CFA After Graduation or During College – What’s the Best Time to Start?

Should You Start the CFA Program During College or After Graduation?

The decision of when to begin the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is a big one for aspiring finance professionals. It’s a common dilemma: should you tackle CFA after graduation or during college, while you have a flexible schedule in college, or wait until you’ve gained some real-world experience after graduating? The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” and depends on your career goals, discipline, and personal circumstances.

Before we dive into the timing, let’s quickly recap what the CFA program is. It’s a globally recognized, three-level program that tests your knowledge in investment tools, valuation, and portfolio management. The program is rigorous, with each level requiring an average of 300 hours of study. While you can sit for the Level I exam in your final year of a bachelor’s degree program, you can’t officially earn your charter until you’ve accumulated at least four years of relevant professional work experience.

Starting the CFA program in college can give you a significant head start in your career, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

• Flexible Schedule: One of the biggest plus point of starting the CFA program in college is the flexibility. While you have classes and exams, you generally have more free time than a full-time professional. This allows you to dedicate a consistent number of hours each week to studying without the pressure of a demanding job.
• Easier to Find a Job: Having “CFA Level I Candidate” or “Passed CFA Level I” on your resume sets you apart from other recent graduates. It signals to recruiters that you’re serious about a career in finance and have a strong foundational knowledge. This can give you a significant edge in a competitive job market, especially for roles in investment banking, equity research, and asset management.
• Lower Costs: As a student, you might be eligible for scholarships and discounts that can significantly reduce the cost of exam fees and study materials. This can be a huge advantage since the program is a considerable financial investment.

• Intense Study Hours: The CFA program is incredibly demanding. Juggling the ~300 hours of study required for each level with your regular college course, final exams, and social life can be overwhelming. There’s a real risk of burnout or having your academic performance suffer.
• Work Experience Requirement: Passing all three levels in college doesn’t mean you’ll get your charter immediately. You still need four years of relevant work experience. This can be frustrating for those who pass all the exams early but have to wait to officially become a CFA charterholder. The knowledge gained might also lack the context of real-world application, making it harder to truly grasp the concepts.
• Limited Networking Time: College is an ideal time to build your professional network through internships, clubs, and on-campus events. Devoting all your extra time to CFA studies might limit your opportunities to make these valuable connections.

Waiting to start the CFA program after graduation is a more traditional path that offers a different set of benefits and drawbacks. This is the CFA After Graduation or During College 

• Focused Learning: Without the distractions of college exams and social life, you can dedicate yourself fully to CFA preparation. Your job often provides a real-world context for the material you’re studying, making the concepts easier to understand and apply. For example, if you’re working in a role that involves financial modeling, you’ll have a much better grasp of the valuation techniques taught in the CFA curriculum.
• Employer Support: Many finance firms recognize the value of the CFA charter and will sponsor or reimburse their employees for the exam fees and study materials. This can save you a significant amount of money and is a great benefit to look for when job hunting.
• Peer Collaboration: When you start the CFA program after graduation, you’ll be surrounded by other working professionals who are also on the same journey. This makes it easier to form study groups, share insights, and support each other through the process.

• Less Time for Job Search: If you’re a recent graduate, the period immediately after college is crucial for finding your first job. Dedicating your time to CFA preparation might take away from networking, applying for jobs, and preparing for interviews.
• Busy Schedule: Juggling a demanding full-time job with the ~300 hours of study required per level is incredibly challenging. You’ll likely have to sacrifice evenings and weekends, which can lead to stress and burnout.
• Potential Career Slowdown: While having the CFA charter is a huge plus, the time and effort you put into studying might take away from your job performance. This could potentially delay promotions or recognition at work.

Let’s look at the two options side-by-side to help you decide on CFA After Graduation or During College.

Before you make a final decision, ask yourself these questions:

• What are your career goals? If you want to work in a field where the CFA charter is almost a prerequisite, such as equity research or portfolio management, starting early might be a good idea. For other roles, it might be better to gain some experience first.
• What is your current workload? Are you already burdened with difficult courses and extracurricular activities? If so, adding the CFA program to the mix might be a recipe for disaster.
• What is your financial situation? Can you afford the exam fees and study materials on your own, or would you need to rely on employer sponsorship?
• How disciplined are you? The CFA program requires a massive commitment. Be honest with yourself about your ability to consistently dedicate ~300 hours per level, no matter when you decide to start.

Ultimately, the best time to start the CFA program depends on you. There’s no single right answer to the CFA After Graduation or During College question.

• If you’re highly motivated, disciplined, and want to gain a significant early career advantage, starting during college could be the perfect move. You have the time and flexibility to get ahead, and the CFA on your resume will open doors for your first job.
• If you prefer the maturity of a focused professional environment, the support of an employer, and the benefit of real-world experience to help you understand the concepts, then waiting until after graduation is likely the better choice.

Whichever path you choose, success in the CFA journey depends on the right guidance and preparation. At Fintelligents, we provide expert-led classes, practical resources, and mentorship to help you clear all three levels with confidence.