Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Which do you think is more ideal or appropriate for the International students considering the present US and Global Economy, interpersonal skills (most international student posseses) and other factors ?

Any reasonable suggestions will be highly appreciated?

CPA

Dude,
CFA is a highly respected degree mostly for senior level people. It greatly enhances your reputation as well as pay. At one point, I was going to go for it, but had to hold it back. You pretty much do self-reading to pass these tests. First part is pretty easy though.

CPA,
Its a boring job. Don't get into this if you don't like the work. If you like, there are big-4s offering scholarships to talented students. It not only gives you the degree, but almost guarantees a job. Search for big accounting firms and their programs with various universities.

Good luck.

Jndr23: I agree with Manhattan but I have responded to your sajha email as well..

I really appreciate you all for your inputs. But still confused..... as a starter (with less than 2 yrs of work experience in finance industry), which would be more ideal CPA or CFA?

Hi,

I were in  the same situation as you are right now. I too got job in bank immediately after my bachelors and after working about a year, I decided that I wanted to persue my masters.

I know CPA is hard but is worth if you are really determined and CFA is more relevant to an experienced person. Yea, as somebody earlier said CPA job is boring... but I have seen so many ppl interested in doing CPA..because of may be job security and name.

Currenly i am in the process of fulfiling the credit requirement and hopefully I'll start my CPA preperation immediately.

Prapta

For an international student, CPA would be the best choice. CFA needs your 2-3 years after-school committment. However, it entirely depends on where you want to be after 5-10 years.

I'm half-way through the CPA exam, so I definitely recommend you to become a CPA. You will see the difference once you put your CPA title after your name.

hey whyhappy, which part of cpa have u already given. I will be sitting for it next month and I would like to hear about your experience..

   CPA  is accounting. So it is better if you need to immigrate and land quick jobs in US. It should be a solid career move.
 
  CFA is finance, actually it will give you tools to analyze  Capital Market instruments. It does not cost a lot so if you are planning to increase your knowledge it is great.
 
   If you are not in Top 5O or top business school than there is no point going for CFA. As your access will be limited.

As a double major myself ( Finance and Accounting ), I'm really interested in getting some expert advices myself.

I don't really have good grades ( thanks largely to bad performances in Accountancy ) so do you guys think that if I managed to pass my CPA test, I could land a job for sure or that isn't the case? I'm more interested in CFA ( and finance ) sector but I'm not really outgoing and extrovert so it really hurts my chances, I think.

Any seniors' advices will be highly appreciated.