<p>Basically I graduate in this upcoming year (degree in economics from USC) and I'm starting to look at post-graduate credentials that I could earn (CFA/CPA/CFP/ChFA). I was wondering which, if any, of these credentials would help me pursue a career in either investment banking, hedge fund management, or related fields. I know that if I end up going the wealth management route that the CFP will be the first credential that I go for, but I want to start looking at the options laid out before me If I decide to go into ibanking, etc. </p>
<p>So my main question boils down to if any of these credentials will help with, or are necessary, for a career in the aforementioned fields</p>
<p>CFA is unnecessary for Ibanking. All you need is a college degree (and a sweet GPA, good resume, connections, etc… but no qualification such as the CFA)</p>
<p>I’m certainly no expert, but I believe after you are an analyst, it is possible to jump straight to a hedge fund, and I’ve never heard the necessity of a CFA to make the transition.</p>
<p>The CFA charter is applicable for investment management (including hfs). Certainly it won’t hurt in other fields, although I’m not sure will help a great deal either. It takes years to do though, and only 1 in five candidates will ever actually reciece the charter, so don’t take it lightly. </p>