Long Term Plan (FSA and?? CFA)

[puntbamapunt]

I'm sure I'll catch all kinds of flak for this and the whole you should just worry about getting a job and passing preliminarys...but I'd like to look forward to the future.

I am very ambitious and always want to know more. I have recently considered attempting to go after the CFA as well. I only have the first 2 exams right now, I'll graduate in December. This summer has been spent at a large life insurance company, and I believe there is a good chance I will be offered a job before I leave in a couple of weeks. I love my work and I love being a leader...so I'd like to take the best path towards executive positions...would the CFA help with this? If I were to decide to pursue the CFA, should I be starting before I get my FSA, or get my FSA and then decide whether I want to do CFA? Any and all opinions are welcome and appreciated. Thank you very much

[tommie frazier]

how hard have you searched through other threads on the value of the CFA here?

[puntbamapunt]

Originally Posted by tommie frazier

how hard have you searched through other threads on the value of the CFA here?

I know there are a lot out there, but it seems like a lot of them were a couple of years old with the qualifications changing. So I was just curious for some fresh opinions on my situation.

FSA is by far my number 1 priority. Pursuing both at the same time is an option...does anyone recommend this?

[DW Simpson]

Originally Posted by puntbamapunt

I know there are a lot out there, but it seems like a lot of them were a couple of years old with the qualifications changing.

Many of them are still applicable regardless of age: http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actu...3&postcount=30

[zeuz]

CFA couldn't hurt, but CFA without FSA is about the same as CFA with a G.E.D.

[Suhail]

I completed my CFA first and then started pursuing ASA. It really doesnt matter whether you do CFA or FSA first. The management roles will come anyways.

[Suhail]

Do them together. CFA exams in June and SOA exams in November

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by Suhail

I completed my CFA first and then started pursuing ASA. It really doesnt matter whether you do CFA or FSA first. The management roles will come anyways.

But also keep in mind that there are lots of management and senior management people at insurance companies who are FSA's with no CFA, some that have both, and probably very few with just a CFA.

[Maine-iac]

If FSA is truly your first priority, I would not recommend diverting your energies between actuarial exams and CFA exams. Diverting your energies between performing creditably at your job, studying for exams, and having an actual life is challenging enough. Do them sequentially UNLESS you actually land a job where a CFA designation is required.

If you graduate, land a job, and then find that working and studying for actuarial exams leaves you time to spare, then you can re-evaluate at that point.

[IdRatherBeFishin]

Originally Posted by Maine-iac

If you graduate, land a job, and then find that working and studying for actuarial exams leaves you time to spare, then you can re-evaluate at that point.

I agree with this, doing both is tough. There is another problem to consider too. I passed CFA 1 before landing my first job and in some interviews I got the impression that it was working against me. Some managers will question your commitment to being an actuary because of it. Depending on your situation, that might be considered a good thing because it will weed out narrow minded employers but it will make your job hunt more difficult.