CFA vs. MSc (investment managmnt) from AUSTRALIA?

[saifankhan]

Hey...i just completed my MBA in finance frm CBM...plz tell me..which one of the options would help me in enhancing my career in investment banking..the academic session in Australia starts in Feb, 09 & the duration of MS is 1 yr (part time)...where as CFA L1 can be done in june,09...which one wud i go for..CFA or MS (aus)?

[Shahbaz]

CFA

[saifankhan]

Thnx shahbaz, i want views from u all regarding the prospeects of CFA in pakistani financial markets, do u see the aplication of derivatives & other complex financial instruments in Pakistan? After CFA would one b able to practice it?...your views plz?

[derivativetrader]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial" id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by saifankhan</i>
<br />Thnx shahbaz, i want views from u all regarding the prospeects of CFA in pakistani financial markets, do u see the aplication of derivatives & other complex financial instruments in Pakistan? After CFA would one b able to practice it?...your views plz?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think CFA would help you more in the long term as it is more renowned than a MSc from a Australia. To get the charter, you would need 4 years of industry experience. It may help if you pass the first two levels and then apply for jobs in local banks. There are plenty of level 1 passed candidates so clearing only the first level may not help you land a job. You will need the requisite skill-set to secure a job after level 2 as well.

Application of CFA would somewhat be restricted to equity research or portfolio management type of roles. I dont believe there is any sophesticated, if any, derivative market in Pakistan.

[saifankhan]

Hey thnx derivatvtrader, wht i conclude frm yr post is that i could get a good investment banking job only after clearing L2 of CFA, ya i agree with you to an extent in banks (foreign banks specially) MBA finance is not the choice for their investment & treasury..& they r expecting graduates with atleast CFA L1 cleared..the idea of MS came into my mind bcoz of the fact that i have been approved for a scholorship (merit) of 15000 usd..i just dont wanna loose this opportunity..wht do u think??

[derivativetrader]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial" id="quote">quote<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by saifankhan</i>
<br />Hey thnx derivatvtrader, wht i conclude frm yr post is that i could get a good investment banking job only after clearing L2 of CFA, ya i agree with you to an extent in banks (foreign banks specially) MBA finance is not the choice for their investment & treasury..& they r expecting graduates with atleast CFA L1 cleared..the idea of MS came into my mind bcoz of the fact that i have been approved for a scholorship (merit) of 15000 usd..i just dont wanna loose this opportunity..wht do u think??
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I think CFA would help in the long run. You could pursue this qualification after your MBA, but having CFA on your business card will only help your employability. Assuming you take the second route, MBA>CFA, you need to consider other aspects, i.e. your age, family commitments etc.