So i’ve seen discussions about MBA programs not really recognizing the CFA and the difficulty of the program but are there exceptions to this fact such as Columbia and Booth? maybe even Wharton?
I think all schools appreciate the difficulty of the cfa, they just place higher values on skills like leadership and teamwork, whereas the cfa is all about working independently and book knowledge.
The general consensus about the CFA program at each business school is often highly influenced by the marquee Finance faculty. Some professors don’t give a sh!t about the program while some others see the positives of it. Since almost all of the famous professors have a top PhD and have spent a good portion of their lives doing original research, it’s natural for them to think: “Three tests? Get real dude, get a PhD and then will talk about Finance”.
It probably helps a tiny bit. However, going to a reputable college and getting a high GPA and GMAT score says a lot more about someone’s academic aptitude than the CFA tests.
Wharton had a drop down section for it on their application. I think I saw somewhere in an admissions chat that another top school (can’t remember) puts some credence in it.
I’m sure that people who know about the CFA program recognize the difficulty of it. However, if you’re looking to pad your business school candidacy packet, you’re much better using your time to develop your leadership and teamwork abilities rather than spending hundreds of hours on the CFA exam.
fredfunk04 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Wharton had a drop down section for it on their > application. I think I saw somewhere in an > admissions chat that another top school (can’t > remember) puts some credence in it. Wharton did have a drop down menu for it but the choices were CFA I, CFA II, and CFA III. That’s it. Kind of shows how much they even know about the program.
^what is wrong with those choices?
^ For CFA chart holders, you can only select CFA level III.
true, but they will see it on your resume anyways. I wonder on average how many charter-holders enter these schools especially with MBA’s trending towards a lower age group.
As a CFA charterholder, I couldn’t bring myself to select “CFA III”. It doesn’t exist. These selections were under the “designation” section of the application. There is no such thing as CFA I or CFA II or CFA III. There is only CFA. Passing level 3 doesn’t necessarily mean you are a charterholder. The only selection should have been “CFA”. If they wanted to give recognition to someone that passed some or all of the tests, they could have provided selections such as “Passed level 1, CFA” etc. Edit: it’s not a big deal, it just shows that they don’t really know much about it or bothered to consult with cfa before providing the option in their application.
Obviously, it shows that they don’t take that into account much. This has been discussed so many times on here and gmatclub and the consensus is what numi said.
Had the chance to hear a well-known money manager give a keynote speech at an investor conference this week. After going through his own background of starting as a sell side research assistant after college, moving to the buyside, starting a fund etc spoke about how the game has now changed. “You can’t even break into to some of these areas without either an MBA or a CFA.” I know a lot of people look for anecdotes to help validate the efforts being spent to complete the program so I just thought I share this…
phBOOM Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > ^ For CFA chart holders, you can only select CFA > level III. If I was looking at the applications, I would care much more that they passed L3 than whether or not they have a charter. Once you pass, you only need to pay money and not commit crimes to keep the charter.
Hello Mister Walrus Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > phBOOM Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > ^ For CFA chart holders, you can only select > CFA > > level III. > > > If I was looking at the applications, I would care > much more that they passed L3 than whether or not > they have a charter. Once you pass, you only need > to pay money and not commit crimes to keep the > charter. You also need the 4 years of relevant work experience.
having the CFA letters behind your name is not common at least based on the mba resume books i’ve seen. i have to think that it’s helped me in some way although it hasn’t come up in any of my interviews. it definitely demonstrates the ability to stick with and complete a challenge. it’s also helped in telling my story - finance, involvement with CFA society, etc.
former trader Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > You also need the 4 years of relevant work > experience. Yeah I know. It was more of an "all else equal " comparison.