Anyone attempting/attempted a PT MBA + CFA?

Question

In light of some members with CFA designations aspiring for an MBA, I was wondering how feasible trying to get both at the same time was. Any input?

3underscore · Answer

The CFA is really demanding (especially level 1) and I think it would be a really difficult thing to double up on. In fact, any other qualification at the same time as business school marks out to be a huge amount of work (I am trying to finish some Treasury exams, but keep on forgetting about them or missing deadlines, and not having time to read for them).

TheDan666 · Answer

I know a lot of people at DePaul doing that. And I know a guy at U Chicago that is doing that. If you are a finance concentration the classes can overlap your prep material very well. I know its not necessarily easy but its definitely doable. You might take only one MBA class when you're studying for a test though. I think the logic for doing it at the same time is that you can graduate with your MBA and at least one CFA exam (or more) which makes you pretty attractive to employers.

--The Da

--The Da

maratikus · Answer

I'm currently studying for level II and find it way more demanding than Level I. I'm considering doing Part-time MBA and studying for Level III at the same time and that seems scary at this point.

westsider · Answer

Sounds pretty painful.

kidderek · Answer

3underscore,

I know there's gotta be at least a handful of FT Stern students sitting for CFA. Do you know of any, and if so, how they've handled it?

I'm thinking as a part-timer, there would be significantly less overlap since part-timers are only taking 2 classes at a time.

3underscore · Answer

The MBA1s I knew trying to do this all blew off the exam in the fall. I think they might try next set of exams. I would really think it might be more possible in the second year, when the pressure is off a little more. From what I have read of people trying to combine, they would most likely get to having level II on completing and work on the final exam when in a job (the dirty canuck at Chicago found this the solution).

A lot of it is best intents and whatnot. I would also add that if you are not going into buy side or analyst roles, no-one seems to care about it. If I could see a good reason to do it I would, but I honestly feel like I am hunting reasons to do the exams.

As for my Treasurers exams, they are a UK designation anyway. I might just finish it off (I have a Corp Finance and Liquidity exam, which by the fall I should pass without even studying!).

I should add that I really think doing an MBA part time is a big enough eat of your life as it is. Anyone I know who has done them found they didn't have any time as it stood.

GMATBLACKBELT · Answer

Im goin for it. I want to get CFA II by the time I get into Langone (if I get in). I can't imagine starting the CFA and doing PT and going to work. Thatd be very tough.

kidderek · Answer

Do you already have level I? Or will you sit for it in June and go for level II in Dec?

GMATBLACKBELT · Answer

Nah no CFA I yet. I dont want to go to langone til fall 09 or even spring 2010.

Katyatall · Answer

Thank you for interesting information.

Anyone attempting/attempted a PT MBA + CFA?

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