It is said that following your dream often comes with a price. I believe it now. Post my master’s, I entered the corporate world. Totally unaware of how the things work here. Being a quick learner helped me in adjusting and making a place for myself. My work, leadership quality and way of communicating with people at each level made a mark on the managers and the leaders. But my dream of working in the hardcore finance led me to quit my job. I quit the job without giving a second thought or having an alternative opportunity in hand. I started looking for jobs with role of financial analyst and equivalent. Seeing the eligibility criteria that one needs to have experience or must have done any specialized course in that field made me get enrolled in CFA Level 1 exam.

This Jan, I cleared my CFA Level 1. I really got excited that now I am a step away from my dreams. I am eligible now. Last week, I got a call from a recruiter for a role of Financial Analyst. Her first question was “do you have experience as Financial Analyst?” I said “no, but I have cleared CFA Level 1”. She disconnected the call. I really don’t understand where the experience will come from until and unless you don’t hire them. Even after clearing one of the world’s toughest exams you are not eligible. I don’t regret my decision of leaving my job, being clueless at one point or getting enrolled in the certified course. I am trying and will continue to try because I am clear with my goal.

I am standing at the edge of my career path waiting for a push. Will you be my push?