck!
hey mate, as someone who did the CFA after finance degree, it’s tough but doable. your background helps, but CFA goes deeper. time management is key - i studied weeknights and weekends. used CFA materials plus extra prep courses. it’s a grind, but worth it. start early, stay consistent. good luck!
As a finance graduate who completed the CFA program, I can tell you it’s definitely challenging, but not insurmountable. Your strong academic background gives you a solid foundation, which is a big advantage.
The key is time management. Working full-time while studying is tough, but doable. I found carving out specific study times and sticking to them religiously was crucial. Personally, I dedicated weekday evenings and most of my weekends to studying.
Content-wise, you’ll find some overlap with your degree, especially in areas like financial analysis and portfolio management. However, the CFA goes much deeper and broader. Ethics, for instance, is a major component that might be new territory.
My advice? Start early, pace yourself, and use high-quality study materials. The CFA Institute’s curriculum is comprehensive, but I found additional prep courses invaluable for structuring my study plan.
Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged if you hit rough patches. The knowledge gained is well worth the effort.