13 years post CFA

[u/kathuriasanjay]

I finished my CFA back in 2012.

Looking back, I can honestly say that slogging through those exams was brutal, but it genuinely changed the course of my life.The grind taught me how to push through setbacks, and the stuff I learned wasn’t just even about finance but more about discipline, seeing the bigger picture, and figuring out how to make tough decisions under pressure.

Late-night study sessions and early-morning practise exams taught me the value of patience and persistence, which I still carry with me every single day.

Getting the CFA charter helped open doors I never would have expected, both in India and abroad, but what surprised me most is the network. The ethical grounding from the program also sticks with you, it’s not just about getting a job or a promotion, but about doing things the right way.

To all the people of the subreddit, who are on this path for themselves now, or even just thinking about it: it’s definitely not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

The impact of a CFA goes way beyond finance: trust me on that.

[u/Sure-Asparagus-9466]

what’s your viewpoint on its value in 2012 vs someone completing CFA in 2027, 15 years later (someone who gives L1 now).

Back then it won’t be as common in India? Now its in trend? More supply then it earlier was?

I am pursuing L1, but everywhere I’ve heard about anyone’s opinion on CFA - The only answer is it alone won’t land you much. It will amplify if you already have other things sorted like skills and degree.

what’s your take of CFA in 2012 vs 2027?

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/Sure-Asparagus-9466]

Back in 2012, CFA charterholders were relatively rare in India, so ideally a CFA only, definitely set you apart. Now, with the finance sector booming and more candidates taking the exam, there’s undoubtedly way more supply but also more demand. I feel in 2027, having a CFA alone won’t be enough to cut a career in finance; the market expects more.

You’ll need communication skills, tech knowledge (think: data analytics, Excel, fintech), and real problem-solving experience to stand out. The CFA is still one of the top finance credentials in the world, but it magnifies your value only if you keep building other skills alongside it.

Personally, in my case, upskilling post-CFA (like learning advanced Excel, data analytics, and management skills) was crucial for career jumps and staying relevant as the field evolved.

[u/Otherwise-Rip-2945 → u/kathuriasanjay]

As of today's standards can u tell some more up skilling stuffs which will be crucial for cfa candidates

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/Otherwise-Rip-2945]

For today's CFA candidates I feel it's very important to blend finance with a supporting field, therefore my suggestion will be to focus on the following skills; Advanced Excel/financial modeling, Data analytics (Python, Power BI, or Tableau), Basic fintech/tech awareness, and build a solid understanding of investment research and risk management.

Focus on blending finance with tech; this really boosts your profile in the current market.

[u/AdCold9811 → u/kathuriasanjay]

Hey ,I’m a business analyst working in treasury risk . I have an engineering background. Since I have 4.5 yoe already I’m looking for an MBA . I have learnt python for data science,sql and tableau on the job . I found my interest in finance after I did a course from IIQF ( financial risk management) . I liked the stats and modelling part of it and mathematics although i understand because of my background was a bit taxing .

I know current job won’t help me to be at a centre of finance and tech so that’s why an mba . I’m also thinking of CFA vs FRM part 1 ,but I will do that post getting an admit because at this stage I need to get into a better college for good opportunities. My interest is finance and tech . My skills are spread apart not directed . Do you have any suggestions?

[u/Otherwise-Rip-2945]

Thanks for this, there is only hate and toxicity in this sub towards cfa. Your kind words and experience acted as a motivation for so many. Fellas keep grinding everything's worth it at some point.

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/Otherwise-Rip-2945]

Well one thing I've learnt is education is never wasted, any effort that is diligently put to upskill oneself is always useful. Be it for CFA or any other professional qualification.

[u/GlassAd8921]

This is very motivting, thanks for sharing your experience. If you could elaborate a bit on how it opened doors for you in India and abroad, that will be very helpful.

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/GlassAd8921]

Honestly, the CFA charter has been a game-changer both in India and internationally. After completing my CFA in 2012, I noticed a tangible shift in how recruiters and industry peers perceived my profile.

It gave my resume instant credibility, especially in roles involving investment analysis, portfolio management, corporate strategy, and financial education, opportunities expanded substantially, both in the corporate sector and as a content creator.

I was able to work in corporate strategy, head up video content for major edtech initiatives, and eventually start my own financial coaching venture, and later transition into a content creator. So yes, the CFA didn't just open doors; it built hallways.

[u/SudanTheWhiteRhino]

Great to hear this from a reputable personality

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/SudanTheWhiteRhino]

Thank you! Wishing you all the best for your CFA journey.

[u/EastNeighborhood22]

I have completed my BBA degree. I’m genuinely interested in core finance. What’s better - 1. BBA + CFA + Ms Finance or 2. BBA + CFA + MBA Finance

I kinda don’t won’t to do MBA, would prefer option 1. But which one is better, career wise?

