Whats the job market like for a CFA?

this isn't about "jobs in trading".. i think elitetrader.com should add a "Career Analyst" forum section

anyways, i passed lvl1 2 years ago and haven't bothered to do lvl 2 due to lack of money, time, and i'm scared shitless about the test

is it safe to say that with the CFA you are guaranteed a decent wage in financial services or corporate finance? I have a BA from a top school and an MBA from a decent school but going to interviews people still look at me like im a POS worthless dumbass with questions like "what is the difference between a stock and a bond"... or "describe private equity".. my answer is usually "F**K YOU!!", ok not really.. well

so i have this sick perception that with the CFA designation doors will magically open and hiring managers will automatically respect you. I have this belief that with the CFA you actually have some bargaining power and bureaucratic HR bullshit disappears..

so what are career prospects for a CFA?

 

As long as there are old stupid people, there will be financial analysts.

 

I have a CFA. It doesn't help with your career progression or getting interviews.

But it is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for analyst jobs. The material on the Level 3 was very interesting. Level 2 was pointless.

Do it to enhance your learning or if someone else is paying for it (my case). Don't do it to get a (better) job.

 

im actually interested in portfolio management and it appears the "manager" usually has a background in research not specifically trading.. the CFA would be a minimum requirement before any institution would ever hand you investor money to "trade"..

i dont care about trading performance.. i just want to be in a position to suck the adminstration fee for as long as possible.

 

I think you should read again the "CFA Code of Ethics & Standards of Professional Conduct."

 

The real requirement is making enough good calls while a research analyst that they will trust you to steward their money. Then you can collect the administration fees. A CFA won't guarantee you this.

 

Crowded to the extreme, and with top shelf creds - vintage 2008.

 

Not sure if it's cool to post other sites on here but in response to your request for a 'Career Analyst' forum, I visit EliteTrader and 'AnalystForum.com' everyday. I'm studying for level 1 atm

 

CFA won't open doors. Not having it may close some though.

 

True. If you can't demonstrate that you'll make money, they won't hire you to handle a large sum of money.