Becoming a CFA Charterholder

Maxibon

Hi there,

Just wondering whether anyone with more experience on this issue could answer my question(s):

I'm 23 at the moment, leaving uni soon and looking to gain a qualification that will look good for an Analyst job application (I'd ideally work for a fund manager, but will take what I can get just in order go get my foot in the door upon graduation).

I am studying a Humanities subject and will not have any kind of professional qualification upon graduation. I have started looking at the CFA syllabus and am confident that with some intensive self-study I can pass level 1 shortly after graduating (I have been studying Economics in free time for a few years now and have recently moved on to equity analysis, etc.)...

The problem is that CFA doesn't seem to let you become a charterholder until you have 4 years "related" experience under your belt. Does this mean I can take the exam? I know I can enrol in the course, but I don't want to pay to enrol if I have to wait a further 4 years until I have a qualification! The whole point is that I want a qualification that will enable me to make a convincing application for a Financial Analyst position in the first place. So if I pass CFA L1 without having any work experience, is there any level of validity? Will employers at least recognise it as a demonstration of potential and initiative? I know there's a preliminary level before CFA, but all I've heard is that people don't rate it at all.

I'd consider taking an MSc in Finance but I simply don't have the cash available.....

Maxibon

forgive me for being rude, but *bump*