Dayron Alvarez ⋅ Passaic , NJ U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Third Class ⋅ 4 years served

I just got accepted in the non resident program. I am excited to start and hoping it will help my career get going.

Michael Davis ⋅ Princeton , WV U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 8 years served

Regarding the Wall Street Warfighters' Program; I looked at this program about a year or more ago. I noticed that it is only for vets with a service connected disability of 30% or greater.
I have no idea of your status; but just so you know, 30% is not that uncommon. Many people could be classified under that umbrella and aren't even aware of it.
For example, a condition like sleep apnea alone would likely give you greater than 30%. I don't know how well informed you are about this topic; but I just didn't want you or anyone else to be discouraged by seeing that this program is only for "disabled" vets. Virtually any injury or condition would qualify you. You just have to go through the proper channels to get the VA to document it.

Seth Mitchell ⋅

Dayron:

The CFA Program is not one to take lightly: it's a minimum three year commitment with no guarantee you will finish as the pass rates for each exam range from 40 - 50% and you need to pass all three.

That being said, for the investment sector of financial services, there is no more prestigious certification -- it is the gold standard without doubt. And not only that, the materials you will learn are directly relevant and extremely enlightening. It is a competitive advantage to have it.

So, like any other major decision in life, weigh the pros and cons and make your decision.

Seth Mitchell, CFA

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

There are some good discussions here. Consider the time and costs associated with earnings the CFA, and other ways you can utilize the time and money. There is no "correct" answer.

https://www.google.com/search?q=pros+cons+cfa

Dayron Alvarez ⋅ Passaic , NJ U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Third Class ⋅ 4 years served

Thanks for the quick response. Wow I didn't know that the CFA was not as valuable as some people say. I still want to get it though and also I am definitely going towards my MBA.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco , CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Dayron,
The GI Bill, VR&E, etc. might cover CFA preparation and exams.

Might your employer be willing to help train you and cover the preparation costs and exam fee?

I would weigh the various benefits of the CFA vs other certifications, skills and educational paths. (MBA, CPA, Forensic Accounting, Risk-Management certifications, learning computer programming, etc.)

The CFA might be helpful, but is by no means a "magic bullet".

Also see:
http://www.cfasociety.org/memphis/Pages/Scholarship.aspx

The GI Bill now covers the cost of the CFA Program for U.S. military veterans as well as those serving active duty. This is a great opportunity for military personnel who are considering the CFA Program. Prospective CFA candidates can learn more and apply for benefits at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.