Hi, this is my 1st post. I really need help which can fill me with positivity. well i m 30 yrs old my qualification is M.Sc in Bio-chemistry & I am also CFA level 2 candidate, I dont have any work experience neither in bio-chem field nor in banking… I cudn’t go for job coz of some family problems… well now issue is this that I wanna give level-2 exams in june 2014 approximatly 8 mnths left for exams if september is excluded so should I be start looking job or just focusing on my studies as I feel that if I only focus on my studies then I can make level-2 cleared (obviously not 100% sure) but still confuse coz of my age + no experiencs. Plz help me give some wise suggession, looking forward & plz dont use harsh words as a lot of ppl do so… dont take it otherwise requesting this coz I am already very tensed. thank you in advance.
A lot of folks on this board are working full time and studying for the exam. And there’s one candidate I know of that’s working full time, taking care of 2 kids plus a third on the way, dealing with a child’s health issues, looking for a new job, and studying for the exam.
Priority #1: Find a job
Priority #2: Study for Level II
thanx for your advices but can you tell me that whether my age really does matter in finding a job as 30 yrs with no experience at all as I knw what circumstances I faced to get my education but I always think that if in any job interview I will be asked about it so how I would be answering this question definitly no one love to reveal their life in any interview. I am asking as alot of ppl in this forum are working so what I am thinking is a waste of time or I really should be prepared for such sort of questions…plz help
You are not getting any younger my friend.
if you are finding difficulty finding a job at 30 because of your age, it certainly wouldn’t help if you start looking at 32, if you pass your L2 and L3 then, or even older.
FIND A JOB FIRST if you ever want to gain experience.
But then again, if you just want to be a professional student, then just keep studying, you may not even need to get the charter, just write all the exams, i know plenty of people go through programs and programs and never really quite work a single day in their lives. it’s all up to you.
can u live without job: no
can u live without level 2: yes
Step 0: Learn to write properly. If this is how you communicate in writing, no wonder you can’t find a job.
Seriously, it’s extremely annoying and unpleasant to read. Do you see anybody else on this board communicating the same way? Why do you think that is? Step 1: Find a job. Step 2: Write Level 2, if it has something to do with your target job.
CFA has done a fantastic marketing campaign. They have now convinced people that studying for their exams is more important than finding a job.
CFA should really include a basic grammar test before you can join the program. It’s shocking to me that people with zero grasp of english coming from a country where English is the language of business can write so poorly yet expect to get a job writing research.
The CFAI had stock, I’d go all in.
I think it’s ridiculous someone that devoted a significant part of their life to one stream, and was unable to find a job in that stream, would even begin pursuing an unrelated, gruelling program like the CFA.
With leverage, even?
I have a feeling that some people (perhaps OP included), can live without a job… with family support?
If you are well-supported in term of finance by your family or anyone, you can just study. A friend of mine was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and she goes for the CFA exams because she needs some kind of challenges.
If it is not the case, do them simultanenously because you registered for level II exam (it’s sunk cost!) but the priority should be given to jobs. Working is not only about earning money, it’s also about earning life experience and socialization. You might not be able to get a related finance job right away but I bet opportunities will not come if you just stay at home and study instead of going out and networking. Good luck !
As others have already touched on, I am confused why finding a job and taking the CFA exam would be mutually exclusive events.
heck yea.
CFAI has somehow managed to convince legions of people that passing a few tests will automatically open golden doors of high salary, riches, glory and prestige. You got nurses, teachers, blue collar, white collar, unemployed, high school kids, all thinking they’re going to be getting prestigious job offers just by passing 3 exams.
It’s almost like Apple’s cult following.
TRH may sound harsh but he is spot on. Pakistan’s investment industry is very small and there is lots of competition from overqualified individuals. Learn to write proper English. Learn some financial modeling skills. You must not waste any more time and move to Karachi (if you aren’t there already). If you can’t handle Level 2 and job search simultaneously, then forget about Level 2 for now.
Network with people on LinkedIn and ask them for informational interview. Don’t walk-in during office hours (or even lunch breaks). People are generally nice over here but they’re also extremely busy, so unless someone invites you for interview you are likely to be requested to leave and come again after taking an appointment. In order to ace the interview, you must understand and memorize formula/concepts in CFA Level 2 Equity book (they’ll be asked in almost every interview for entry level position). Read Business Recorder and The Dawn daily, and start following some sector. I will suggest cement or textile (very basic model and simple industry dynamics), you can develop understanding in no time and then start building model on one of the companies.
Get a job! A candidate with job experience > someone with no job experience and CFA charter, especially at your age. And as ninja_economist said, get involved with an industry you enjoy. While he suggested materials, I’d think you’d be very qualified and more knowledgeable of HC industry (pharma, med devices, etc) than most people given your graduate degree in bio.
Step 1: Learn English
Step 2: Find a job in bio-chem as your chances in finance are slim (30 yrs old, poor english, no experience, CFA will not help you very much in your case) Why are you switching now? Because you’re not “passionate” about it, but you’re “passionate” about finance? I doubt it, I’d like to be a musician but that won’t pay the bills. Work in what you studied.
Step 3: Seriously, learn proper English.
Step 4: Maybe after working in bio-chem you can find a job in healthcare investments as mentioned above, but not now.
Step 5: Did I mention you should learn English?
I’m kind of thinking the fact you’re 30 and haven’t worked yet is your biggest obstacle. Unless you’re a doctor I just don’t see the value in that much education right away.