I am an Engineer in the GTA, Ontario, Canada working in Reliability & Maintenance (non-IT). I have been working as an engineer for almost 10 years now (guess you will know my age). Unfortunately this career leads to no where unless I go find a job in the white desert (Alberta Oil sands), not to say it's bad but not for me. The main reason for this career leading nowhere is because manufacturing is on a decline AND it's something to do with the nature of the business - they go where low labour & raw materials costs are, it is not forward looking here in Ontario or pretty much anywhere in a metropoliatan in North America. I mean I should have a job still maybe for a few more years but what's down the road is not very good I believe.
I wish to do something about it before it's too late, so I asked myself and thinking, is there something else I can do that I have strong interest in that will lead to a properous career? I then came to realize that I also have a strong interest in business takeovers, mergers & acquisitions, and in my past employment (sadly that business is what matters; not how good engineering is within a company, often times that is the case) I learned how entrepreneurs make their decisions, both good and bad. I also read articles and research on start-ups, M&A, evaluate businesses, and for M&A, such as UA and Continental, Target bought The Bay in Canada, Groupon, Loblaws bought Shoppers, Keystone oil pipeline project and more, and even monetary policies and etc.
I then started researching on career changes and what it takes to make it happen. That's why I eyed on the CFA, I wish to pass all levels of the CFA to make a career change, so I attempted the CFA L1 last year, but unfortunately I failed the L1. My score was bad (below band 5)
, and I know the problem = not prepared! Also, is this right for me? It is hard to pass especially I am an outsider...
As I mentioned, I wish to get into business startups, business fund raise, VC/PE, equity research, or M&A,, make good money and lead to a prosperous career. To my knowledge, VC/PE and IB may not require for the CFA but it will certainly help. This year although I believe in my ability on passing CFA, I am not confident at all, The lack of commitment, devotion and dedication is the main cause of the problem, because I don't have that warm and fuzzy feeling that passing all the levels of CFA would gurantee me jobs in the finance & IB.
Should I go for an MBA instead? Please advise on what I should do now if you do not mind. Even harsh comments that discourage me but you are telling me what you think and it's the reality, I am all ears.....