Good afternoon,
I know most CFA Charterholders live in the north, mainly probably in NY.
I was wondering, however, if there is an abundant amount of Charterholders in the southern states? (I currently live in Texas and was wondering if obtaining my CFA would push me to move more north or not).
Also, would it be advisable to move north if passing all 3 levels?
You strike me as more of a Philadelphia type guy.
After my fighting in Philly I moved to Texas to settle down.
Now I need my CFA so I can dominate my opponents not only physically through fighting, but mentally also, through wisdom.
What’s your career goal? There are plenty of CFAs up and down the eastern seaboard, as well as on the west coast. You may find buy side analyst opportunities in Texas, perhaps less sell side.
Really the career goal for me is to become a portfolio manager.
I’m in my last year of undergrad in finance now and looking to take level 1 in Dec this year.
Im not in texas but Im in the south. Ive met folks who have built, bought and sold businesses and who have worked with closely with bankers for decades who dont know what it is. Ive also made connections that I never would’ve without my progress in the program. Until reading this thread, I never made the connection to the south being notably different than other regions. I do get more out of state (northern) attention than some of my peers so it may make a difference.
I think what you’re really asking is “Will the Level 1 help me find a job in the south?” Coming out of college, your school name, GPA, networking/connections will probably matter more anywhere. Id view it as a potentially interesting extracurricular/hobby. There will be some people who love seeing it, and there will be others who dont care at all.
I dont want to discount what the program has done for me. I did receive a lot more attention regarding my candidacy for my second job than I did just out of school.
I’ll bet it’s relevant in Charlotte, NC.
Great information here and appreciate your honesty.
I do need to network more too.
Excuse my ignorance, but why would it be more relevant in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte’s the second biggest financial center in the US.
Two things come to mind here:
However, many people (won’t name any names) get the CFA Charter and then take a job where the CFA does you absolutely no good. These people, while educated, have wasted a lot of time and money on a charter that gives them nothing in return.
Off the top of my head, that’s all I can think of right now. I’m sure others will come to me later.
(edit - oh yeah. Don’t forget the Big 4 valuation teams. They have offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. I think they have them in other places, too.)
(edit - oh yeah. Don’t forget the “next four” - McGladrey, Grant Thornton, BDO, Baker Tilly, and someone else. It’s actually a “next five”. They usually have valuation departments as well.)
You sir are a blessing. Thank you for the information.
Honestly, I want to become a portfolio manager so obtaining the CFA is desirable for myself.
I am in the last year of my undergraduate and want to start level 1 now to get the ball rolling with the Charter.
I live in Texas and yes, there are plenty of opportunities. Someone else mentioned more opportunity on the buy side and I have found that to be true.
There are a lot of pension plans, charitable foundations, several private banks, hedge funds, and lots of corporations that hire people with the CFA designation. I work in a private bank and if I want to advance from EHNW to UHNW client portfolio management, the CFA is listed as a highly favorable designation on a lot of job description/requirements.
Yes, I’m quoting myself.
McGladrey is a subsidiary of RSM International, which is one of the “Next Four”.