Cleared CFA Level 1 hoping it would help me break into asset management or investments, but honestly it’s been pretty discouraging so far. I’m currently working an audit job that pays very little to the point where I can’t even fully fund my CFA Level 2 fees myself and my parents still have to help out. I knew finance was competitive, but I didn’t expect it to feel this difficult to even land internships or entry-level roles in AM, research, or banking after L1.
Lately it’s genuinely made me question whether pursuing the CFA program is even worth it anymore, especially while being stuck in audit and feeling like I’m not moving toward the career I actually want. Has anyone here successfully pivoted from audit into asset management, equity research, or broader front-office finance roles later on? Would genuinely appreciate hearing realistic experiences.