Should You Pursue an MBA After CFA: A Comprehensive Guide

While my gut instinct would be to simply say “probably not,” the most thoughtful response is, “it depends.” The decision to pursue an MBA after obtaining the CFA designation hinges on your personal and professional goals. To make an informed choice, consider the following questions:

Why Did You Pursue the CFA Designation?

Reflect on the personal and professional benefits you gained from the CFA designation. What unique advantages did it provide you? What areas did you find it lacking? An MBA might offer certain advantages that the CFA did not, such as advanced business skills, networking opportunities, and leadership training. Can you quantify these extra benefits and weigh them against the costs, including time and financial investment, of pursuing a graduate degree?

What Does an MBA Offer That Your CFA Studies Did Not Provide?

Identify the specific areas where an MBA would add value to your career. For instance, an MBA can provide a deeper understanding of financial management, strategic planning, and leadership. These skills can complement your existing financial expertise from the CFA and open up new career opportunities.

Personal and Professional Goals

Consider your long-term career aspirations. Do you want to become a finance professional with a more holistic understanding of the business world? An MBA could help you achieve this goal. Alternatively, if you are focused on a specialized role in financial analysis, the CFA designation might be sufficient.

It's important to align your short-term and long-term goals with your decision. For instance, if you plan to work in equity research, an MBA can provide a valuable complement to your CFA studies, enhancing your analytical and leadership skills.

MBA vs. CFA from the Perspective of Equity Research

For those in the field of equity research, such as myself, the decision between an MBA and CFA can significantly impact your career trajectory. An MBA can provide a broader understanding of business processes, corporate finance, and strategy, which are essential skills for equity research.

Read my LinkedIn Pulse article on MBA vs. CFA for equity research candidates for a more detailed analysis of my thoughts on this topic.

Personal Suggestion

My personal recommendation is to complete your CFA first. This ensures that you have a solid foundation in financial analysis before embarking on the demanding MBA program. Once you complete your CFA, you can then pursue an MBA to gain complementary skills and enhance your career prospects.

Conclusion

The decision to pursue an MBA after the CFA is highly individual and depends on your unique goals and circumstances. By carefully considering the different dimensions of this decision, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your career aspirations.

Keywords: MBA after CFA, CFA and MBA, career in equity research