GMATClub's Unofficial Chartered Financial Analyst thread

I'm guessing neither of them were research analysts right? They recruited at my undergrad for back office jobs (results analysis associate, etc) but research analysts only come from the Top 5 MBA programs. Unlike most buy-side firms, capital group does not have any undergrad analyst positions.

I didn't dig too deep on this (I think he mentioned it during our very first phone conversation). I'll definitely inquire more if I make it in at CBS.

So thru the MBA app process and begining to study for the CFA Level One exam, I've been on a few analyst/associate interviews and have run up against the following question: How much modeling experience do you have?

The short answer is none.

Isn't this a catch-22? If firms are wanting modeling experience for entry level positions, where can one get the experience?? It seems like a trade that is acquired in an entry level role. Is there a good online tutorial somewhere? (assume buy side equity analysis/modeling)

In this sort of market, firms are def not interested in slowing down to get people up to speed--which is not helping those looking for a transition in the financial industry.

google these
dealmaven
wall street prep
training the street
analystexchange
investment banking institute
NYU damodaran

I personally think Wall St. Prep is the best. It's about an 80-100 hour commitment depending on your skillset going into the program. Do you know accounting? Do you know Excel? If so, you will learn to model quickly. Basically modeling just requires you to take a bunch of financial accounting data and project it into the future. You can then manipulate your projections to reach some sort of valuation conclusion. I personally think firms make way too big a deal out of this, but I guess they have to ding people based on something.

bump!

Hey guys.....been lurkin' here for awhile and reading the plethora of information here and finally decided to ask some questions. I figured what better place to post than in the CFA thread since I just passed. So here goes:

Passed Level 1 in June 2008 (w00t!), electrical engineer background for 3 years (2005-present), and want to make the move to finance (IM) side because engineering just ain't cuttin' it.

I had a couple of questions regarding CFA + MBA. How redundant is it to shoot for a CFA while attaining your MBA @ a school that's known for finance? I guess the good reason for enrolling in a school with a strong finance curriculum would be beneficial when it comes time for graduation and looking for a job right?

morning bump!

And good luck to all you level II and III test takers in June getting your results in 2 DAYS!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH.......i'm scared for you, haha =P

Good luck y'all

There is a lot of value in getting a CFA. It shows that you're pretty dedicated in trying to master financial concepts. I'd say it's complimentary to getting an MBA.

I also think it is complementary. You will get more depth in an MBA finance program, but the CFA will give you breadth. There is definitely some overlap, but you won't be wasting your time if you do both. That being said, I think you should consider CFA + general management MBA or some other MBA focus. You need a pretty broad skillset to succeed in finance: accounting, econ, finance, general business, quant and strong communication skills.

damn, my friend is a beast. passed CFA 3 for 3.

3 for 3 is impressive.

How did the rest of the gmatclub fair on the exam? Good luck to you all.

Just got my results -- 3 for 3 in 18 months! Not bad for a state school liberal arts major.

Special thanks to ryguy for calming me down after the third exam. Walking out of the test center on June 7th, I felt like I had been kicked in the nuts, but I actually smashed the exam. FEELS GREAT TO BE DONE!

Like ryguy, I would like to be a resource for any CFA hopefuls or candidates around here, so please feel free to ask questions or drop me a line via PM.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

Major congrats!

Passed level 2

Woooooooohooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kudos. That is a big hurdle. 2/3rds of the way there! Good job.

With LII and LIII pass rates of 46% and 53%, respectively, you both have a lot to be proud of. Congrats on your efforts.

Ihate - good luck next year.

ryguy - I have a lot of CFA Level II and III resources (2000-x exams, CFAI questions sorted by topic and chapter, etc.). If you're interested in using them in your prep work, let me know.