Completed CFA Level 2 but struggling to find finance opportunities

Investment banking IB career ladder and networking
1

I finished my B.Com from a college in Rajasthan and decided to pursue CFA after watching some videos online. Everyone kept telling me that this certification would open doors in investment banking and finance.

I passed Level 1 during my studies and then cleared Level 2 recently in November. My family wasn’t happy about the costs but I thought it would be worth it for my career.

After graduation, I couldn’t find any finance internships so I worked in graphic design for three months just to stay busy. I kept applying for finance roles thinking my CFA progress would help.

I’ve been sending applications everywhere and going to interviews but companies keep saying they’ll contact me later and then nothing happens. I’ve also learned Excel and financial modeling on my own.

Now my family is questioning whether spending so much money on CFA was the right choice since I still don’t have a finance job. Some people suggest doing MBA but that’s expensive too.

I’m not sure if I should continue with Level 3 or not. It seems like CFA alone isn’t enough if you don’t have other strong qualifications. Anyone else facing similar challenges after completing CFA levels?

2

You’re not alone - tons of CFA candidates find out that knowing the material doesn’t automatically land you a job. The certification shows you can analyze stuff, but employers want to see you’ve actually done the work too. Don’t ditch the CFA though - just use what you’ve already learned more strategically.

Networking is huge in finance. Hit up your local CFA society events, go to industry seminars, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Most jobs come from referrals, not job boards. Also, try smaller firms for financial planning, equity research, or portfolio analysis roles - way less competition.

For Level 3, finishing the charter definitely boosts your credibility and shows you’re serious about this career. But you should also be hunting for internships or entry-level spots while studying. Having both will make your profile much stronger.

Keep networking hard, target your applications smart, and finish that charter. Finance careers take time and you need to try multiple angles - you can’t just rely on having the right credentials.

4

Hate to break it to you, but CFA’s the new MBA - everyone’s got one now, so it doesn’t guarantee anything. Companies just use it to screen candidates, not as a golden ticket. Your real issue is probably location. Rajasthan isn’t Mumbai or Delhi for finance jobs. Consider relocating or going remote? That 3-month graphic design stint might actually hurt you - makes you look unfocused to HR. Finish Level 3 since you’ve already spent the money, but don’t expect miracles without connections or a tier 1 college background.

5

Yeah, timing’s rough - finance hiring’s been brutal this year. Try fintech startups or corporate finance at regular companies. They’re less picky about traditional finance backgrounds, and your CFA progress will help you stand out. Don’t stress about the graphic design work either - it shows you’re actually working while figuring things out, which beats sitting at home like most grads.

6

Been there myself! Passed Level 2 two years ago and hit the exact same wall. Here’s what worked for me: target mid-tier wealth management firms instead of the big banks everyone applies to. They actually value CFA progress way more than bulge bracket firms who just want Ivy League degrees. Definitely finish Level 3 - that charter carries real weight once you get your foot in the door. The trick is getting that first break though. Have you tried smaller regional investment advisory firms? They’re usually more willing to train someone with solid CFA knowledge. Don’t underestimate that graphic design experience either - shows you can deliver under pressure and work with clients.