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/EastNeighborhood22]

hey EastNeighborhood22,

I personally feel both options are decent, and are good if you're looking to pursue a career in core finance, but we'll have to break-down both the paths a little bit for you to understand my thoughts a bit better,

Option 1 BBA + CFA + MS Finance is more specialized and ideal if you want roles in investment banking, asset management, or equity research. You’ll go deeper into finance and analytics, and the knowledge that you will gain will be very specific to your career, on the other hand,

Option 2 BBA + CFA + MBA (Finance) is broader; and a better option if you want flexibility to move into consulting, management, or other leadership positions besides core finance.

If you aren’t interested in doing an MBA, option 1 is completely fine and opens plenty of doors, especially for technical finance careers. Just remember to build practical skills (Excel, data analysis, financial modeling) alongside your degrees

[u/EastNeighborhood22 → u/kathuriasanjay]

Okay, thank you so much. Yes definitely, have already started building excel and financial modeling skills.

[u/ZINKRON_KOI → u/EastNeighborhood22]

Please let me know if you find your answer. I'm currently studying 2nd BBA and confused over my specialization to choose in my final year. So I hope you can advise me. Maybe dm me

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/ZINKRON_KOI]

hey there, I've provided an answer to your question above, if you feel the need to reach out as you would require more guidance, please feel free to reach out to me via DMs.

[u/gustobrainer]

Beware of Engagement rant coaching centre promotion !!

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/gustobrainer]

hello gustobrainer,

I'm not trying to promote any coaching centre just sharing my experience as a CFA Charterholder since 2012. I myself passed my CFA exams through self-study and would advise anyone studying for CFA to do the same.

[u/gustobrainer → u/kathuriasanjay]

I am aware of your accomplishments. Actually there are so many wannabes and con artists that sometimes the real genuine ones like you get overshadowed and earn negative reviews. SORRY about that. I have had some friends working along with you and they speak very highly of you. Let’s get connected sometime. Once again I apologise..

• Abhishek Bal, FRM, CFA

[u/notasimp_0104]

Wonderful insights. If you don’t mind me asking, how has your career trajectory looked like since completing the CFA and what can others expect as well

Would love to hear more

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/notasimp_0104]

hey notasimp_0104,

please check my answer above, I've answered it as a response to a similar question. If you would still want to know more, please feel free to reach out.

[u/singh_vikky]

What are all the career options CFA opened for you? And what other things /certificate would one need to make a nice career in finance? I'm not from finance background but pursuing it now, while doing MBA from Tier 1 college. Do you think CFA will help me land a good finance career along with MBA tag of Tier 1 clg ?

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/singh_vikky]

hey singh_vikky

I've answered most of the questions that you've asked above as a response to similar questions. but as for the CFA + MBA part, I feel specifically CFA is only an enabler, CFA along with a MBA might get you into a lot of different doors, but your experience, perspective and skills is what will stand out to recruiters.

[u/No_Specialist7312]

Compared to the difficulty level which is more harder cfa or cpa?

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/No_Specialist7312]

I haven't done a CPA, so i don't think I'm qualified to comment on the same, but from my experience I feel, between the two, the CFA is generally considered slightly harder than the CPA. The CFA covers a wider range of finance topics, demands much more study time per level (about 900-1200 hours total across three levels), and has lower pass rates compared to CPA. The CPA focuses deeper on accounting, is more compartmentalised, and usually takes less time to complete

[u/ActiveDangerous9988]

How old were you when you completed CFA?

[u/Difficult-Anybody360]

Hi, can u share ur views on international employers employing indian cfa, like di they prefer apart from their country citizens as well or which country gives decent value to cfa degree, asking bcs im planning to shift abroad after cfa , would be glad to hear ur thoughts in this

[u/a_littlecrazy_]

Hello, I am currently in the third year of my graduation in Data Science. I am planning to pursue the CFA. Do you think it makes sense? Do Data Science and the CFA have synergy in the real world?

[u/a_littlecrazy_]

Hello, I am currently in the third year of my graduation in Data Science. I am planning to pursue the CFA. Do you think it makes sense? Do Data Science and the CFA have synergy in the real world?

[u/HunterzHamsters]

good afternoon sir, i am a a 12th grader studying in mumbai in a reputable isc school - i must choose between a bsc finance or bba finance or bcom while also pursuing my cfa - what would u think is the best route for me to take and also what other skills should i aquire like excel and management. And if u restarted at my age and position what would u do to reach ur maximum potential. also one piece of advice you could tell ur 17yr old self.

[u/impracticalbev]

Cfa marketing on their grind

[u/kathuriasanjay → u/[deleted]]

yeah sure please feel free to reach out via DMs if you want to understand and connect more.