How to leverage CFA Level II Pass

CFA General
#1

I come from an IT background and had a long (15 years) and successful career in the software industry. Worked for Citibank and Hewlett Packard. I am passionate about finance and investing and currently pursue my CFA charter. I have passed by Level II for the exam conducted in June 2015. I am looking for some sound advice as to how to leverage my passing CFA Level II exam. In the meanwhile, I have left my software career and presently do, visiting faculty assignments in Finance and economics for MBA students in Bangalore, India. My educational qualifications are, Master in Computer Application (from a top rated University in India), executive MBA (This was a part-time or a working MBA). I am desirous of working in the startup space on the funding side, probably VC or PE firm. What do I need to do better my chances of getting the JOB.

#2

Gather every other person looking to break into VC/PE, put them on an island (better get a big island) and nuke it. Then you should have no problem getting the job with your background.

#3

That was very helpful! Let the creative juices flow… :slight_smile:

#4

You teach MBA classes but never worked in finance or got a phd?

Or is there some experience that’s not evident from your post? (Was citi not an IT job?)

also to get in your gonna have to know someone, so either work in an IT role at a portfolio company and really impress everyone, or start a company and sell it and then join a VC. Something like that.

Also saying you want to switch careers and go into PE is probably only a little more realistic than saying your looking to switch careers and become a talk show host or NFL coach. Yeah there is technically nothing stopping you, but it’s super competitive and there are a lot of people better positioned who are not able to get those jobs.

#5

Thanks for the suggestion. As for PhDs in India, I have met many. The experience is one of disbelief. They have no understanding or grounding in basic research methodology or quantitiative methods. I know, I have done a better job teaching students something I am passionate about, bringing to the table practical knowledge of how the financial markets work. I have been an active investor in the stock markets for more than a dacade and a half. Next steps, I will reach out to my contacts (a handful of them) and see where it goes. Not very hopeful though. I think, it would be the same, even if I clear level III :frowning: !

#6

Well.the honest truth is that given your background it is useless.

#7

Have you already registered to take L3 in June? If not, you are not a L3 candidate yet.

#8

If and when you register for L3, promise your potential employer you can close the deal.

#PromisesAreWorthSomething

#9

LOL…that was funny

#10

Dear Shanx,

Kindly note that majority of AFers are from developed world and they usually have absolutely no idea of job environment or competition in India for example. I have seen many Indian profiles and I would tell you that you have much more chances of getting that job than what people are saying it here.

First, complete the exams and it would really demonstrate your seriousness.

Second, look out for IT companies and practice applying financial/investments concepts on it.

Third, networking and fourth, prayers.

The only hit you would get is that you will have to start from a fairly junior position and need to climb up the ladder. Its you who decides whether you are willing to sacrifice that hard earned experience in IT for a junior position in finance/investments or not.

Good luck.

#11

Thank you waleedhussain for the sound advice, much appreciated. I know, this forum is dominated by people from the US. I will stay positive and keep working on my skills. In the meanwhile I am working with a friend to bootstrap a tech startup. I am supporting him on the financial modeling part.