I did a search and most of the threads that come up are questions from people with non-financial backgrounds inquiring about the difficulty of the program.
My question is, if you’ve worked in finance, gained your experience, earned your designation and right to state “John Doe, CFA”, do you continue to do so after moving to another industry? I ask because I’ve earned my charter but I work in oil and gas project controls now. Still some hardcore analysis but not exactly finance.
The honest question is, does it look stupid? Let’s assume that there is no issue with membership fees.
I don’t see a problem with it at all. Smart people can deduce that you got the designation in the past for whatever reason, but now you are doing something else. Having knowledge across different fields is a positive to me. I know you have finance knowledge and cake baking knowledge. Thus when I pass CFA, you will realize the achievement and bake me a cake as a celebration
There is no requirement that you continue to work in a job that would qualify as acceptable work experience to retain your charter, but you do have to continue to pay your annual CFAI dues to use the letters. If you don’t think there is any current benefit to being able to use the letters, I believe CFAI has an option to make your membership inactive and you can reactivate in the future by renewing your dues.
Thanks for the replies guys. I know that once I earn the charter then I can use it any time in my career (given I pay my fees).
But… does is it senseless/funny/etc. if I’m not working in finance anymore? I’m not completely away from financials and I do lots of analysis, hence why the debate is here. If I was actually baking cakes for a living, I wouldn’t but it on my business card.
Looking to hear from people who have moved on from finance but may still have a technical job. e.g. a career move from finance to engineering.
^OK, if you’re not paying for it, why are you worried about it?
IMHO, the only reason to discontinue membership is because you’re tired of paying for it. Having the CFA initials can only help you. I don’t see how they could ever hurt you.
I think including CFA on your card in a field where it isn’t really applicable is kind of douchey. Kind of like MD’s who include MBA on their cards to show everyone that they are businessmen too.
BTW, it’s douchey for anyone to put MBA on their card.
