Optional · 1 of 3

Credentials that change what you can do

• Chartered Financial Analyst

  Three exams, roughly 300 study hours each, plus 4,000 hours of investment work. The standard credential for portfolio and research jobs.

• Certified public accountant

  Best if you work close to financial statements, in corporate finance or valuation.

• Financial Risk Manager

  Aimed at market and credit risk teams at banks and asset managers.

• Master of business administration

  A career switch or a promotion tool later, rarely worth doing straight out of a degree.