So it's getting close to that time of year... Having to pick our area of focus. ;P

I was planning on doing either the Finance or the Accounting route, because let's be honest... I'm in it for the money.

Although, I do prefer finance. I was talking to Reeves and I mentioned the CFA upon graduation, and he responded with, "You're only planning on getting the CFA?"

His response has me somewhat worried since I was under the impression that the CFA was kind of a big deal... kinda like what the CA is to Accounting.

So, I guess my question is...

The CFA is a big deal, right? And if it isn't, are there more designations to Finance than just that? And what's the hierarchy of them?

And any other info relating to Finance would be good, too. (Where are all the resources related to these things? lol)

Thanks.

There are several other courses you can do (canadian designations) Such as CSC, CFP, CFA.. etc.

https://www.csi.ca/student/en_ca/home.xhtml

click on the path you are more interested in and get all the certificates available.
Most common are:

Financial Planning and Wealth Management
Investment Banking
Portfolio Management
Research & Analysis
Risk Management
Trading

how much would you be satisfied making in a year btw? just curious

his reaction to that is because most ppl in finance have more than one designation. Finance is very broad. The CFA designation is the must get designation for Finance. However, you should also be looking into other ones such as CSC ( this one u can get over the summer - my friend already started and it isnt too difficult), CFP, FMA, etc.

https://www.csi.ca/student/en_ca/des...ns/index.xhtml

If you go to that link, there are ton's other certificates/designations you can obtain.

i would also like to add that, there is no hierarchy to the designations. It depends which field u want to get into finance. Banking, personal finance, corporate finance - each one will require different certifications/designations.

Originally Posted by andrew22

how much would you be satisfied making in a year btw? just curious

Over 9000! ;D

(Honestly, I only plan on working for like 5 years of my life and then I plan on becoming a vagabond... So yea, whatever I can make the fastest is what I'm going for).

Originally Posted by lawleypop

Over 9000! ;D

(Honestly, I only plan on working for like 5 years of my life and then I plan on becoming a vagabond... So yea, whatever I can make the fastest is what I'm going for).

did you see a hobo get a piece of apple pie once? lol

Lmao... what?

Originally Posted by mcmaster12

his reaction to that is because most ppl in finance have more than one designation.

I just assumed that after 4 years in school, you got more than 1 designation, especially when some, like the CSC, you can get on your own in a matter of weeks.

If regular joe blows can just get these by paying money, I dunno what I'm doing wasting my time in uni. srsly

Originally Posted by lawleypop

If regular joe blows can just get these by paying money, I dunno what I'm doing wasting my time in uni. srsly

Idk about joe blows. The only person I know who got his CSC was a friend who was in uni for 7 years, and took a little but of everything before finally getting a journalism degree. Maybe he did a couple years business to qualify for it. Like I said, idk.

The CSC actually has over 40 chapters. Ive talked to Prof. Deaves of 2FA3, and he says that many of his students have done it in the past after 2FA3. The CSC isnt a walk in the park, however with a bit of dedication and studying you can obtain it within the summer. Its actually not too late to register now and do the exam by the end of summer (you register for examination your self anytime you feel ready). Plus come January when you apply for banks and other financial institutions, you will have an advantage over ur classmates since not too many would have completed the CSC by third year.

Only drawback to the CSC is that its over $900.

Yea, actually, I was just applying to a bank the other day and this is how the whole topic came up. ;P I definitely would if I had 900 dollars. :(

If you want to do finance to drive a lambo, just do your CSC, start your CFA (Final year of University), and go into I-Banking.

50% of the time it works 100% of time.

Also a required step: get hired by an I-Bank...

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Finance isn't an easy stream to break into and come out successful. It's intensely stressful, has long hours, and is very complicated. Not to mention that finance will be changing a lot in the next few years because the US plans on regulating the industry.